"Stay in Britain's First Self Catering Treehouse!". Welcome to the Treehouse @ West Hayes, a luxury Treehouse Holiday Home, sleeping up to five guests.

Visit this unique holiday destination and enjoy an exclusive and exciting holiday. The treehouse is situated in the beautiful conservation village of Halse in Somerset.

It is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Exmoor, The Brendon, Blackdown and Quantock Hills. Halse is only six miles from Junction 25 of the M5, making the Treehouse @ West Hayes a perfect location for both short breaks and longer holidays. 'Aspire to Great Heights, a unique concept in 5 star self catering holidays'.

"An inviting space that offers our guests an exclusive and exquisite retreat, the fairy tale exterior of the Treehouse opens to reveal a spacious, sumptuous interior, carefully designed to sleep up to five people in luxury".

Click on the tree house photograph for more information about this unusual self-catering holiday.

Book an unusual self-catering holiday in a windmill as a special treat to celebrate an anniversary or for a romantic break. The windmill overlooks the rolling countryside and small hamlet of Weatheroak.

With a golf course and traditional country pub within a hundred yards walking distance and Shakespeare’s Stratford and other major attractions within a short drive, you will find plenty to do while you are here. Or do nothing. It’s up to you!

The windmill itself is a Grade II listed building because of it’s historic interest and has recently been completely renovated and modernised to offer 2 bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and a magnificent 360 degree viewing gallery on the top floor.

There are spectacular views from the top of the windmill. Click on the photograph to read details and to contact the owner for bookings and availability.

More self-catering windmills to rent....

Be King and Queen of your own castle in Cumbria in the north west (10 +4-6)

Self-catering does not get any more unusual than this - book a stay as king and queen of your own castle in Cumbria, near the Scottish borders.

Brackenhill Tower is full of medieval features adapted to provide a luxurious and comfortable holiday home. All is full of character inside creating an atmospheric setting for dining and special events.

A stay at Brackenhill Tower would be memorable to say the least. You could have the most amazing photographs as a momento of a party for an anniversary, engagement or even small wedding.

Click on the photographs of this most unusual holiday accommodation and prepare to be inspired.

The Tower sleeps up to 10 people in 4 bedrooms.  There are :

• two double bedrooms,
• a master bedroom and
• a bedroom with four single beds. 

All bedrooms have en suite facilities. 

The Kitchen is within the vaulted basement and the Great Hall is the feature dining room, just as it would have been hundreds of years ago.

With Brackenhill Tower just north of the Lake District as your holiday base, explore the Scottish Borders, The Lake District, Cumbria and the beautiful Galloway Coast just over the border in Scotland.

Groups of up to 10 people can be accommodated in the towerhouse and a futher 4/6 could hire the attached Jacobean cottage if required.  Perfect for that family get together or special occasion. Please click on the photograph shown of this highly unusual castle property for further details.

More castles to rent for your holiday or event?

Fabulous interiors

Barnacre Cottages are the first gold award winning, five-star, self-catering holiday cottages in Lancashire, north west England. Created from the old stone buildings of an 18th century farmhouse, aspiring to the very highest standards of self-catering accommodation. The cottages are all supplied with natural spring water.

The quality of the accommodation is matched by our superb location, with magnificent views towards the coast and the Lake District. We are in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Forest of Bowland. Set in ten acres, bordered by woodland, and visited by local deer and pheasants, you will find excellent walking on hand right from your doorstep.

• An all-weather tennis court on site
• Fishing is available in the area
• For golfers, both Royal Lytham and Royal Birkdale are within easy reach, but there is also a great choice of golf courses available locally.
• Explore the north west of England - The Lake District is 45 minutes away, visit Blackpool just to tick it off your list.

Click on the cottage photograph to read more about these stunning country cottages in the Forest of Bowland with their own spring water supply. Make it an unusual holiday this year in an unusual area.

The only self-catering lighthouse in Britain where you actually get to sleep inside round rooms in a 110-foot- tall historic lighthouse tower.

Built in 1830 and located on sand dunes near a six-mile stretch of award-winning golden beaches in Somerset, Burnham High Lighthouse is the perfect location for an unforgettable holiday, romantic weekend, or short-break. The High Lighthouse still has its original lantern preserved inside a room with a glass floor and copper-domed roof. Climb 120 steps, through 8-storeys, to the lantern room and from the balcony you will enjoy the best views in Somerset – up to 22 miles in every direction!

The tower sleeps six comfortably in:

• Three double rooms – all are en-suite.
• Separate circular bathroom complete with a French cast-iron roll-top bath overlooked by a ship’s figurehead
• Modern fully-equipped galley kitchen at the top.
• Second kitchen/breakfast room at the bottom with a farmhouse table and dome ceiling.
• Fully furnished, towels, soap etc are all provided along with a welcome hamper.
• Parking for up-to three cars is available in a secluded private driveway.
• Free WIFI broadband internet access throughout – Bring your laptop!
• Small patio/barbecue area outside in a garden surrounded by mature plants and vines.
• Well behaved pets are welcome but must be restricted to the ground floor.
• There is a strict NO SMOKING policy throughout the building.

