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Rural Retreats and Host Unusual: A Match Made in (Countryside) Heaven!

19 May 2023

Holidaying in the British countryside is a truly magical way to while away some time. But how do you find the best possible escape for you and your loved ones?

Founded in 1985, Rural Retreats answers this very question! Their aim is to make the UK’s exceptional countryside more accessible for those who want to experience its many joys to their fullest.

This is achieved by conducting painstaking levels of research, combined with in-depth local knowledge and a talent for finding just the right holiday homes in the loveliest locations.

Homes like Temple of Diana: a unique retreat built in the 1760s, boasting refined classical architecture and standing proudly in Shropshire’s vast, beautiful, Capability Brown-landscaped Weston Park.

Or Sham Castle, a Grade II-listed Shropshire folly that’s perfect for a luxuriously dreamy romantic escape-by-the-lake… complete with a goodie-packed welcome hamper for impossibly scenic picnics!

Then there’s the historic Llancayo Windmill, a five-floored, six-bedroomed wonder that looks out over acres of pristine Welsh countryside and golden fields of wheat.

We’re incredibly proud to showcase such an incredible selection of Rural Retreats, and we defy you to come away from this list without earmarking at least one for a memorable future holiday.

Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: Sham Castle | Shropshire

Llancayo Windmill

Near Usk, Monmouthshire, Wales
Luxurious self-catering accommodation for 12 in a historic windmill with spectacular views of the Welsh countryside.
Bedrooms: 6
Sleeps: 12
From
£2427 for a 7 night stay

Sham Castle

Acton Burnell, Shropshire, England
A historic, captivating, and luxurious Grade II-listed folly, gently elevated over immaculate landscaped gardens and a shimmering lake in rural Shropshire.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 4
From
£867 (3 nights)

Temple of Diana

Shifnal, Shropshire, England
For a truly unique escape, the Temple of Diana blends classical architecture and a heavenly location, making for a stay you'll treasure for a lifetime. 
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£1679 for a 7 night stay

The Knoll Tower

Shifnal, Shropshire, England
Historic former hunting lodge in Shropshire's Weston Park - a romantic retreat for two.  
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£723 for a 7 night stay

The Old School

South Perrott, Dorset, England
For a gorgeous retreat that combines quirky original features, a peaceful village location and luxurious touches throughout, the Old School gets top marks.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£928 (1 week)

The Well House

Finstall nr Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England
A soothing Worcestershire sanctuary with a garden hot tub and a showstopping dining table created from a 40-foot well, secluded on a four-acre farm estate with rolling countryside views.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£520 (3 nights)

The Summer House

Wroxeter, Shropshire, England
An historically romantic, view-filled Shropshire country retreat for two, attached to a unique octagonal tower.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£323 (2 nts)

The Garden Room

Westmeston, Sussex, England
A contemporary, light-filled studio retreat with a private outdoor hot tub, pet-friendly and secluded in an East Sussex village at the foot of the South Downs.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£368 (3 nights)

The Pink Cottage

Weston-under-Lizard, Shropshire, England
An idyllic country retreat, magically secluded amongst 1,000 acres of Capability Brown parkland in the heart of a private Shropshire estate.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£445 (3 nts)

The Chapel Finstall

Finstall, Worcestershire, England
A Worcestershire retreat that's rich in Gothic romance, blending quirky period features with high-end accessories for a luxurious stay.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£452 /3 nts

Sally Port Cottage

Truro, Cornwall, England
Self-catering holiday cottage at St Anthony's Lighthouse, St Mawes, Cornwall - the location for Fraggle Rock!
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£928 (7 nts)

Siren

Woolacombe, Devon, England
Siren is one of four refurbished former lighthouse keepers' cottages at Bull Point Lighthouse, discovered by the charming North Devon village of Mortehoe - a former base for smugglers!
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 5
From
£408 (2 nts)

The Tower Latchingdon

Latchingdon, Essex, England
An elegantly historic Essex retreat, set in an ancient village and surrounded by the fresh, rolling landscapes of the South Downs.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£656 (3 nights)

Scargill Castle

Scargill, Yorkshire, England
Stay in a 15th century Teesdale castle, magically transformed into a sumptuous living space fit for romantic royalty.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£377 (2 nights)

Olive Tree House

Ripe, East Sussex, England
A rustic, oak-clad hideaway for two with a wood-fired stargazing hot tub, dog-friendly and peacefully secluded amongst whispering olive trees in an ancient East Sussex village.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£756 (3nts)

Toll House

Nether Stowey, Somerset, England
Experience a lovingly refurbished former 18th Century toll house in Nether Stowey, Somerset.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£682 (7 nts)

Galatea

Whitby, England
A charming family lighthouse cottage with glorious sea views, nestled on the dramatic East Coast just outside Whitby, with easy access to the North Yorkshire Moors.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 5
From
£589 (4nts)

Smithycroft

Combe St Nicholas, Somerset, England
A chocolate-box thatched cottage nestled at the edge of the Blackdown Hills, ideal for a small group break in the Great Outdoors.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£602 (2 nights)

The Showman's Wagon

Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales
Relax in a stylish Showman's Wagon infused with all the fun of the fair, beautifully set in a woodland location in rural Wales.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£306 (3 nights)

Nimbus Cottage

Padstow, Cornwall, England
A whimsical lighthouse retreat, dog-friendly and soothingly sheltered beneath a Cornish headland by the South West Coast Path, with mesmerising sea views.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£445 (3 nts)

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