Rural Retreats is happy to host The Link at Cromer Lighthouse in collaboration with Trinity House. Although the current lighthouse, a white octagonal tower, was constructed in 1833 and put into automatic operation in 1990, the original Cromer Lighthouse dates back to 1680.

One of two semi-detached cottages at the lighthouse, The Link boasts breathtaking sea views and is located just a mile away from the ancient North Norfolk town of Cromer. You may browse stores, pubs, and taste the local seafood, especially the delicious Cromer crab sandwiches, by taking a ten-minute walk down the beach or the coastal path into Cromer. Family vacationers love Cromer, which boasts a long sandy beach and brightly coloured beach huts. Along with housing an open-air RNLI lifeboat station, the pier also has a theatre and cafe. Try your hand at catching your own Cromer crab from the pier by renting buckets and dipping nets there! There is a great waterfront

The cabin offers a distinctive stay, tucked among its own wildflower meadow and blossom trees. It is situated in an AONB with breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Derbyshire countryside and beyond. This charming hideaway is dog-friendly and can accommodate up to two guests. You won’t want to leave. Beautiful views await you when you wake up. You can enjoy a leisurely bath outside on the deck as the sun rises over the valley, or you can enjoy your morning coffee while watching the birds outside. It is the ideal location for enjoyment, relaxation, and escape.

You will be encircled by nature here. Buzzards and red kites soar in the sky above, and when the stars come out, keep an ear out for hooting tawny owls and badgers ambling across the meadows. The gorgeous blooming trees will be in full bloom in the spring, along with the annual return of the swallows, who make their nests in our old structures. The lovely meadow flowers during the summer months give wildlife a nectar-rich sanctuary.

A king-size deluxe bed is located inside the cabin, providing ample space for restful sleep. The furnishings’ muted colours and organic textures produce a tranquil and comforting atmosphere. The broad glass doors provide an unobstructed view of the rural landscape of Amber Valley. From the luxury of the king size bed, take in all of this. Each and every element has been designed to inspire a feeling of luxury and leisure. You won’t ever want to go.

The totally self-contained cabin has underfloor heating for the cooler months and is entirely insulated with sheepswool. Everything you need to enjoy mealtimes is included in the beautifully designed kitchen.

If you do choose to go outside, though, you may open the cabin doors and eat al fresco on the deck area thanks to the built-in deck. In addition to a fire pit and lounging area with hammocks to unwind in while admiring the stunning scenery, there’s an outdoor bath where you may stargaze. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy those summer evenings spent watching the sun set.

You will receive a welcome bag packed of necessities that are obtained locally for your enjoyment as soon as you arrive. We’ll have kindling and logs in a basket for the fire pit.

You can also book The Old Granary which is situated on the same farm, this sleeps up to six people.

Situated on the outskirts of Oulton hamlet, Acorn Cottage is a charming rural getaway on the fringe of the Blickling Hall estate. Aylsham, a local market town, has all you need, including a regular farmer’s market with a jazz band and a Friday morning WI market. The classy Georgian town of Holt has classic food hall Larner’s, the Norfolk equivalent of Harrods, as well as charming independent stores, antiques, art galleries, and cafes!

Stone House, which was formerly the home and workshop of the local stonemasons, has been beautifully renovated to become a year-round vacation destination with all the beauty and character of the past mixed in with all the contemporary conveniences you could ask for. The magnificent partition wall that greets you as soon as you enter the flagstone-floored entrance hall—the hub of everything the cottage has to offer—was created by exposing the original wooden vertical beams.

The Hop Kiln, formerly a functional kiln, has been elegantly transformed to produce a roomy and distinctive vacation rental. On the border between South Shropshire and North Herefordshire, the property is situated next to an operational farm. The exposed brickwork and beams have been meticulously preserved by the owners, who have expertly transformed the property into a chic and contemporary home away from home. The stunning, gated lawned garden and the cider apple orchard are also visible from the property. With family and friends, there’s no shortage of space to enjoy both inside and outside.

