It’s time for Part Two of our Host Unusual retreats with festive availability!
(If you missed Part One and you’ve got a particular penchant for coastal or countryside stays, click here).
These twinkling Christmas stars can be found down on the farm, or on a sprawling estate that’s rich in both beauty and history. We’ve also listed a few creative conversions and architect-designed gems for added talking-points.
Tip: just like in the January sales, if you see something you like then we recommend snapping it up quickly! Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main Image: Tom’s Eco Lodge | Isle of Wight
Farm Stays with Festive Availability
There’s nothing like a farm stay for an addictive sense of fun and freedom. All that fresh air, all that fresh produce… and at Christmastime, a warm festive welcome to boot!
Better still, none of these farm stays are light on luxuries. Think mulled wine and mince pies, al fresco bathtubs and fluffy robes, and real Christmas trees for a snuggly feeling of seasonal joy.
And that’s not all. Many farm retreats feature a pub in walking distance, others on-site events to help the festivities nicely along!
Airhouses
Be welcomed by twinkly fairy lights on your decking, gorgeous Christmas trees inside and amazing dark skies from your hot tub. Winter is a special time here, with wonderful winter walks and new for 2024, wreath-making workshops with foliage foraged from the farm.
Devonia Escapes
Both cabins will be simply and sustainably decorated for the festive season. Enjoy an exhilarating outdoor bathing experience stargazing from the hot water metal bath tub – it’s even better in the snow! Wrap yourself in the robes and blankets provided and snuggle up in the warmth of the firepit or heated cabin, whilst sipping a deliciously decadent mug of hot chocolate included in your welcome pack.
The Red Cabin
As part of our festive packages we promise local seasonal treats and pared back decorations so you can celebrate in Scandi style. Our super insulated off-grid cabin will also keep you toasty warm as you snuggle by the fire or return after a bracing Boxing Day or New Year’s Day walk to the pub.
Lydcott Glamping
Our luxury cabins will be beautifully decorated for the festive season, and we will even have a special ‘OVER THE TOP GROTTO’ installation plus festive events at our brand new on-site social space, ‘Lydcott Social’, throughout December.
Hoe Grange Holidays
We decorate our log cabins with real Christmas trees and provide festive treats, including locally-made mince pies.
Tom's Eco Lodge
Availability over the festive season, with all retreats appropriately decorated!
Perry Pond Cabin
The cabin will have cosy festive décor, with lights and a tree.
Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping
We have New Years Eve availability in The Cart Lodge. We also have good availability for glamping over New Years Eve.
Cromwell's Hideaway
We decorate the Hut for Christmas, and there will be mulled wine and minced pies in addition to our breakfast offerings.
Mill Farm Glamping and Treehouse
The treehouse is available over the festive season.
Cool Conversions and Architect-Designed Retreats with Festive Availability
For festive stays worthy of a prime slot on Grand Designs or George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, look no further.
These mesmerising retreats all promise a stay to remember… mostly because you won’t be able to stop posting pics and videos, or talking endlessly about it to anyone who’ll listen!
We’re talking buses and train carriages, converted chapels, tanks and towers, and exquisitely-designed havens that melt right into their beautiful surroundings.
Bertrams
The bus will be decorated for Christmas, with plenty of festive activities and entertainment in the local village!
Chapel Studio
Availability for 4 nights or more over Christmas and New Year, with treats for your doggie friend and Christmas goodies – including a bottle of Prosecco – for you!
The Old Water Tank
We have availability at The Old Water Tank from 20th December to 30th December, with a minimum stay of 2 nights. The space will be beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, for a cosy and festive getaway.
The Control Tower B&B
Christmas is a big deal at The Control Tower! Vintage decorations, festive treats and lots of twinkly lights by the open fire await.
Rowden Mill Station Saloon Coach
Rowden Mill Station Building and Parcel Office
With our 11ft Christmas tree adorning the station, we look forward to hosting our guests over the festive period! There is good availability for both The Station Building and The Saloon Coach.
The Stonehouses
New Year availability in Treetop House from the 28th of December.
The Captain's Cabin
Pilot House
Availability over the festive season.
The Old Sunday School and Vestry
Availability for new year.
Seabank Selsey
Availability over the festive season.
Historic and Estate Stays with Festive Availability
Staying somewhere that’s drenched in history will add intrigue – and often, grandeur – to a well-deserved festive break.
Each of these retreats is set on a private estate, or boasts a historic tale that’s all its own (or indeed, both!)
Perhaps you’ll uncover its secrets as part of a bespoke tour – festive goodies included! Or maybe you’ll just savour that feeling of being part of something special, as you relax around a real Christmas tree, glass of something lovely in hand.
Brucefield Estate Schenbothies
Be invited on a bespoke winter woodland tour and indulge in sourdough stollen and panettone while sitting in peace by the woodburning stove – just part of our signature offering for all our festive season guests!
Mayen Estate
We offer a minimum stay of 7 nights over Christmas or New Year and decorate our cottages with sustainable yet traditional decorations (including a real Christmas tree!)
Apley Hall
Availability over the festive season.
Kabinas @Baxby Manor
Availability over the festive season.
Okel Tor Mine
Availability over the festive season.
