These homes are giving us serious staycation inspo.
If there’s one thing that’s kept us Secret Brummies occupied during this lengthy lockdown, it’s travel inspo. And it turns out we haven’t been alone, as our fellow Brits have also been incessantly browsing sites such as Airbnb for all the things that we can’t have. Sharing a list of what people have been ‘wish-listing’ during lockdown, Airbnb has unveiled some incredible properties that are available to rent, with data revealing that we’re all pining for staycations in lodges, cabins, and glamping retreats. Just check out some of the breathtaking properties below.
1. Alton Forest Lodge, Stoke-on-Trent
📍 Where is it? Closeby to Alton Towers in Oakamoor.
✨ What makes it so special? Secluded in a woodland location, Alton Forest Lodge provides the perfect location for a getaway with friends – with three bedrooms accommodating for up to twelve guests. Hang out on the deck overlooking the surrounding woodland, or take a dip in the private hot tub with a glass of champers while you wind down after this exhausting lockdown.
🗺 What’s nearby? The cabin sits near the edge of the Peak District, perfect for exploring the beauty of Derbyshire. Not only that, but Alton Towers is super close to the cabin, too – so you can head out for a day of adrenaline if rollercoasters are your thing. Otherwise, kick back, relax and switch off from the outside world at this rural retreat.
2. Romantic Oak Cabin, Hemel Hempstead
📍 Where is it? Potten End, on the edge of the Chiltern Hills AONB.
✨ What makes it so special? While the outside of the cabin looks pretty unsuspecting, inside, you’ll find incredible decor – the kind that can only be described as ‘tv-worthy’. It’s laid out like the perfect sleepover spot, with a wooden ladder reaching up to the elevated bedroom, which sits above the cosy living and kitchen area. The cabin only sleeps two, so is best for couples in search of a romantic getaway.
🗺 What’s nearby? Nearby you’ll find the gorgeous Chiltern Hills AONB, Colne Valley Regional Park and less rural areas such as Watford (where you can experience the famous Harry Potter studio tour), Hatfield and St Alban’s. If you can peel yourself away from the wondrous cabin, that is.
3. Secluded Countryside Lodge, Maidstone
📍 Where is it? A rural location just outside of Maidstone, right on the edge of the Kent Downs AONB.
✨ What makes it so special? Its modern design is incredibly unique with an annex coming off the living room where you’ll find the bright and airy bedroom, which features a huge skylight showcasing the stars as you sleep. Outside, you’ll find a private spot of woodland where you can soak up the sun in the beautiful setting (which looks straight out of a storybook, if you ask me) or take a dip in the hot tub to soak the stress away.
🗺 What’s nearby? Nearby you can explore the gorgeous Kent Downs, or explore the centre of Maidstone where you’ll find shops, restaurants, Leeds Castle and more.
4. Unique Glamping Experience, Sutton
📍 Where is it? A rural location between Peterborough and Cambridge.
✨ What makes it so special? This extra-special hut is so uniquely designed, you’ll probably never see anything else like it in your life. The triangular-shaped literal bolthole is secured with a round vault-style door, which exposes a cosy bed with romantic lighting when opened. It’s basically camping on steroids. There’s even an outdoor bath for those who really want to get at one with nature, however, in the hut next door, you’ll find a more private bathroom, kitchen and living facilities too.
🗺 What’s nearby? The hut is located right in between both Peterborough and Cambridge, so you have the pick of both to visit during your stay. Cambridge is incredibly quaint with lots of history to explore, and there’s also Thetford Forest Park just up the road if you fancy a nature stroll.
5. Unique Luxury Cabin, Hereford
📍 Where is it? Overlooking the River Arrow in a rural area outside of Hereford.
✨ What makes it so special? This tiny, triangular house couldn’t get more peaceful if it tried. It sits right in the middle of the Shropshire Hills and Brecon Beacons National Park, away from the majority of civilisation. Set in an idyllic farm, the tiny house has two bedrooms sleeping up to four guests, with farm life surrounding and a private hot tub overlooking the nearby nature.
🗺 What’s nearby? Small market town Kington can be found close by, where you’ll find pubs, cafes, restaurants and more. If you fancy taking in the beautiful country, head to the Shropshire Hills or Brecon Beacons.
6. Converted Shipping Container In A Private Meadow, Poltimore
📍 Where is it? Nestled in the Devon countryside outside of Exeter.
✨ What makes it so special? It’s a converted shipping container. Need I say more? It’s light and airy exterior is the perfect setting for a relaxing break away, with space enough for four guests. It may feature modern decor, but that doesn’t take away from the cosiness – with a lovely little woodburner inside creating the perfect atmosphere on an evening. Each window also features spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, too, so you can guarantee a very tranquil stay.
🗺 What’s nearby? The Poltimore retreat is really close to Exeter, and just a short drive from Devon too.
7. Private Seaside Retreat, Weston Super Mare
📍 Where is it? Just outside of the centre in Weston Super Mare.
✨ What makes it so special? It’s a modern, cosy, traditional home, perfectly located for a seaside retreat. The snug cottage sleeps two guests, making it a great getaway for a couple looking for a relaxed, beach getaway this summer. It’s bright and airy with beachy decor for a truly authentic feel, and even features a cosy hot tub in the garden where you can take a moment to yourself.
🗺 What’s nearby? The lovely little seaside town that is Weston Super Mare, and of course, the beach.
8. Old Smock Windmill, Benenden
Where is it? Within the High Weald AONB outside of Tunbridge Wells, Kent.
✨ What makes it so special? It’s an actual Mill, with beautiful, quaint decor that screams British vacation. The romantic little spot is surrounded by countryside and features an outdoor space that can be used for barbecuing in the summer. The decor features exposed beams, neutral cottage colours and cosy little finishes such as a free-standing bathtub, a quirky spiral staircase and a super cosy kitchen and living area.
🗺 What’s nearby? The local beach (Camber Sands) is closeby, with the local village (Benenden) just a ten minute walk away. Check out the nearby Bewl Water, Tunbridge Wells itself and so much more.
9. Beachfront House, Cleveleys
📍 Where is it? Right on the beachfront near Blackpool.
✨ What makes it so special? If any house on this list screams a huge reunion with your friends, this is it. The huge luxury house sleeps fourteen guests, with seven uber-modern bedrooms to choose from. There are huge floor-to-ceiling windows perfectly framing the beach right in front of the property, a huge rooftop terrace featuring a gorgeous dining area and hot tub, and even an incredible music system throughout the house – as well as an additional cinema room for winding down with a movie. You don’t even need to leave the property.
🗺 What’s nearby? The beach right in front of the property, of course, as well as Blackpool and the iconic Pleasure Beach.
10. Off-Grid Geodesic Dome, Northumberland
📍 Where is it? A rural spot on the edge of Northumberland National Park, where the only neighbours are the sheep.
✨ What makes it so special? The secluded geodome tent is the perfect glamping spot, featuring lovely views of the pond that sits in front of it and a cosy interior with its own woodburner. Outside, you’ll find a fire pit area that’s great for cosying up in front of on an evening, and there’s also a private hot tub right next to the tent, too. It’s the perfect spot for going “off the grid”, with only yourselves and the countryside around.
🗺 What’s nearby? The camping spot is pretty rural, but you’ll find Northumberland National Park just next door, the Northumberland Coast AONB nearby, and a number of villages, too. The camping spot is also a fairly short drive from Newcastle, should you wish to check out the city.
[Featured image: Airbnb]