Uncategorised

Unique Historic Retreats for Captivating Holiday Stories

19 February 2021

We think there’s something irresistibly special about historic retreats. 

When you stay in one, you become part of its story… the atmosphere is heavy with traditions past, and there’s a tempting glimpse into how life was once lived.

Yet in most cases, you’ll also be surrounded by modern luxuries that allow you to relax and savour everything your unique retreat has to offer.

We’ve rounded up some of our favourite historic havens, including captivating castles, divinely converted churches – and even a luxurious lightship! – to help you write your own compelling holiday story.
Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: The Gothic Church | Somerset

Aikwood Tower

Selkirk, Scottish Borders, Scotland
Relax and enjoy the finer things in life surrounded by warmth and luxury, in an award-winning, authentic medieval tower set in the bracing Scottish Borders.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
From
£1,800 (3nts)

Tainaron Blue

Mani, Peloponnese, Greece
Experience elaborate architectural design in a piece of history at Tainaron blue - a fabulous hotel in a converted Tower of Mani set by azure shores on the southernmost tip of mainland Greece.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps:
From
£200 / night

The Black Castle

Coolbaun, Tipperary, Ireland
Travel back through time with an ‘over-knight' stay for two in a majestically authentic 16th century Gaelic castle.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£274 / night

Trullo Genna

Putignano, Puglia, Italy
Trullo Genna is a uniquely idyllic holiday cottage for families and groups, set within the sweet-scented fruit and olive trees of Italy's Valle D'Itria.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 9
From
£324 / night

Okel Tor Mine

Calstock, Cornwall, England
Beauty, peace and calm combine in two romantic Cornish riverside retreats: the former Smithy and Captain's Office of a Victorian tin mine.
Bedrooms: 1 per cottage
Sleeps:
From
£64/ night

The Round House

Easton, Suffolk, England
A sumptuously quirky, elegantly restored round house in an historic Suffolk village, perfect for a relaxing family holiday.
Bedrooms: 3
Sleeps: 6
From
£600 / week

Eilean Sionnach

Isleornsay, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Rest your weary heads in a dreamy lighthouse cottage, blissfully cast away on a soul-soothing private island off the rugged Isle of Skye.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£550 / night

Manowce

Nowe Warpno, Police, Poland
An elegant and historic palace, exquisitely decorated and surrounded by sweeping woodland, for the ultimate in luxurious group and individual stays.
Bedrooms: 16 Suites/Bedrooms
Sleeps: 1-42 Guests
From
£90 pppn

Fletland Mill

Stamford, Lincolnshire, England
A historic, lovingly converted riverside retreat on the edge of the Fens, filled with welcoming warmth and surrounded by wildlife-steeped countryside.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£209 / night

LV14 SULA Lightship

Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England
Escape to the water and enjoy a unique and scenic adult-only stay aboard a historic British Lightship, beautifully restored and enchantingly moored in the Gloucester Docks, in the Cotswolds.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£200 / night

Quarry Hill Church

Strangford, County Down, Northern Ireland
An award-winning conversion that blends cherished heritage and design-led luxury, for a captivating stay in a timeless Irish village.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
From
£600 / night

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 nights)

Latest
Posts

Swipe left
to find out more

Tried and Tested: Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping, Essex

Now that the weather has turned autumnal, it seems strange to think that just over a month ago we were...

Our Best Cycling Breaks in the UK and Europe

With around 200 dedicated cycling trails gracing the UK alone, it’s never been easier to plan a scenic holiday on...

On the Map: South and South-East Asia

Comprising an intriguing patchwork of exotic, diverse, and welcoming countries, South and South East Asia includes (amongst others) India, Sri...

Magical Autumn Retreats – As Described By Their Owners!

We try our best to describe the unique style and atmosphere that makes each Host Unusual retreat so special. This,...

Meet the Owners: Longlands, North Devon

Meet Tammy and family, owners of Longlands, an award-winning, sustainable, dog and child friendly luxury camping site in North Devon,...