Situated in a charming courtyard next to a functional farm on the border of North and South Shropshire, The Hayloft has been elegantly transformed into a distinctive, spacious studio vacation rental. You will have total privacy because the property is cosy, self-contained, and detached from the main house. The property’s historic bricks and beams have been expertly preserved by the owners, who also created a really chic and contemporary studio. There is plenty of parking and you have your own access to the first level via exterior steps.

A Groom’s View, situated above the old stables and offering breathtaking views of rural north Herefordshire, is historically the groom’s home. It has been tastefully rebuilt and expertly arranged inside to create the ideal rural haven for romance.

You don’t need to search far for the ideal romantic getaway—all the necessities are conveniently located just four miles away in the charming “black and white” village of Pembridge, including the award-winning farm shop and butcher, The New Inn, which is one of the oldest inns in Britain and The Cider Barn, a superb restaurant that serves delectable lunches and dinners along with a cafe menu.

The Tower is a unique property that the whole family will love. Built in 1934, its interior has been furnished and decorated in accordance with the year of construction; underfloor heating and floor lighting, for example, add to the elegance of the space. Other simple, clean features include white ceramic tiles and a large, plain white free-standing bath tub.

This is a beautiful part of the nation with sloping terrain and the old town of Maldon to visit. There’s no better place to take it all in than your own ancient building. The pictures from the holidays will definitely be unforgettable!

One of three barns on Bullocks Farm that have been elegantly renovated by a group of distinguished architects, Fox Hatch offers you plenty of comfort and opulence for the ideal getaway.

Look out at the South-East’s rolling farmland and scenery. Sit back with a cup of coffee at the spacious breakfast bar as you make plans for the day. Alternatively, unwind in front of the TV while staying warm and toasty thanks to the underfloor heating and wood-burning stove. Nestled in the privacy of a working farm, Fox Hatch is a spacious, open-plan barn that has been beautifully transformed to make a pleasant home-from-home.

The proprietors have thought about everything to make your stay enjoyable, from the bed linens and towels made entirely of cotton to the free logs and dishwasher tablets. There is ample natural light and space in the spacious open-plan living area, which is attractively decorated in a contemporary style. They can provide you with seasonal meats and goodies if you like to cook and would like to try some of the (very) local produce.

The Dairy is perfect for get-togethers with friends, weddings, and other events. It consists of two wings called Exeter Cottage and Cecil Cottage. Original dairy elements have been preserved and repurposed whenever possible, along with the addition of some antique furniture, paintings, and prints from Burghley House’s collections. Thomas Hamel, an award-winning interior designer, has created amazing living and dining areas with open fireplaces and breathtaking views. The benefit of an en suite bathroom with walk-in showers and deep bathtubs is available in every room. There’s an enclosed garden and room for your dogs.

The Dairy is close to Burghley House, which has a full schedule of activities and amenities. These include motor rallies, music festivals, food markets and country fairs, the world-renowned Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, and the Burghley Film Festival. While the park surrounding the house is open year-round throughout the day, the House and Gardens are only open from mid-March to November. The Orangery Restaurant is open most days from mid-January to Christmas. Visitors to the Dairy will enjoy exclusive access to the park and can stroll along ‘Capability’s Cutting,’ an 18th-century drive, to the stunning Lion Bridge and across the lake, two of Brown’s most recognisable natural features.

Situated in Tinwell, close to Stamford, this beautifully constructed luxury home is an ideal getaway for couples seeking a romantic getaway in ‘The best area to live in Britain’ (as determined by the Sunday Times). In humble beginnings, Rectory Cottage served as a stable for the nearby rectory. What will pique guests’ interest is the row of nails nailed into a beam, above which are little pieces of paper, some of which still bear the name of the horse whose gear would have hung beneath. This 18th-century cottage’s many original elements have been painstakingly preserved, and its New England character with a dash of French romance makes it an opulent self-catering retreat where lovers may unwind and find inspiration.

