To help you plan your next holiday, we've taken a look at which of our unique properties caught your eye in 2024.
We’ve collated the most-viewed unique retreats on our website, which are a series of one-of-a-kind holiday cottages in a range of destinations across the UK.
Below you’ll discover a mix of inspiring interiors, innovative designs, and curious histories – each one an entirely unique holiday cottage with something a little bit different to offer. Read on for our top unique cottages or click the button below to begin browsing for a getaway that's as unique as you are.
Our unique cottages
The Boat House, Yorkshire
- An impressive, sophisticated boathouse set on a private lake
- Step ashore onto your own private jetty and bathe in the lakeside hot tub
- Wake up to waterside views and feel like you’re part of the landscape
A unique twist on waterside living, spend your time on the water immersed in the landscape. Wildlife-watch through the bedroom's bi-fold doors, or perch outside on the veranda for morning tea while listening to the water lapping against the boat. A stylish interior ensures you’ll feel a world away from your worries, and you can switch on the Smart TV – you still get the benefits of home comforts in this unusual and wonderful property.
When you decide to return to land, the private jetty offers you the chance to indulge in the warmth of a wood-fired hot tub while soaking up the scenery or enjoying Yorkshire’s star-lit sky.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 2 guests
Bedrooms: 1 king-size
What’s nearby: Richmond Castle – imposing ruins that tower above the River Swale
Why guests love it: “Amazing unique property. Had a great time relaxing and enjoying the wildlife. A wonderful base for walks from the boathouse and only a short drive to Richmond and Barnard Castle. Hope to return one day.” – Shantel
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Wheelhouse Cottage, Lake District
- A hideaway with a secret – it has a river running past
- Dine on the riverside terrace, or sit in the heated garden pod when night falls
- Inside, clever and elegant styling and a wood burner create a cosy interior
This exquisite, character-filled retreat is an unsuspecting treasure. The river bank runs right along the terrace at the front, so you can enjoy listening to the water flow by from the garden or enjoy views of the river and neighbouring forest through the dining area’s floor-to-ceiling windows. For cooler days or late evenings, the heated garden pod is the place to hole up. We have hardly touched on how lovely the décor and styling is inside this country cottage getaway; it is thoughtfully decorated with a mix of contemporary and old-timey touches.
Beyond this enchanting cottage hideaway, you can discover mountain, lake and forest walks and views – the setting at the base of the Lake District, near the remote coast, is truly spectacular.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 4 guests
Bedrooms: 2 king-size
What’s nearby: Pick up Cartmel Sticky Toffee Pudding or book in at L’Enclume – Cartmel is famous for its food and drink
Why guests love it: “Second time we've stayed at this property this year (last time was in June) and, once again, had a perfect and relaxing break. A really lovely and well-appointed property in an ideal location. Looking forward to our next visit.” – David
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Stockford Lodge, Dorset
- Step into a real-life fairytale home with this magical Dorset cottage
- Stuffed full of curious décor and design features adding to the spellbinding atmosphere
- Hidden amongst 2 acres of woodland, a serene setting to switch off any time of year
A perfect place for getting inspired, prepare to be enchanted by this picturesque little holiday cottage. It’s a special property, perfect for a young family, a couple’s romantic escape, or as a writer/artist’s retreat! It’s a 250-year-old gate lodge full of heritage, with beamed ceilings, pretty window frames and flagged flooring, while other special features include a roll-top bath for long evening soaks.
A decked area has been built in the forest, so you can dine surrounded by trees with dappled sunlight streaming through, or head off to explore the 2 acres of woodland on early-morning strolls to welcome the day.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 4 guests
Bedrooms: 1 double 1 twin
What’s nearby: Monkey World – meet our ape cousins at this centre for conservation
Why guests love it: “Oh, what a joy. The first view of the cottage and then walking through the front door, we were in heaven, such a relaxing place. The surrounding woodland and the visits from the deer were amazing. So central for visiting the great places nearby. We particularly loved Monkey World.” – Robert
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The Seashell, The Highlands
- An architect-designed cottage inspired by the curves of a seashell
- Embrace the ‘sanctuary feel’ with a spa bath, rainfall shower, and underfloor heating
- Breathe in views of the wild and seemingly endless Highland landscape
Get away to what feels like the ends of the earth at this remarkable Scottish Highlands retreat. Lake and Munro views spread out before you through curved, floor-to-ceiling windows which follow the unique shape of this holiday pad. The bedroom offers stand-out features with a spa bath for bubbling away the evenings, and tree branches towering over the bed in place of a headboard.
