Ideas for Quirky Places to Stay
When it comes to holidays, it's always the right time to book one! I don't know about you, but I find myself careering through January 2016, before even accepting that we've moved on from Christmas and that 2015 is far behind us. Here at One Off Places we're seeing peak season weeks flying off the shelves, and an increasing amount of July and August availability calendars showing as fully booked. Already? I hear you say! January is the time that people's thoughts turn to holidays, dreaming of warmer climes, or simply some time off, out of the rat race, enjoying time with family and loved ones. One Off Places is host to hundreds of properties, all of them individual and distinctive in some way, some way off the wall, and some more traditional. We've selected a few of our favourites to get those holiday juices flowing......
19th century converted railway carriages on the seafront in Selsey, Sussex
Positioned right on the seafront in the historic seaside town of Selsey, this wonderful railway carriage conversion captures all the charm and eccentricity of the great British coastline. Sleeps 8 in four bedrooms. There is plenty to do here, from fishing, diving, golfing, cycling and boat tripping to visiting the lifeboat station or the Pagham Nature Reserve. There are numerous excellent places to eat - The Lifeboat, The Blacksmiths, The Crab and Lobster and The Cider House to name but a few – and there are also several places to shop for groceries.
Price from £425 per week. Minimum stay 2 nights.
2 bedroom Regency Gatehouse in Yorkshire
Rudding Gates Apartments, with their dramatic listed Regency entranceway, lie at the heart of pretty Follifoot village just three miles from central Harrogate. Each apartment comfortably accommodates up to four adults in two spacious en-suite bedrooms, a comfortable & contemporary sitting/dining room and well equipped kitchens. The apartments are in the centre of a pretty Yorkshire village, surrounded by beautiful countryside and farmland but only three miles from central Harrogate and within easy reach of York and Leeds. Perfectly located for trips to the Yorkshire Coast, Dales and Moors with famous Abbeys, Castles and fabulous country gardens and houses between.
Price from £155 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights.
Luxury eco pods in north Cornwall
Enjoying a sheltered spot within 26 acres of farmland in Bude, North Cornwall, sits the secluded enclave of unique luxury eco pods (each sleeps 4), close to the sea, with six beaches just a few minutes by car. They nestle amongst the lush, undulating landscaped lawns, each with its individual decked area, with gas BBQ oven and outdoor furniture, a private external wet room. There are so many activities to choose from, both in and around Bude. Surfing is a big draw to North Cornwall and there are plenty of surf-hire shops and surf schools. Adrenaline junkies could try coasteering – or if you prefer to stay dry, have a go at mountain-boarding! More sedate activities are exploring the Bude Canal or river Neet by rowing boat, bicycle or just strolling on foot along the miles of footpaths. Bike hire and rowing boat hire are both available nearby
Price from £69 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights.
A beautifully designed stilted treehouse for two set in a pretty woodland in Somerset. The treehouse occupies the same site as some yurts and shepherd's huts, but is beautifully secluded in its own clearing. Set in your own woodland garden on an organic farm and with superbly bespoke interiors, this is a fabulous glamping destination. The setting offers the ultimate in relaxation but if you are feeling a bit more adventurous then archery, horse riding, coarse fishing, polo, zorbing, rib rides, fishing trips, golf, paintballing, cookery courses and spa treatments are just some of the activities available on your doorstep.There are loads of places to eat and drink in the area – try the Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George, the River Cottage Canteen in Axminster, the Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock, the Hix oyster and fish house in Lyme Regis, The Wild Garlic in Beaminster, the Phoenix Bakery in Weymouth, or the Olive Tree Restaurant in Bridport.
Price from £120 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights.
Hobbit-style converted Horsebox in Suffolk
If you’re looking for a bit of magic and adventure then look no further. The Hobbit Box is a luxury converted wooden horsebox with a Middle Earth theme set on a glamping site in the heart of rural Suffolk. By day you can enjoy a laidback pace of life in inspiring country surroundings and by night you can bask in the simple pleasures of campfires and starry skies. The beautiful market towns of Woodbridge and Framlingham, not to mention the Suffolk coastline, are not far away, or you can just potter around on site, biking, BBQing and picnicking. There’s no better place to get away from it all.
Price from £109 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights.
Handcrafted Romany caravans in the Scottish Borders
In a landscaped meadow within the Scottish Borders, set around a wildlife lochan, sits a cluster of French hand crafted wooden Romany-style caravans, elegant and luxurious yet simple and timeless. Enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside with fresh air, dark skies for stargazing and colourful walks through the woods, by the River Tweed or over the Eildon Hills. Yoga, massage treatments, bicycle hire, horse riding are also available. The Scottish Borders is an area of outstanding beauty and these gypsy caravans are a unique little paradise in its heart.
Price from £95 per night. Minimum stay 2 nights.
Geodesic Domes in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
The Dome Garden is a unique collection of geodesic domes providing luxurious, accommodation for groups of two to eight people. Set in the heart of the beautiful and ancient Forest of Dean, all the domes have their own private en-suite, a wood burning stove and wood-fired water heaters. Tons to do right next door with everything from cycling and hiking to caving and climbing and canoeing. The Rocket Bar is on site, a little residents-only saloon and twice a week they stoke up the pizza oven to give you a break from the cooking.
Price from £89 per night. Minimum stay 3 nights.