Meavy Cottage, which has five cottages on a terrace on the Gitcombe Estate, is a sleek and trendy open-plan living space that is ideal for entertaining up to four people.

With a full-size tennis court, heated indoor and outdoor pools, a hand-carved children’s playground, an indoor soft play area, a sauna, a steam room, and a hot tub, this 14-acre estate truly has something for everyone. Meavy Cottage is the ideal vacation house and starting point for your Devon getaway because your stay at the Gitcombe Estate includes access to a wealth of shared amenities, making it the ideal choice for anybody looking for adventure, fun, or leisure.

We are happy to offer Warden at Bull Point Lighthouse, North Devon, in collaboration with Trinity House.

Bull Point Lighthouse has been directing ships to safely cross this striking promontory since it was first built in 1879. With the assistance of the lighthouse keepers who resided here, 93 incident-free years elapsed before the Principle Keeper detected ground movement in 1972, which led to a partial collapse of the engine and fog station and the fall of 15 metres of cliff face into the sea.

Much of the old equipment was used in the construction of the replacement lighthouse, which is still visible. However, it is now automated and managed remotely from Trinity House’s Planning Centre in Harwich, Essex. Unfortunately for the lighthouse keepers, but fortunately for the rest of us, all four of the cottages have been remodelled with opulent mattresses, linen, and towels, well-appointed kitchens, and cosy sitting areas—all fittings for the 21st-century traveller. Even WiFi has lately made it to the site, despite its isolated location. Naturally, it’s not always as dependable as it is, especially when a storm is approaching!

Hazel Cottage, with its elegantly decorated interior and private hot tub, is the ideal getaway spot for those seeking to create enduring memories. A “Hazel” hot tub holiday, set within 24 acres of breathtaking Devon countryside, is the ultimate romantic getaway, well-suited for exploring the region’s breathtaking coastline and rural areas.

During your visit, there is convenient on-site parking near the cottage for up to two automobiles.

At Little Dunley, a variety of unique add-on services are also offered, including holistic and massage therapies in addition to manicures and facials. Along with your soothing vacation in the “Hazel” hot tub, you may take advantage of a number of on-site recreational opportunities, including a fishing lake, 24 acres of gorgeous, peaceful countryside, and a year-round hard tennis court.

When the 6th Duke of Devonshire finished his landscaping in the 1760s, Gardener’s Cottage was the only building still surviving. Gardener’s Cottage remained intact even when the entire Edensor village was relocated. The Duke of Devonshire is thought to have made this choice because the house was situated in a natural dip, out of sight of Chatsworth House, and did not block the breathtaking rural views, however the exact reasons behind it is still somewhat of a mystery.

The lovely three-bedroom cottage with Grade II listing greets you as soon as you arrive at Gardener’s Cottage. After being privately renovated by the Duchess of Devonshire, the cottage now offers a lovely, cosy haven for friends and family to get away from everyday life.

Gardener’s Cottage is a large, comfortable cottage with two floors of living space and all the amenities you might want for a getaway from home. Prepare a delicious meal in the fully functional kitchen and enjoy it with your loved ones in the tastefully decorated dining area. Gardener’s Cottage offers comfort in every area, from the plush couches to the bedrooms, each with its own private bathroom. It’s the ideal location for friends and family to unwind and appreciate this exceptional estate.

There is plenty of space for the dogs and kids to play in the garden that encircles the house. For those long summer nights, there’s a patio area with plenty of seats and a charcoal barbecue.

Gardener’s Cottage is in the ideal location for a peaceful getaway.

This stunning barn conversion, which was formerly a part of the village farm, has been painstakingly restored to keep its rustic beauty and rural tradition while adding all the conveniences of home. The exposed beams and pieces from the neighbourhood carpenter have been expertly incorporated into the chic interior design.

Situated at the doorstep of Derbyshire’s marvels, Taddington is a charming community within the Peak District National Park. Step out of The Old Hen Shed’s front door and embark on an adventure on one of the numerous walking and cycling trails, or take advantage of the bus connections to nearby towns like Bakewell and Buxton, where there are lots of boutique stores and charming cafes. Situated just a short stroll away, the classic village pub offers mouthwatering fare and locally brewed ales.

