This East Sussex hideout is the former residence of an artist
who spent his time crafting sculptures using shells borrowed from
the nearby Winchelsea Beach – some of which have been incorporated
into the house. Inside, you’ll find whitewashed wood-grain walls,
ditsy florals and antique furnishings. Outside, a manicured garden
offers a heated pool, sauna and Swedish wood-fired tub. Bring up to
eight of your pals and stay for a long weekend, giving you time to
tour the quintessential seaside town of Rye – pit-stopping in top-notch restaurants and
gin-soaked bars. Our choice? The Fig, for its flatbreads, and The Globe Inn, for
its beer garden. Insider tip: private in-house catering options are
available on request.

What it costs: £670 a night

Following a major £1.5 million refurb, Atlanta Trevone’s five
cottages opened for business on the beautiful North Cornwall coast earlier this year – and
it’s safe to say we’ve been obsessed with them ever since. Perched
on the craggy cliffs of Trevone Bay, the 19th-century mansion was
transformed by husband-and-wife-duo Jess and Ash Alken-Theasby into
a contemporary abode that showcases many of the property’s original
features – think exposed wooden beams and period fireplaces –
complemented by warm hues and art deco touches. Round up the troops
(a maximum of 10, please) and make Atlanta House your base:
sea-facing bedrooms, chic living spaces and beautiful bathrooms
await.

What it costs: £370 a night

Set on the shore between Abermawr and Aberbach in South Wales,
this humble hut was originally built to house the first telephone
lines laid across the Atlantic Ocean. Fast forward an entire
century, and the bolthole has been reimagined as an off-grid oasis
for two. Standouts include a slipper bath, king-sized bed and
open-air terrace. Spend days stomping around Pembrokeshire Coast
National Park, kayaking through hidden coves
and splashing in the crystal-clear waters. Sea-life lovers should
bring a pair of binoculars for spotting visiting dolphins and
seals.

What it costs: £185 a night

Sleeping up to 18, this charming Cotswolds stay is ideal for
those who have a special occasion on the horizon – or dare we say,
a landmark birthday. The 18th-century barn, which has been
converted into a stunning, rural stay, looks like something
straight off an architect’s moodboard, with enormous banquet
tables, braided lights, Moroccan-tiled floors and exposed-stone
walls adorned with tapestries and abstract artworks. Super-slinky
amenities include an indoor pool, tennis court and cinema room –
all set on 200 hectares of rolling farmland. Bedrooms? Think
hand-crafted furnishings, half-moon headboards, baskets stuffed
with overgrown plants and Persian rugs. Plus, airy en-suites that
come stocked with organic toiletries.

What it costs: £1,140 a night

Cocooned by dense forest and wild moorland, this stone-faced
cottage, which sleeps up to six, is backed by the River Dye. Start
your trip with a romp across the dramatic terrain, then return for
a soak in the outdoor wood-fired Swedish tub – which we can confirm
is just as blissful as it sounds. Later, head to the allotment to
pick fresh fruits and vegetables for a barbecued supper. Truth be
told, there isn’t much to explore, so we recommend settling down by
the open fire and gawking at herds of sheep gliding past the
window. Can’t sit still? Take a 30-minute drive to the sleepy
fishing village of Stonehaven to explore the dramatic medieval
ruins of Dunnottar Castle and feast on award-winning ice cream at
Molly’s Café Bar.

What it costs: £270 a night

The whole “unfinished” decor style took us a while to get on
board with, but one peek at this Margate maisonette and we were
fully converted. Spread across the property’s two floors are four
double bedrooms that each carry the same stripped-back look – all
raw plastered walls, exposed beams and slow-grown floorboards.
Margate is a destination suited to those who prefer a lively
nightlife scene on their staycation; we suggest making The Sun Deck
your Friday-night den of choice. The coastal hangout is known among
local cool kids for its stellar cocktails, top-notch sunset views
and live music.

What it costs: £236 a night

Dreamed up by a textile artist who found inspiration in the
principles of Japanese wabi-sabi, this recently renovated hillside
stay describes itself as somewhere that honours age and celebrates
flaws – something that we can absolutely get on board with. The
three-bedroom property features flint borrowed from the original
dwelling, natural patterns, plaster and plenty of warm wood. Bag
the master bedroom, partly for its rainfall shower, but largely for
the sweeping vistas of the surrounding greenery. The hub of the
property is the outdoor terrace, which is decked out with hanging
egg chairs and candlelit lanterns.

What it costs: £270 a night