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

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.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £445 (3 nts)

Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita

Matera, Basilicata, Italy

An atmospheric cave hotel, beautifully restored and mesmerisingly situated in the heart of a historic village and UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Italy.
Sleeps: 2-4
Bedrooms: 18 (6 suites)
From £157 / night

Nidd Valley Carriage

Harrogate, Yorkshire, England

A unique and quirky carriage retreat for two, secluded by an historic railway line in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £584 (7 nights)

Castello Perugia

Lake Tresimeno, Umbria, Italy

A grand, architect-restored 12th century Italian castle, in a magnificent hilltop setting with panoramic countryside views.
Sleeps: 16
Bedrooms: 8
From £1,875 / night

Minehead Carriage

Minehead, Somerset, England

This historic railway carriage has been soothingly restored to evoke the great seaside holidays of times past, moments from the beach.
Sleeps: 6
Bedrooms: 3
From £515 (7 nights)

The Pineapple

Airth, Falkirk, Scotland

Arguably one of the most playful and eccentric historical buildings in the UK, The Pineapple is a former summer house with an instantly recognisable fruity dome that befits its name.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £240 (4 night stay)

Kymin Round House

Monmouth, Monmouthshire, Wales

A miniature Georgian ‘castle-for-two’, surrounded by walking trails and beautifully set at the top of a hill, with windows that showcase the spectacular Wye Valley from all directions
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £450 (3 nts)

Alford Chapel

Ulceby, Lincolnshire, England

Experience a lovingly restored, heavenly holiday home in the refreshing Lincolnshire Wolds.
Sleeps: 4 (+2)
Bedrooms: 2
From £415 / week

Harlingen Lighthouse

Harlingen, Friesland, Netherlands

Rest your heads in an iconic Dutch monument, filled with fun, quirky features and boasting spectacular panoramic views. 
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £265 / night

The Old Signal House

Torpoint, Cornwall, England

A mesmerising period retreat, beautifully furnished and blissfully secluded on a tranquil, impossibly scenic slice of Cornish coastline.
Sleeps: 6
Bedrooms: 3
From £905 (7nts)

Langholmen

Stockholm, Sweden

Stay in blissful captivity, in a former prison set within the heart of scenic Stockholm. Don't worry, you'll be given a key to your cell!
Sleeps: up to 4
Bedrooms: varies
From £92 / night

Eglwys St. Cynfil

Penrhos, Gwynedd, Wales

An ancient, Grade II-listed stone-built church with a mix of original and modern features, set in a chocolate-box North Wales village close to bustling Pwllheli.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £443 (7 nights)