Blackwood is situated on the grounds of the owner’s house, Ristonville, which was formerly the residence of Hornsea Pottery designer John Clappison. It is only a short stroll from Hornsea’s town centre and five minutes from the beach. Remodelled in 2023, this contemporary detached hideaway extends a warm greeting to anyone hoping to get away and enjoy the pleasures of the Yorkshire shore.

There is definitely something for everyone in Hornsea. The largest freshwater lake in Yorkshire, Hornsea Mere, must rank highly on the list. You can rent a rowing boat here and enjoy the scenery or go fishing or birdwatching. Numerous independent shops provide excellent services, and the town offers a wide variety of dining options, including quaint tea houses, pubs, bars, and restaurants. With the added bonus of contemporary conveniences, it nevertheless has a lot of the allure of a historic coastal resort.

Undoubtedly, the prime hilltop site of Wreay Mansions, in the hamlet of Watermillock, attracted the Duke of Norfolk, who used it as a hunting lodge.

Whatever the season, this unusual residence offers superb views of Lake Ullswater and the surrounding picturesque fells. The well constructed and furnished accommodations provide an opulent and roomy living space that maximises the breathtaking views. The ideal spot to unwind and take in the breathtaking English Lakes scenery is the 30-foot-long covered balcony.

Along with a wide selection of local farm shops, market town butchers, bakers and providers of Lakeland food, including the famous Cumberland sausage, there are plenty of well-known eateries and gastropubs in the vicinity. This well-liked peaceful getaway is the ideal place for a family vacation. Pictures really cannot do the true panorama justice; you have to see the views for yourself. Seeing it with your own eyes is the only way to truly experience it!

Situated on a small peninsula on Minety Lake, Minety Dawn is a stunning and spacious family property that is conveniently located in the heart of Lower Mill Estate, an upscale spa resort. Minety Dawn is a gorgeous open-plan home with a log fire, beautiful views of the lake and direct lake access via a private jetty. It sleeps 8 guests very comfortably over 3 levels. It is possible to arrange two single beds in the fifth bedroom.

There is much for the whole family to do on the larger Estate, and seamless indoor/outdoor living is made possible by the enormous bi-fold doors on the ground floor. Awaken rejuvenated and ready to take on another day of paddle boarding, kayaking, cycling, or simply relaxing in the opulent on-site Spa—free access is provided with this property — as you drift off to sleep to the soothing sounds of nature. Not far away are the on-site field-to-fork restaurant Ballihoo and Spa, both of which serve excellent coffee!

With its light and airy open-plan layout and romantically positioned hot tub, this gorgeous cedar wood lodge wonderfully blends in with the expansive Cumbrian scenery it is situated within. High Bridge Haven, which has views of the Duddon Estuary, is the ideal location from which to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Lake District National Park, which is only ten miles away.

High Bridge Haven is an amazing cedar lodge that was created specifically to be the ideal retreat for two people. It is tucked away in a private setting with breathtaking views of the surrounding Lake District mountains and the Duddon Estuary.

Perched on the brink of a seventy-acre historic forest, just a few miles from the Rutland border, Missy’s House in the Woods is a magnificent barn conversion that seamlessly blends elegant design plus wheelchair accessibility.

Part of Rockingham Forest are the nearby deer parks and farms, which were formerly the wood mill for the Bulwick Estate, which has been in the Tryon and Conant families’ possession since 1619. This gorgeous property has been lovingly restored to produce a roomy, single-story, architect-designed home with five bedrooms that harmoniously merges in with the surrounding landscape.

A detached Cotswold stone barn, Buckland Wood Barn is located at the end of a quarter-mile hard-surface road. Situated on around 50 acres with a secluded wood and stream, the gamekeeper’s cottage from the 16th century is where The Barn is situated. It is a wonderful, private garden where you can relax and take in the calm.

