We spend our lives looking to sunnier and more exotic locales for a holiday fix, often forgetting the varied beauty of the landscapes that lie on our own doorstep. From hygge-inspired boltholes in the Cotswolds to charming woodland cabins in the Highlands, holidaycottages.co.uk's properties are giving us some serious inspiration to explore on home shores this year.

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House on the Hill

Hastings, Sussex

Maximalist and theatrical types will bow down to this maverick of a holiday home. With sea views and suntraps (the decadent courtyard where greenery is overflowing is made for al-fresco dining), in and out there’s an endless list of things to love about House on the Hill. A lavish abode, the gem-like sitting room is kitted with canary-yellow lampshades and marble-pattern chairs indicative of the flamboyant tastes of the house owner. Design-led, nautical touches like gilded ship lamps and framed seafaring artworks are a nod to nearby fishing huts, from where you can buy the latest catch for your supper. After dinner, it’s a cinema-style experience with six-foot projector screen in the lounge.

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The Hoe Cottage

Lynton, Devon

Pack your hiking boots for a weekend of wandering around Lynton and its twin village of Lynmouth, dubbed “the walking capital of Exmoor”. After a day exposed to the elements, retreat to your lodge-style house set into the cliffs overlooking Lynmouth Bay. Wooden beams, herringbone-upholstered chairs and freestanding bookshelves contribute to cosy surroundings. With a wine cellar and pizza oven to boot, you’re set up for a stellar night in. Bedrooms are colourful and playful – think pom-pom tassels on the bed throw – and millionaire’s shortbread is abundant.

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Peony Cottage

Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswolds

This country cottage most certainly has an equally distinguished city-based partner. The vibrant market town of Moreton-in-the-Marsh is situated on the Fosse Way and now served by the main line railway from London Paddington. Debonair in its design, expect sophisticated finishings, gilded frames and single roses placed nonchalantly around the household. The kitchen is a strong sell for roll-up-your-sleeves types, but others can light the wood burner and sink into the sofa for movie night before retiring upstairs. Twin freestanding bathtubs are a dream-inducing finish to your day.

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Grand View

St Andrews

Set on a hillside, this bright and modern bungalow is open plan and kitted with modern fixtures and traditional fabrics. Scandi-Scot in style, the landscape takes centre stage with floor-to-ceiling windows from which you’ll clock a hot tub and sunken trampoline. The enclosed garden is also kitted out with a charcoal barbecue ideal for an al-fresco evening meal. Alternatively, nearby Newburgh has a butcher, a baker – but no candlestick maker. However, Lindores Abbey Distillery (which offers whisky afternoon teas) isn’t a bad consolation prize.

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The Orangery

Stroud, Cotswolds

Feel like queen bee peering through the honeycomb-shaped paned windows of The Orangery’s living room. A majestic pink turret complete with peacock mural, the interiors of the room are themselves a sight for sore eyes (and our favourite spot to while away an afternoon). A characterful choice, this property is one to show off. Prepare meals in the kitchen and head for the dining room for fork suppers with friends on summer evenings. Guests should enter via the garden.

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The Beach Huts

Chichester, Sussex

A South Coast seaside escape with a sprinkle of nostalgia, these lemon-sherbert and duck-egg-blue hued beach huts are utterly delectable. Tucked away in the corner of a private farm, the playful postings offer quirky accommodation with an eco-friendly edge. Make use of the indoor-swimming pool located next to the property and if tennis is your game practise your serve on the nearby shared court.

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Thatched Cottage

Chipping Norton, Cotswolds

A thatched cottage perfect for two, rustic romanticism abounds at this Cotswold habitue – think shuttered windows, a large inglenook fireplace and cosy reading nooks. In the quiet village of Whichford, famous for its pottery, late mornings should be spent idly enjoying scrambled eggs in bed before curling up in an aged-leather chair, draped in shearling, for your third cup of coffee and a read of the morning’s papers. In the evening, climb the coir-carpeted stairs to the first floor where you’ll find your bedroom, complete with roll-top bath.

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Hathaway Cottage

Hook Norton, Cotswolds

Hideaways like Hathaway Cottage are hard to come by. Set in the village of Hook Norton, chocolate-box houses in honey hues are an inevitability. Sprawling countryside peeps over thatched roofs and beckons keen walkers. Foodies, in particular, will relish in a stay at Hathaway. The kitchen is fitted with hanging copper pots, an AGA and rows of cookbooks, while the Daylesford farm shop is a short ramble away if cooking doesn’t go to plan.

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The Lowdown

Book a trip to one of these gorgeous getaways (and more) at holidaycottages.co.uk.