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