Historic Retreats

Fort Leicester

Historic Retreats Accommodation Types

A castle surrounded by Scottish HIghland countryside

Castles & Follies

Relive history and stay in a fairytale castle or folly; a fun experience for the family or a romantic break for two. From Gothic chateaux or Scottish castles to ancient fortresses and follies, booking a holiday in a venue steeped in intrigue and tradition will not disappoint.
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Black grand piano forte inside a religious chapel with ornate red and gold religious paintings on the domed ceiling

Churches & Chapels

Find your own sanctuary and divine setting with a stay in a beautifully converted church or chapel. Once consigned to parsons and vicars, these incredibly historic and ancient venues now offer a chance to holiday out of the ordinary.
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Brick and sandstone entrance archway to Palmers Folly a Grade II-listed building on Holkham Estate, Norfolk.

Gatehouses & Tollhouses

Book a stay in a converted Gatehouse or Tollhouse and get an added dose of fascinating history. As gateways to buildings of significance, many of these unusual buildings have been renovated and modernised to provide an unforgettable holiday experience.
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Chillingham Castle looking 'moody' at twilight with dark sky and orange clouds

Listed Buildings

These stunning properties all have one thing in common, they are edifices deemed to be of architectural or historic interest and national importance and subject to protection. Stay in a listed space with Host Unusual.
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An old sandstone building with a medium tower at one end

Towers & Forts

Ever thought about indulging your regal side with a stay in a medieval tower or fort? Embark on a magical mystery (or should that be 'history') tour with Host Unusual. Browse our range of majestic and quirky accommodation options that are sure to impress.
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All Historic Retreats

The Signal House

Beer, Devon, England

A former Devon coastguard and signal house, transformed into a charming coastal retreat on Beer Head’s breathtakingly scenic clifftops, within strolling distance of the secluded Hooken Beach.
Sleeps: 6
Bedrooms: 2
From £75 pp/pn
The Witches Mill historic stay on the Isle of Man

The Witches Mill

Immerse your souls in magic and mystery with a family-friendly stay in the Isle of Man’s oldest windmill, a major hub for witchcraft in times past and a short walk away from the medieval Castle Rushen.
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 4
From £200 / night

The Windmill Scarborough

Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England

A unique and mesmerising Grade II-listed retreat, less than five minutes' walk from the town centre in England's original seaside resort.
Sleeps: 2 per apartment
Bedrooms: 1 per apartment
From £115 / night

The Catacombs

Plymouth, Devon, England

A heritage-soaked apartment, filled with captivating detail and contemporary mod cons, positioned in the heart of Plymouth's historic Barbican.
Sleeps: 5
Bedrooms: 3
From £895 / week

Burgh Island Hotel

Bigbury-on-Sea, Devon, England

An iconic South Devon Art Deco retreat, imbued with glamour and boating a distinguished roll-call of celebrity guests.
Sleeps: Varies
Bedrooms: Varies
From £325 / night
25th or 26th July.  5 nights £1150.  6 nts £1280.  4 nts £1080.

Aylsham Windmill

Aylsham, Norfolk, England

A luxury holiday home for six in a former working flourmill, built in 1826 and modernised to welcome guests to enjoy Norfolk's many attractions. 
Sleeps: 6
Bedrooms: 3
From £552 / week.

Old Higher Lighthouse Branscombe Lodge

Portland Bill, Dorset, England

Leave everyday life far behind in this heartwarming cottage, romantically positioned by an 18th century lighthouse on Dorset's Jurassic Coast.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £536 (7 nights)

The Old Matlock Hotel and Inn

Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, England

An incredible Georgian Grade II-listed former hotel – with two hot tubs and its very own pub! – for larger-than-life group stays in the scenic Derbyshire Dales.
Sleeps: 34
Bedrooms: 15
From £6832 /wk

The Triumphal Arch West

Holkham, Norfolk, England

An historic, architect-designed retreat for two, rich in indulgent luxury and set on an imposing 25,000-acre Norfolk estate.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £994 (7nts)

Westbrook Court Country House

Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, England

A sublime interior-designed farmhouse for large-group breaks, complete with a stargazing hot tub, landscaped outdoor spaces with Wye Valley views, and a concierge service to help you curate memorable, fun-filled activities.
Sleeps: 26
Bedrooms: 9
From £3100 /3nts midweek

The Hope Scott Wing at Abbotsford

Melrose, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Trace the footsteps of Sir Walter Scott in a grand group stay set across three luxurious floors, on an iconic Scottish Borders estate that breathes with history.
Sleeps: 16
Bedrooms: 8
From £2650 /2 nts

The Folly at Old Melrose

Melrose, Scottish Borders, Scotland

A charming retreat for two, surrounded by woodland and birdsong on a historic Scottish Borders estate by the tranquil River Tweed.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £595/week