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

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 £525 / week.

The Water Castle

Newton, Northumberland, England

Totally unique, utterly charming, and undoubtedly one of the prettiest former water towers in the country, The Water Castle in gorgeous Northumberland blends ‘rural' and ‘regal' for that very special escape to the country.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 2
From £358 (3 nights)
Winter Escapes at Orchardleigh Estate. Stay with us between January and Febru…

Orchardleigh Church Lodge

Frome, Somerset, England

A divine, pet-friendly escape, complete with a private garden and hot tub, deliciously secluded by a shimmering lake on a historic 500-acre Somerset estate.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £250 / night

Drum Gatelodge

Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland

On a quiet country road at the edge of the historic Ballylough Estate, discover the utterly charming Drum Gatelodge - a romantic and unique hideaway for two in the stunning County Antrim countryside.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £271 (2 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

Champing Fordwich

Fordwich, Kent, England

For a true Champing pilgrimage, book a stay at The Church of St Mary the Virgin in England's tiniest town, Fordwich in Kent, just three miles from historic Canterbury. 
Sleeps: Up to 12
Bedrooms:
From £49 pp

Masbury Station Signal Box

Nr Wells, Somerset, England

A dog-friendly, heritage-steeped retreat with upside-down living that showcases peaceful Somerset woodland-and-railway views to perfection.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
From £110 / night

St Curig's Church

Capel Curig, County Conwy, Wales

Experience heaven on Earth in this charmingly converted 19th century church, with sociable village life and a backdrop of the breathtaking Snowdonia mountains built in.
Sleeps: Up to 16
Bedrooms: 6
From £750 / night

Chateau Mareuil

Brigueil-le-Chantre, Aquitaine, France

Ancient history and contemporary comfort combine at Château Mareuil, a regally rural French home-from-home.
Sleeps: Up to 12
Bedrooms: 4
From €1995 / week

Les Voltes

Barberà de la Conca, Catalonia, Spain

A magical, warmly welcoming eco-retreat with a retro rooftop chillout space, secluded in a vibrant, heritage-rich wine village for an authentic (and delicious!) taste of Spanish life.
Sleeps: 10
Bedrooms: 5
From £95 / night

The Old Water Tank

Liss, Hampshire, England

A creatively restored unique retreat with enormous windows and a dedicated cinema space, petfriendly and set within the South Downs National Park.
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1
From £120 / night

The Engine House

Porthtowan, Cornwall, England

A characterful, TV-featured retreat that's steeped in Cornish heritage, Grade II-listed and perfectly located in the heart of ‘Poldark country' with stunning ocean views.
Sleeps: 8
Bedrooms: 3
From £743 (3 nights)