It might be cold, dark, and probably rainy but the UK is still a stunning place whatever the weather and thoughts of wrapping up warm for long walks in the countryside or getting cosy indoors with a book and a cuppa have got us longing for a staycation this winter.
We know it’s only early in the year but if (like us) you feel you could do with a holiday already this year then read on for some inspiration, as we’ve scoured Airbnb for unusual eco-friendly places you can escape to without the need to rack up those air miles.
Toddalong Roundhouse, Cornwall
Fireplace? Check. Games cupboard? Check. Fire pit for toasting marshmallows? Check. Beaches and countryside nearby? Also check. We’re longing to visit this unusual tranquil roundhouse nestled in the Cornish countryside. It features an open plan space 10 metres in diameter with a mezzanine double bedroom and a snug with two smaller kids’ beds.
Surrounded by fields on three sides and close to the village of St.Mabyn as well as Cornwall’s Northern beaches, its sounds like a nice place to escape. There is also no wifi internet access or a TV on site. Great if you want to go incognito.
A word of warning though: the host says it can get chilly in the winter months, so you’ll need to heat up the old fashioned way and keep the wood fire burning.
Rockaway Park, Somerset
The owners of this house built it themselves on six acres of land, and you can rent a room for two or four inside to experience it for yourself.
It’s super quirky and this is not your average hideout. There are 20 creative people living on site who work in circuses and festivals and a huge collection of obscure artefacts including aeroplanes to gypsy caravans.
Within the grounds of the property is a therapy suite offering massages, acupuncture and hypnotherapy and even a recording studio and a workshop for metal and woodwork. There is also a vegan cafe (meat is not allowed on site), and an early stage forest garden for you to explore.
If you’re fastidiously tidy or don’t like spiders this might not be for you, though.
Yurt in a field, West Sussex
This Airbnb is exactly what it says on the tin: a yurt in a field. So if you like Mongolian yurts and you like fields, and don’t mind going back to basics with a (heated) outdoor shower and an open fire to cook with, this could be a perfect way to escape the modern trappings of life.
Positioned in a secluded field, the yurt sleeps four and is a short bike ride from the West Sussex coast and close to Chichester and the stunning West Wittering beach. Even in winter months, previous guests have said they stayed toasty.
You can also buy eggs on site from the host’s own free-range chickens. Tasty.
Wagon in the woods, Hampshire
Not only does this unusual bespoke wagon have a campfire and stunning countryside views, it also has a hot tub that you access through a trap door.
It sleeps two guests and has a huge window in the bedroom, which floods the space with natural light. It also has a settee, cooker, fridge and an outdoor seated area with a BBQ grill.
The host made the main beam of the wagon and the tables from trees that came down in a storm a few years ago. He also provides guests with free bubblebath, wagon wheels, marshmallows and fire wood for a camp fire.
The hot tub takes about three hours to heat up but can be heated up for your arrival, and once you’re in it you can watch the local cows grazing. A proper getaway.
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