For anyone who adores the thought of burrowing into their natural surrounds, this retreat sits beautifully within its landscape, due to its turf roof and walls made of local timber and stone.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 2 guests
Bedrooms: 1 double
What’s nearby: RSPB Glenborrodale – wildlife-rich landscape overlooking Loch Sunart
Why guests love it: “The photos don't do it justice. It was beyond our expectations.” – Carla
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The Alpaca Retreat, Cotswolds
- A waterfront shepherd's hut where alpacas might wander right into your garden!
- Spend star-spangled evenings cooking with the pizza oven or in the BBQ hut
- The private hot tub on the veranda is just the spot to unwind with a view of the pond
This shepherd's hut-style property sits right on a charming smallholding in the Cotswolds with a wonderful view and a range of outdoor amenities. Meet the friendly resident alpacas who are your neighbours and enjoy scenic countryside all around. The pond just at the foot of your hut adds to the charm of the setting – wildlife-watch through the lodge’s lovely French doors, or sit outside in the garden to enjoy the slow life.
The outdoor amenities are impressive for a bijou retreat. Settle into your own private hot tub, treat yourself to home-cooked pizza in your pizza oven, or head over to the BBQ hut for evening feasting around the fire.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 2 guests
Bedrooms: 1 double
What’s nearby: Bicester Village – designer shopping outlet for spoiling yourself or buying gifts while away
Why guests love it: “We absolutely loved our time here. The place itself is beautiful, so cute and cosy. There is lots of garden space and a lovely view, especially with the alpacas who are friendly. The location is great, not far from Bicester Village and Oxford. There’s a lovely pub within walking distance. We would love to stay again!” – Eleanor
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The Retreat - Avon, New Forest
- Holiday among the trees at this unusual and dreamy woodland cabin
- Timber has been used throughout to enhance the magical forest atmosphere
- A sunken hot tub is an impressive, luxury addition to this unique retreat
The timber property is surrounded by forest with a wrap-around balcony to admire the views and an interior that continues the natural, woodland theme. For those who love to lose themselves in their surroundings, this special cabin is both cosy and contemporary, with thoughtful design touches throughout. Head out on walks through this spectacular landscape before enjoying evening BBQs on the balcony.
Between the private sunken hot tub, where you can soothe muscles after New Forest days out, and the bookable beauty treatments on offer through the owners, it’s the perfect place to refresh and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 4 guests
Bedrooms: 2 doubles
What’s nearby: Mudeford Quay, Avon Beach and Steamer Point Nature Reserve – all combining for a wonderful seafront setting
Why guests love it: “As soon as we arrived at the retreat, it was obvious a lot of thought had gone into the decor and surroundings, It was idyllic, nestled on a bank on the trees, the hotter area was almost magical with the lighting and surroundings. We would recommend this to all.” – Paul
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The Skyscraper, Woolverstone
- A unique, octagonal, converted water tower is itself a stand-out feature of the landscape
- Contemporary interior with a host of modern features to entertain you
- Impressive roof deck creating a remarkable position for unrivalled views
Now, we’re moving on from elegant fairy-tale getaways to something a little different. The Skyscraper is a huge, contemporary bolthole home to a host of gadgets and entertainment options – a wonderful choice for a big family getaway or group celebration. At 25m tall, there’s a lift to get you between floors and some of the stand-out features include the games room with an Xbox, an amplified music mixer DJ deck, a retro arcade machine, and a theatre-style cinema room with karaoke.
