Features

Uniquely Magical Stays with Availability for Christmas and New Year – Part Two

1 November 2024

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

Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland

An award-winning selection of five-star retreats with hot tubs, enticingly set amongst acres of scenic, wildlife-steeped farmland in the big-sky Scottish Borders.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: 2-10 per unit

From

£350 /2 nts

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

Bideford, Devon, England

Two lovingly hand-crafted cabins, each with a private outdoor hot water bathtub, sanctuary-like decking, and idyllic stream-and-woodland views on a family-run Devon farm.

Bedrooms: 1 per cabin

Sleeps: 2

From

£130 / night

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

Cranbrook, Kent, England

Rediscover your zest for life in the heart of the Wealden countryside, from the vibrant comfort of an off-grid wellness retreat with a private sauna, hot tub and cold plunge pool.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 4

From

£175 /nt

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

Widegates, Cornwall, England

A unique, expertly handcrafted back-to-nature escape that showcases some of the best sea views in Cornwall.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: 6

From

£100 / night

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

Matlock, Derbyshire, England

Eco-friendly, accessible, self-catering log cabins, camping pods and a gypsy caravan on a working farm in the Peak District.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: Varies

From

£180 /2 nts

We decorate our log cabins with real Christmas trees and provide festive treats, including locally-made mince pies.

Tom's Eco Lodge

Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Isle Of Wight, England

Sustainable rural glamping on the Isle of Wight - where you'll find the perfect setting, from scenic romantic escapes to fresh, fun-filled family adventures.

Bedrooms: varies

Sleeps: varies

From

£90 /night

Availability over the festive season, with all retreats appropriately decorated!

Perry Pond Cabin

Exeter, Devon, England

An oak-clad, sumptuously furnished retreat with an al fresco bathtub and rolling Exe Valley views, privately secluded by a stream-fed wildlife pond on a 23-acre Devon farm.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£152 / night

The cabin will have cosy festive décor, with lights and a tree.

Lee Wick Farm Cottages and Glamping

St Osyth, Essex, England

A petite and pretty glamping site featuring Megapods, a CargoPod, Armadillas and two farm cottages with glorious countryside and estuary views.

Bedrooms: varies

Sleeps: varies

From

£80 / night

We have New Years Eve availability in The Cart Lodge. We also have good availability for glamping over New Years Eve.

Cromwell's Hideaway

Raglan, Monmouthshire, Wales

A bespoke-crafted shepherd's hut, luxuriously nestled amongst the captivating Monmouthshire countryside.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£109 - £125 / night

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

Poulshot, Wiltshire, England

Luxury camping is taken to an organically opulent and lively new level in the wondrous Wiltshire countryside.

Bedrooms: 3 per unit

Sleeps: Up to 6 per unit

From

£350 (2 nights midweek)

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

Hartland, Devon, England

Step inside a classic mystery novel, in a characterful double decker bus set on the grounds of a North Devon country house.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 5

From

£135 / night

The bus will be decorated for Christmas, with plenty of festive activities and entertainment in the local village!

Chapel Studio

Downhead, Somerset, England

A divine, dog-friendly love-nest, sumptuously styled and beautifully set amidst picture-perfect countryside on the edge of the Mendip Hills.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£360 / 3 nts

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 Control Tower B&B

Walsingham, Norfolk, England

A restored Control Tower B&B bursting with history, period art deco features and furnishings on a former North Norfolk airfield.

Bedrooms: 4

Sleeps: 2 per room

From

£125 / night

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

Bredenbury, Herefordshire, England

A vintage-styled retreat, secluded on a green platform at a restored 19th century railway station, amongst peaceful North Herefordshire countryside.

Bedrooms: 2

Sleeps: 4

From

£210 /night

Rowden Mill Station Building and Parcel Office

Bredenbury, Herefordshire, England

Nostalgic, first-class couples and family accommodation at a restored 19th century railway station, set amongst timeless North Herefordshire countryside.

Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per property

Sleeps: 2 or 4 per property

From

£97/nt Parcel

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

Ullapool, The Highlands, Scotland

Modern luxury, exceptional design and views to die for await at The Stonehouses - two truly unique holiday homes in the magnificent North West Highlands of Scotland.

Bedrooms: 2 per property

Sleeps: 3-4 per property

From

£255 / night

New Year availability in Treetop House from the 28th of December.

Halula Gem

Bridgwater, Somerset, England

A seriously Instagrammable large group retreat with an epic kitchen disco and sugar-sweet interiors, set within the walls of a 13th century castle on the edge of the Quantock Hills.

Bedrooms: 6

Sleeps: 20

From

£3250 2 nts

Availability 16th – 30th December.

The Captain's Cabin

Drimnin, The Highlands, Scotland

An elliptical, architect-designed retreat, rich in nautical style and elevated on the entire flat roof of an old chapel to showcase magnificent views over the Sound of Mull.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£160 / night

Pilot House

Drimnin, The Highlands, Scotland

A unique aluminium cabin for two, architect designed and perfectly set in the remote Scottish Highlands, for spectacular views over the Sound of Mull.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£160 / night

Availability over the festive season.

The Old Sunday School and Vestry

Cromer, Norfolk, England

An elegant townhouse and Grade II-listed chapel, rich in historic charm and furnished in soothing vintage style, with sandy Norfolk beaches mere moments away.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 2

From

£407/week

Availability for new year.

Seabank Selsey

Selsey, West Sussex, England

Prepare for a first-class holiday at stunning Seabank - a railway carriage retreat on the southernmost point of West Sussex.

Bedrooms: 4

Sleeps: 8

From

£400 (2nt)

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

Forestmill, Clackmannanshire, Scotland

Sumptuous woodland hideaways, privately nestled on a magical Clackmannanshire estate that's teeming with rich heritage and diverse, protected wildlife.

Bedrooms: 1 per bothy

Sleeps: 2 per bothy

From

£145 4 nights

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

Rothiemay, The Highlands, Scotland

A sumptuous collection of hot-tub retreats for couples and families, secluded on a sweeping, heritage-rich Scottish estate in the natureful Deveron Valley.

Bedrooms: Varies

Sleeps: 6

From

£220/night

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

Bridgnorth, Shropshire, England

A grand, indulgent castle-inspired retreat with a cinema room, gym and sauna, set amongst rolling Shropshire parkland that overlooks the shimmering River Severn.

Bedrooms: 8

Sleeps: 23

From

£920 /night

Availability over the festive season.

Kabinas @Baxby Manor

Husthwaite, Yorkshire, England

Gorgeous, family-friendly wildflower glamping pods with private hot tubs, secluded on a medieval manor estate that's beautifully set between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors.

Bedrooms: 1

Sleeps: 3 or 5

From

£180 / night

Availability over the festive season.