Perched one mile above Broadway, the barn enjoys breathtaking views of Broadway Tower and the valley, which is recognized as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This charming town is sometimes called the “show village of England” because of its exquisite houses made of honey-colored limestone, some of which are from the 16th century. Stock up on all the gorgeous, local produce that is elegantly showcased both inside and outside of the shop by visiting the Broadway Deli or the superb butchers.

There are wonderful treks straight from your front door, such as the 100-mile Cotswold Way that connects Bath and Chipping Campden. Wander through the 35 distinct varieties of lavender harvested at Snowshill’s lavender field for a unique experience. A mile away is the pub, which you may stroll to or observe from Snowshill Manor.

This lovely riverfront cottage from the 18th century is the ideal getaway for loved ones who want to unwind. Radcot Bridge Cottage’s prime position makes it simple to reach the Thames Path, which makes it a great starting point for touring Oxfordshire and the neighbouring Cotswolds. Moreover, fishermen, canoeists, and paddle boarders will find this cottage to be the ideal spot to stay, with the River Thames at the base of the yard.

You may park in plenty of space on the shingle forecourt, which has a lovely appearance, as you approach the gated entry. Enter through the stable door into a large, fully furnished kitchen that opens to a dining area with lovely views of the grounds and garden. The living room is a great spot to unwind after a day of touring Oxfordshire and the nearby Cotswold villages. It has a wood-burning stove and cozy couches that make for a great atmosphere for a nice evening in. There’s also an additional seating area in the apartment, which is perfect for family game night.

The two bedrooms upstairs have beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and the river. Wayland, the master bedroom, has an attached shower area and a walk-through dressing room. Additionally, it has a sizable balcony facing west, which is ideal for enjoying sunsets in the warmer months. The Skylark bedroom has a beautiful view of the Thames downstream and an attached shower room.

The decked terrace area outside faces the garden and offers a stunning view of the river, where you can see boats, paddle boarders, swans, and canoeists going past. With plenty of space for outdoor dining in the yard, Radcot Bridge Cottage is the ideal country getaway.

Radcot Bridge Cottage is available year-round for bigger groups, with reservations taking place for up to six people.

You’ll feel as though you’ve travelled back in time in The Chapel owing to its abundance of period elements and accents, which include exposed timbers, a feature stone fireplace, flagstone, and oak floors. However, the equipment and furnishings are unmistakably twenty-first century, with contemporary amenities like roll-top bathtubs and chic furniture.

There are stone arched windows all over the house, offering breathtaking views of the pristine countryside beyond. Making the most of the views, the sitting room and kitchen are arranged to maximise available space on the first level. There is an orchard with pears, apples, and olives to harvest on the estate surrounding The Chapel.

For that extra special occasion, the owners can arrange for a private chef. In addition, guests can take advantage of pre-arranged wellness sessions like yoga and breath work at the on-site Wellness Suite, as well as luxurious facials and back massages using the Tropic skincare range (booking in advance is essential).

A short distance from The Chapel, there are many walking options, such as the well-known Monarch’s Way trail, which roughly follows Charles II’s escape route after the Battle of Worcester. Less than a mile distant lies the well-known Tardebigge Flight, the longest flight of canal locks in the United Kingdom. The village of Aston Fields is about a mile away. It comes alive at night with amazing restaurants serving Italian and Indian food, an American bistro serving up real street food and the best craft beers and cocktails, a wine bar, Ladybird Public House, and a restaurant connected to their neighbouring butcher shop that serves food sourced locally. Another asset to Aston Fields is a newly constructed train station that offers frequent service across the Midlands and beyond.

Contact Us

Let’s talk

If you have any questions, you can use our form below to send an email and we’ll be in touch.

Contact Us
Offers / Inspiration / Deals

It helps to stay in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list for our exclusive offers, new holiday homes and other exciting updates from the team at Handpicked Cottages.

Newsletter (Modal)

By continuing you confirm that you have read our privacy policy