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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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 Vintage House

Aldeburgh, Suffolk, England

Wind your clock back to the style and beauty of the late 1920s, with an authentic Suffolk period cottage that's also packed with contemporary creature comforts.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £150 / night

Elizabeth Fort

Cork, County Cork, Ireland

Two adjoining self-contained retreats with cosy wood-burning stoves and cathedral views, expertly created from a restored 17th century fort in the bustling centre of Cork City .
Sleeps: 3
Bedrooms: 2 per house
From £380 /2 nts

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

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.
Sleeps: 2 per bothy
Bedrooms: 1 per bothy
From 157 3 nights

Suffolk Skytower

Woolverstone, Suffolk, England

An awe-inspiring 80ft landmark tower ideal for large group celebrations, with panoramic rural views of the Shotley Peninsula.
Sleeps: 18
Bedrooms: 9
From £3038 (1 week)

Sumburgh Lighthouse

Shetland Isles, Scotland

Shetland's Sumburgh Lighthouse offers gorgeous self-catering accommodation, breath-taking views, and even a slice of television fame - all combining for that truly memorable stay.
Sleeps: 5
Bedrooms: 3
From £553 / week

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 Old Station Ticket Office

Pickering, North Yorkshire, England

A detailed conversion of the ticket office and staff quarters at a former station on the Forge Valley Line, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £560 (3 nt)

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.
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 4
From £650 / night

Twentieth Century B&B

Birchington-on-Sea, Kent, England

A loving and authentic homage to Art Deco, perfectly set just four minutes' walk from the beach at Minnis Bay.
Sleeps: 2 per room
Bedrooms: 4
From £75 / nt

Bowland Escapes Iron Age Roundhouse

Preston, Lancashire, England

Take a fun-filled trip back in time, with a quirky stay in an ancient retreat set in the heart of the Forest of Bowland and Ribble Valley.
Sleeps: 5
Bedrooms: Open plan
From £60 / night

The Armoury

North Queensferry, Fife, Scotland

A historic World War I gun emplacement complex, reimagined as a quirky and colourful retreat that overlooks the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, with stunning across-the-water views to Edinburgh.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1
From £108 / night