On the ground, an outdoor banquet table and a basketball court provide wonderful ways to get outside, while at the top of the building sits a roof deck, with views for miles and miles all around. Details of a caterer can be provided too.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 18 guests
Bedrooms: 3 king-size, 3 twin zip-and-link (which can be made up as a super-king-size on request) and 3 twins
What’s nearby: Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park – meet zebras, crocodiles and polar bears
Why guests love it: “This converted water tower was absolutely fabulous. The refurbishment was modern, innovative and had thought of everything to make it the perfect place to stay. It was spotlessly clean and in a great location for exploring the local area. We were a group of 14 friends and all had a really great time.” – Jenny
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Earth Ship, Perth and Kinross
- A thoughtfully built eco-property with a wonderfully placed, private hot tub
- Undeniably breathtaking views over Loch Leven and Scottish Munros beyond
- Magnificent interior space and large windows to frame your surroundings
A sublime eco-retreat for those looking to holiday as responsibly as possible, and in a magnificent, elevated position – the wonderful curve of the windows makes this property look like a giant eye taking in the wild, picturesque landscape. Exceptional surroundings are not the only reason we love this unique cottage, the detailed, thoughtfully executed interiors – down to the beautiful wood burner and impressive wall map – make this a very special place to stay.
This retreat is set on a working beef and sheep farm, so you can be assured of a rural break; guests are even invited to help collect chicken eggs and, in summer, feed the lambs. Finally, you can sit back and relax in your private hot tub, taking in those phenomenal Loch Leven views.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 7 guests
Bedrooms: 1 super-king-size, 1 king-size zip-and-link (which can be made up as a twin on request) and 1 triple room with king-size and single
What’s nearby: Loch Leven Heritage Trail – you can see the sparkling waters of this loch from the property
Why guests love it: “The Earthship is an amazing property. It is quite unique in so many ways and one of the best we’ve stayed in. The views are stunning and the attention to detail is exceptional. We will definitely be back to this quiet, secluded and well-stocked holiday home. Feel totally relaxed and refreshed from a fabulous week away.” – Iain
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The Old Stable, Dorset
- A petit and picturesque, Grade II-listed bolthole for two
- Old horse stable features, exposed stone walls and a flagstone floor
- Wood burner and underfloor heating for cosiness all year round
On entry, the double-height lounge gives a lovely spacious feeling in such a charming property – head straight to the pretty sofas to collapse or pop into the country cottage-style kitchen to prep dinner. Underfloor heating ensures you’ll be warm and cosy all year round, and a crackling fire in the wood burner enhances the atmosphere even more. The bedroom is raised up into the eaves of this unique cottage, a perfect spot to hunker down and huddle up each evening.
To the front of this immaculately thought-out retreat, you’ll discover an enchanting courtyard with a table and chairs, just the place for a cuppa before heading out on adventures along the nearby Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Cottage profile
Sleeps: 2 guests
Bedrooms: 1 double
What’s nearby: Sea Life Centre Weymouth – an underwater world with sharks, turtles, seals and rays
Why guests love it: “Totally cosy, quaint, and private. Really thoughtful owners that have thought of everything to make your stay as relaxed and comfortable as possible. All information as clear as needed, need a car or bus but beautiful walks nevertheless for the sprightly ones, we loved our week and would never hesitate to return.” – Linda
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The Gun House, Devon
- An entirely unique, one-of-a-kind stay in a World War II guard tower
- Seafront setting with big windows and a private terrace making the most of the scenery
- Luxury, inspiring interior – featured on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces
We’re ending our list on a truly incredible property by the sea with a heritage that’s hard to beat. This tiny seafront retreat was originally built as a World War II guard tower, providing soldiers shelter to guard the Shaldon coastal defences. Today, it’s been converted into a five-star holiday home so that you can sit and take in the same views our soldiers once did. The luxurious interior includes mood lighting, underfloor heating, and a ‘Control 4 home’ automation system.
Just 50 metres along the shore is the quiet Shaldon Beach, backed by colourful houses. From here, you can access Ness Cove Beach through an original smugglers’ tunnel or enjoy a ferry trip across to Teignmouth.
Sleeps: 2 guests
Bedrooms: 1 king-size
What’s nearby: Shaldon Wildlife Trust – a woodland garden with endangered animals and a conservation programme
Why guests love it: “Everything was just perfect! The location was second to none. Everything you need is there, which is amazing in such a compact place. We will be back! Watching the everchanging landscape so close to hand was so relaxing for us both, as we lead such hectic lives! Thank you for a lovely stay.” – Stephanie
Discover The Gun House
Unique cottage getaways
Now that you’ve discovered our top unique cottages, click the button below to browse our unique, one-of-a-kind retreats that you could stay in during 2025.
Start browsing our collection of unusual and unique holiday cottages today and plan a getaway like no other.
Our unique cottages