Burnham-on Sea is an old-fashioned Victorian seaside resort – much smaller than the neighbouring Weston-Super-Mare. It is an ideal base for a family seaside holiday or an unforgettable break with friends. The lighthouse is located only 2 miles from the M5 and is an ideal base to explore Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.

The list of things to do is endless from windsurfing, golf and kite-flying on the beach to shopping in Glastonbury or exploring the historic cities of Wells, Bath, Bristol and Exeter. Whether you’re a fan of everything nautical or have just dreamed of living in like a lighthouse………. we think YOU’LL LOVE IT!

Telephone Patrick on 0797 0983245 or click on one of the photographs to explore this luxurious self-catering lighthouse.

Brignall Mill, near Barnard Castle, is an eighteenth century stone built watermill. Offering a peaceful and relaxing stay, the Mill stands in an idyllic spot beside the River Greta.

The mill lies within the old North Riding of Yorkshire, bordering the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It offers all home comforts in a Listed building which has the old waterwheel, grindstones and mill machinery incorporated into it. The interior is cosy with plenty of character. Two bedrooms and a sofa bed allow 4 to 6 people to stay in comfort.

• We have been awarded the Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme
• also one of only two 'outstanding' awards from Durham County Council in their Environment Awards and are shortly going to be offering a course on "How to make your Historic Building Sustainable".

Click on the photograph to read more...

Suran-Y-Coed our Scandinavian Finlodge set in its own fenced grounds near a babbling stream. Look out for the buzzards or kites flying over head and listen to the little owls at night. Great views of the surrounding hills and natural woodlands that shelter this private valley.

luxury 5 star pine lodge - secluded setting

The Lodge is made from solid pine timbers with open plan ground floor, kitchen, living area and dining area, ptr shower area and toilet.

luxurious warm and cosy sitting room	double bedroom in this pine lodge

The kitchen is fully equipped with fridge, microwave, washing machine, gas hob and electric oven. The living area has Sky television with video and CD radio. Upstairs we have a double bathroom en-suite and a twin room.

The lodge is gas central heated and for the long summer evenings there is a spacious veranda equipped with hand-made wooden furniture and outside lighting. Watch the sun go down with a glass of wine in our very comfortable chairs after a dip in the hot tub watching the stars come out. Hire our 4-person hot tub to unwind in secluded surroundings. Adults only. The hot tub is up at the main farm house (50 yards) on a private sun trap patio with table and chairs, plus a gas barbecue.

All accommodation on the farm is non-smoking. Sorry no pets as we are a working farm.

Telephone Chris Morgan for more information and availability or click on an image to find out more.

Fairfield Barns are two luxurious country cottages with exotic interest situated in 2 acres of rural splendour in Wiltshire near Bath. The phrase 'English eccentricity' springs to mind.

An 18th century barn and stable block have been converted into The ‘Hay Barn’ and ‘Loose Box’, sleeping up to 11 people in total. Beamed throughout, log fires, exotic Indian, African foreign themed bedrooms ( all doubles en suite), 6 ft. beds, 4 poster, Jacuzzi, corner and roll top baths.

• Unwind in our tropical, indoor pool, sauna, gym and tennis court or pamper yourself with a beauty treatment.
• Children love our adventure play trail and playhouse.

The sitting room of Loose Box cottage is shown on the left. The 2 cottages can be rented separately or both together for a house party, or special occasion such as birthday party or reunion. They are superbly equipped, and guests keep coming back year after year.

We have cots, highchairs, changing mats, baby listeners, a bay sitting service, toys, games, DVD's, books, childrens toiletries. And for our older guests we have soft White Company bath robes, Molton & Brown toiletries, flowers in all rooms, wine, a home-made cake and a welcome breakfast basket for your arrival.

Telephone Gilly on 01225 703585, or 07768 625 868 for availability or click on one of the photographs for additional information about these somewhat unusual cottages.

This beautiful 17th-century country house in breathtaking surroundings, just 45 minutes drive from the Lake District - is undoubtedly the finest holiday home in the Trough of Bowland and offers a truly special self-catering experience

An unusual house in every way, from its monastic origins, through elegant period living to a comfortable home set in a 2 acre garden with extensive lawns, maze, orchard and stream.

Higher Lee, in keeping with its period, retains the original features such as sculpted columns, antique furniture, an Aga in the kitchen, as one would expect, but also incorporates modern essentials such as dishwasher, washing machine, SKY TV, Games rooms offering table tennis, darts, table football.

This is an absolutely fabulous house for a group of up to 10 people, click on the photographs of the house to view prices and details.

