My little black book of design-led cabins and cottages
24 cosy self-catering escapes for two, because January has been a long year
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It’s the 15th of January as I write this and after a week of freezing fingers and intensive use of our portable radiator, I’m keen to leave London in search of a log burner and big winter skies. I don’t mind the cold if there’s a chance of some dramatic low-lying mist or rain hammering down on a skylight.
I had the slightly mind-boggling realisation last night that it’s seven whole years since my boyfriend and I went on a relaxing beach holiday (time flies when you’re at home with tense shoulders), so I’m also plotting ideas for a stylish stay in the sun if anyone is keen for overseas inspiration?
First though, here’s my first edit of cosy UK getaways for a short winter break where you can hunker down and cook your own food without the expense of hotel restaurants. If you liked my previous edit of pubs with rooms, you’ll probably like this too!
The stays I’ve picked are perfectly proportioned for two people to escape their families and responsibilities after an intense Christmas. If you need to travel with a gaggle of kids and a couple of friends, hold tight as I’m also working on a future edit of UK holiday homes for larger groups.
I’ve stayed in several of the below already and others are discoveries that I’d been squirrelling away for an opportune moment. They were either chosen for the interiors or the setting and they’re all places I’d happily book for myself. The price points vary and some are firmly in treat territory, but the cheapest is only £48 a night and it’s close to a brilliant antiques market.
Once I’d rolled my sleeves up and started, I realised there were far too many places on my wishlist for one email. I’m a glutton for an all-nighter at my laptop and I’d planned to include 45-50 stays but it was taking forever and it would have been ridiculously long, so consider these 24 a first instalment!
These lists tend to be closely guarded secrets, but if you’re happy to open your little black book of favourite holiday rentals, feel free to share in the comments!
Just an early heads up that I wanted to offer even more value to my paid community, so I’ve got my first giveaway coming up later this month (with others to follow throughout the year). Excitingly, I’m starting with a year’s access-all-areas membership to Create Academy’s online courses! Once it’s open to entries, I’ll be announcing it via email, so keep a look out if you’re a paid subscriber! Remember, you can get 20% off an annual membership here but only if you use the link before Sunday.
Thanks all and I’ll catch you on Friday for some just-for-fun writing. Valentine’s Day is coming up, so it’s an early love letter to my local coffee shop!