Nine Instagrammable Villas for the Ultimate UK Staycation

Why do ordinary? That’s the question asked by Oliver’s
Travels, the award-winning travel specialist which has scoured the
globe to find more than 5,000 luxury villas and chateaux ideal for
group holidays. They let us in on the UK’s most swoon-worthy
staycation destinations.



The
UK staycation is having something of a renaissance. Cast
aside your nightmarish preconceptions of broken sticks of rock,
soggy tents and a break down on the M6. Whether you’re after a
family trip to the seaside, a weekend immersed in nature or an
adrenaline-fuelled celebration with friends, the country has a
destination for you – and we’ve found the places to stay when you
get there. Our round-up of the UK’s most Instagrammable homes and
villas are sure to get thumbs double tapping.

These are the UK’s best staycations


hotel

Dartmoor Tea House

Devon

Sleeps 14

Set on a hilltop on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, this
quirky holiday home has an enviable location and even more enviable
views – take in vistas across the Devonshire countryside. With an
amazingly equipped kitchen (complete with an AGA), drawing room
with a fireplace and an impressive six acres of formal gardens and
paddocks, it’s truly a lovely retreat. Kids will love it too, as it
has a tree swing in the woodlands, garden ponds, Wi-Fi and a pool
house.

Most Instagrammable features: Populate your
feed with pictures that capture the fusion of Shanghai-inspired and
classical English interiors, or the East-Asian pool house.


hotel

Beach Retreat

Kent

Sleeps 13

Thought you had to jump on a plane for a beach getaway? Think
again. From this spot in Kent you can make the most of the UK’s
stunning coastline. If the weather is being typically British, the
retreat has an indoor sunroom – it was one of the first rooms in
the country to have installed innovative health-giving sun
simulators.

Most Instagrammable features: The themed rooms.
Head to the St Tropez-style living area which has its own beach
(yes, you read that correctly), the velvet cinema room or the
tropical garden. Individual bedroom themes take their cue from time
travel, surfing and Venetian palaces.


hotel

Callander House

Scotland

Sleeps 12-24

While this handsome baronial house dates back to 1835, the space
has since benefited from an interior overhaul by artist-owner
Stuart McAlpine Miller and his wife, Nikki. Adorned with
contemporary artworks and state-of-the-art-furnishings, this
historic gem brings together the best of past and present. Twelve
acres of private gardens surround the property – soak up their
charm as you wander around, go fishing or enjoy vistas of the
Highlands on the horizon.

Most Instagrammable features: Every. Single.
Room. Take a snap by the neon-lit bar in the entertainment room or
the dining room complete with “The Savoy Series” of artworks. This
place is a veritable playground for Instagrammers: perch by the
baby grand piano in the morning room or take a dip in a
freestanding rose-gold bathtub.


hotel

Woodland Star

Somerset

Sleeps 8-10

Another holiday home set amongst the forest, this is the kind of
place where you could easily be forgiven for thinking that you’ve
stepped into a fairy-tale. Designed with its surroundings in mind,
Woodland Star looks as if it’s been carved out of trees – adults
and children will be equally intrigued.

Most Instagrammable features: This
one-of-a-kind property, really (ahem) branches out the design
stakes. Don’t miss the “tree” found between the living and dining
rooms.


hotel

Strathdon Castle

Scotland

Sleeps 24-26 (well, it is a castle)

This castle offers the perfect fusion of old-school baronial
style and modern-day luxury. Refurbishments have been sympathetic
to its original character – the mansion retains its historic
drawing room, whisky library, Victorian walled garden and a small,
private loch fed by the River Don. Time to dust off your best Lord
and Lady impression.

Most Instagrammable features: This is a
17th-century castle – there’s little here that isn’t going to make
your feed light up. All rooms are all decorated with Scottish
flair. Plus, its 18 acres of private woodland and gardens are great
for outdoor shots. It’s clear to see why Billy Connolly owned this
place for a while.


hotel

Chevaliers Gatehouse

Midlands

Sleeps 4

This secluded hamlet pays homage to its past – linen tapestries
honour Prince Rupert who stayed here while he commanded royalist
troops during the Civil War, for instance. Take a step back into a
bygone era while you wander the halls and rooms of this Elizabethan
Gatehouse, its courtyard and private garden.

Most Instagrammable features: The interior is
full of character. Point your camera towards its original beams and
historical decor.


hotel

Inglethorpe Hall

Norfolk

Sleeps 20

One of only a handful of Grade II-listed country homes in
England, Inglethorpe Hall is a fascinating go-to for destination
weddings, celebrations or general large group getaways. Stay here
and you’ll enjoy all 30 acres of the estate – including private
grounds and three additional cottages – to yourself.

Most Instagrammable features: This
postcard-perfect building has been elegantly restored – we love
admiring its exterior.


hotel

Cameron North Lodge

Scotland

Sleeps 6-8

Set on the banks of Loch Lomond, this stylish property was
designed to impress with open-plan entertaining spaces decked out
with beautiful furnishings. Not only this, Cameron North Lodge can
be used as a Vill’Otel, that being a space that gives you all the
privacy and independence of a villa but with all the conveniences
of a hotel (think: daily breakfast, cleaning, a welcome hamper and
fridge-stocking service).

Most Instagrammable features: Don’t miss the
glass-fronted extension and eye-catching exterior design as well as
state-of-the-art interior decor. Plus the luxury hot tub has views
of the stunning Loch Lomond – great for that classic champagne
shot.


hotel

Salcombe Retreat

Devon

Sleeps 14-20

A refined treehouse with Scandinavian vibes, this chic holiday
home is set in woodlands and draws guests with open-plan living,
understated luxury, minimalist design and sleek furnishings.
Originally designed as a writer’s nook, it’s an ideal retreat for
creatives.

Most Instagrammable features: Immersed in
nature, this holiday house is seriously ‘grammable for its location
alone. Yet the fusion of retro and contemporary furniture really
makes it a photo-worthy place to escape.