Situated on a working Railway Station alongside the Old Station House in the historic Wolds village of Hunmanby, near Filey, North Yorkshire, The Old Waiting Rooms has many original features and has been tastefully restored to provide unique holiday accommodation comfortably sleeping two people for short breaks or full weeks.

The Old Waiting Rooms are just 1.5 miles from Yorkshire’s Heritage Coast and only 30 minutes away from the North Yorkshire Moors, all these beautiful attractions can be easily accessed by car or public transport.

Trains run regularly between the hours of 7.00am and 8.15pm from Hunmanby Station on the Scarborough to Hull Northern Trains line and with trains direct from the Station to Filey, Scarborough, Bridlington, Beverley, Cottingham and Hull, and with one change at Scarborough to Whitby and York, the Old Waiting Rooms offers the chance to explore North Yorkshire’s Coast and Moors entirely by train.

Please click on the photographs to explore the self-catering accommodation and things you can do on this highly unusual self-catering holiday.

More cottages and accommodation for railway enthusiasts, near rail, steam and train attractions listed here..

A sympathetically restored Grade II Listed former postmill centrally located in the North Suffolk village of Thorndon is available for weekly self-catering holidays.  The mill was built in the 18th Century and still retains the impressive beams which originally held the buck and sails before they were struck by lightening in 1923. 

The new granary extension houses the main accommodation mixing rustic charm with retro style. The mill has a large fully equipped kitchen with double Rangemaster, breakfast table and dishwasher.  A spiral stairs lead to an open plan spacious lounge with leather sofa and TV.  A glass link leads you through to the granary.  Here you will find a downstairs WC; utility room with washing machine; TV room/snug with TV and sofa; dining room with pine farmhouse table seating up to 8 and finally the boot room. 

All downstairs rooms have underfloor heating. 

Upstairs has a Master bedroom with super king bed and en-suite shower room; Bedroom 2 with double bed; Bedroom 3 with double bed and en-suite shower room.  There is also a family bathroom with corner bath.

There is a large garden with a 2 acre paddock, gas BBQ and outside furniture for 'al fresco' dining.  The mill is situated on a quiet working arable farm with exceptional views across the rolling Suffolk countryside and Waveney Valley.

The village of Thorndon, near Eye, has a good pub serving home cooked food and good ales.  There are many local footpaths for walking, quiet country lanes for cycling with many local attractions within easy driving distance.

Please click on the photograph of the Postmill to find out more about this unusual self-catering holiday let in Eye, Suffolk .

Click on the photograph to find out more about this highly unusual romantic property

The Oriental Brewhouse is an unusual zany one bedroom self-catering holiday cottage, created by a designer. It's unlikely that you will have stayed somewhere quite as exotic as this before.

A grade 2 listed cottage next to the imposing grey stone, Georgian fronted Priory House, which has been noted by TV appearances featuring the unusual interior. A wild garden welcomes you through a leafy wooded drive.

The Brew House, formerly provider of Ales to the village coaching inns from before the Civil War, is now a romantic hideaway with a touch of "Baronial splendour" and oodles of exotica. Relax in the foliage and flower filled conservatory. The spacious oak beamed lounge combines the comfort of the modern feather filled sofas with antique furniture and ethnic art. Large Kilims soften the medieval style terracotta floor. An antique French chandelier illuminates the dining table and leopardskin curtains provide extra warmth and privacy. The inglnook features a large log burner and there is a T.V. don't forget to bring your favourite CD's and tapes.

An intricately carved padouk wood screen covers one wall, brought back from India by the explorer and mystic writer Sir Francis Younghusband at the turn of the last century. A cast iron Victorian spiral staircase takes you to the galleried bedroom, luxuriate in the embroidered bed linen and cosy duvet. The designer built kitchen in cream, pink and gold reflects the oriental theme, as well as essential equipment there are of course Indian wall hangings.

The designer owner designs equally unusual and romantic ladies wear and wedding outfits - just in case you're interested.

The Oriental Brewhouse is pet-friendly so that your dog can accompany you and not feel left out. Click on the photograph of this unusual romantic cottage to find out more and for contact details.

Self-catering houseboat in West London opposite Kew Gardens

The Bush Houseboat, moored beside Kew Gardens in west London is perfect self-catering holiday accommodation for anyone visiting London for a short or longer break.  

The 3 bedroom newly refurbished houseboat can sleep 4 adults and a child.

Based in the west of London you have access to a host of fabulous tourist attractions and many such as Kew Gardens on your doorstep. The London museums are within easy reach.  

Click on the houseboat photograph to view details of this unusual self catering let.

Click on the links below to view other unusual self-catering properties:

• Self-catering chalets
• Character cottages for self-catering holidays
• self-catering holiday cottages the Lincolnshire Wolds 
• Unusual self-catering cottages