With warm days and cool nights come al fresco dining, gatherings around the fire pit and lazy afternoons in a hot tub. The holiday cottages within our Showcase Collection: Indoors Outdoors blur the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a beautiful bridge between the home and the natural world. Here, families and friends can fling open those doors to celebrate the great outdoors all year round, entertaining, dining and relaxing together amidst flower-filled gardens and extraordinary British landscapes. Luxury isn't bound by bricks and mortar, so enjoy the best of both worlds in these self-catering idylls where al fresco living is a dream.
Station House, Yorkshire Dales
Once a station master’s house beside Wensleydale Railway and its iconic heritage steam trains, this elegant Yorkshire home is a sight to behold. A treasure trove of luxurious touches awaits, from the opulent décor inside to the summer house and bubbling hot tub in the manicured gardens outside. On a sunny day, throw open the bi-fold doors to extend the open-plan living space onto the stone terrace, fire up the BBQ and enjoy some laidback tunes on the outdoor music system. Later, the twinkling fairy lights and patio heaters will provide a warm evening ambience to share a bottle of wine under the stars.
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Beach End, Devon
Nestled on the tranquil banks of the River Dart and encircled by woodland, this is a relaxing retreat where nature really is the star of the show. Pull open the bi-fold doors to awaken the senses with fresh air and the sound of water lapping the shore, then grab a holiday read and while away afternoons in the dappled shade of the trees. At high tide, kids can drop their lines over the wall and enjoy crabbing, while the grown-ups carry out jugs of cool lemonade to the patio. And as dusk cloaks the day, you can snuggle up in front of the crackling wood burner inside or stay in the great outdoors to admire the moon's reflection on the river.
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Taigh Na Coille, Roshven, The Highlands
At this secluded Highlands hideaway, families can immerse themselves in the rugged Lochailort landscape when holidaying at this masterpiece of architectural design. Perched above a beach and enveloped by scented pine trees, this Scottish sanctuary enjoys spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and crashing waves through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Step out onto the decked patio to revel in the salty sea breeze and look out for abundant local wildlife as you dine alfresco. Then descend the steps to the shoreline to toast marshmallows over the fire pit and sink into the foaming waters of the hot tub, feeling its blissful warmth mix with the crisp Highland air.
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Post Knott Lodge, Lake District
Carved into the hillside within the heart of the Lake District National Park, this showstopping mansion is a world-away escape for those in pursuit of the ultimate luxury getaway. Fold back the expansive, wraparound bi-folding doors to merge the living spaces with the curved terrace – and enjoy a front-row seat for a cinematic show as the sun dips below the glistening waters of Lake Windermere. Post Knott Lodge’s design ensures these incredible vistas are the main event during your stay, with vast windows and balconies in every direction.
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The Big Oak Barn, Somerset
Surrounded by verdant Somerset countryside, this 16th-century former milling barn is a real haven. The interiors are undeniably stylish and the leafy gardens back onto patchwork fields, setting quite the ambrosial scene for cream teas in the sunshine. Patios and a decked seating area around the circumference of the barn make delightful spots for lazy lunches and balmy suppers in summer while children expend their limitless energy with outdoor games in the play paddock. And in spring, the barn flaunts a blooming rose garden, a lovely place to sit and ponder for a while, taking in the peace and charm of rural life.
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The Lazy Sheep Barn, Exmoor
From the magazine-worthy interiors to the 60 acres of rolling grounds, this five-star barn conversion on the edge of the Exmoor National Park is the perfect retreat for all. Start the day with a refreshing wander through the woodlands and fields, before tucking into breakfast at the large kitchen dining table with the bi-fold doors wide open letting the outside in. Set within a designated Dark Sky Reserve and with no surrounding light to spoil the view, evenings are best spent beside the fire pit or from within the soothing waters of the hot tub watching the stars prick through the velvet night sky.
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Let the outside in and be inspired by the stunning properties in our Showcase Collection: Indoors Outdoors. From sunny garden brunches to soirees beneath the stars, these exceptional retreats are perfect for al fresco living, day and night.
