London may have all the sights and sounds and the hustle and bustle of a big city that so many people love, but sometimes you want to get away to somewhere more relaxing and calming. Here are a few of the best cottage retreats you can find that aren’t in the city.
Wiltshire: Hillside Cottage
Starting in Wiltshire, the Hillside Cottage can be found in the beautiful village of Edington. Overlooking the expansive Wiltshire countryside, Hillside Cottage has the look and feel of a cosy family home but is fitted with all the amenities you would find in a massive country estate.
The cottage has six bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, an outdoor plunge pool, wet and dry saunas, and a fully equipped spa, and there is also a private chef available for hire. What sets this cottage apart is the fact that you can book a single room or the entire cottage if you please.
Suffolk: The Stables
Simple on the outside but incredible inside, The Stables is the perfect place for a family getaway in the countryside. The cottage has space for four people and is dog-friendly, and its enormous windows offer spectacular views of the surrounding land.
While the cottage doesn’t offer everything under the sun, it is popular thanks to being a true escape. You can also visit the quaint coastal villages nearby, which are must-sees regardless of weather or season.
Kent: Winston Churchill Lodge
This hidden gem found in Westerham is one of the cosiest cottages on this list. The Winston Churchill Lodge sleeps four and is also dog-friendly. With an interior that combines classic with modern amenities, it has everything you need for an amazing weekend getaway.
The simple design offers the ultimate level of tranquillity, and you can take a nap on the large leather couch, enjoy breakfast on the patio, or let time pass by while you soak in the claw-foot bath.
Kent: The Hop Pickers Oast & Barn
If you want to take the cottage size and luxury up a notch, The Hot Pickers Oast & Barn is the perfect setting. This massive cottage can comfortably sleep up to 25 people, as well as having enough space for four of your furry friends.
The cottage also features a games room, a hot tub, and a boating lake that you can row on. This is the ideal location for family get-togethers, a weekend away with friends, or even for a small wedding or reception.
Buckinghamshire: The Flint House
Surrounded by over 2000 acres of farmland, the Flint House is a stone cottage that looks like it has been plucked out of the 1800s. It is a more upmarket cottage, but with enough guests, it is well worth the booking fee.
Giant fireplaces, bedrooms, and couches can be found everywhere, and there’s even a hot tub for hire. If you are staying here for a celebration, a world-class private chef is available to cook a range of delicious fare.
Bedfordshire: Rose Cottage Picts Hill
If you want a smaller and more secluded getaway, the Rose Cottage sleeps two and is the quintessential country cottage. While it has all the modern amenities you want, it does away with all the frills and fuss and instead has perfected countryside tranquillity.
Situated right near the River Ouse, it is ideal for morning or later afternoon strolls, taking in the sunshine, or getting out into the snow during Winter.
Devon: Steppes
Don’t let the idea of this being a cottage fool you; Steppes is the ultimate in luxury and is located right on the river in Devon. This palatial getaway can sleep thirteen and has six bedrooms, eight beds, and three bathrooms.
It is fitted with all the mod-cons you may need and offers breathtaking views of the river and the surroundings. The enormous living spaces and luxuries make this the ideal location for a weekend away with friends or a family reunion that will have you living like the rich and famous.
Essex: Woolmers
Woolmers is a contemporary yet incredibly elegant cottage that can sleep four, with two bedrooms and a bathroom. Perfect for a small family vacation, it features a large open-plan living space and a garden for the kids.
On the inside, you can find a range of utilities such as underfloor heating, a dishwasher, a washing machine, Wi-Fi, and a barbecue pit. This feels far more like a home than a retreat, which is why it is so popular amongst locals and visitors from across the country.
Cornwall: The Pretty Little Cottage
Finally, The Pretty Little Cottage is exactly that. Designed for couples, it features one bedroom and bathroom and makes up for the lack of size by having a super-comfortable king-size bed and master bathroom.
Located in the Pinetum Gardens near the Cornwall coast, you will have access to all the open space and greenery that you could want. The seaside can also be found less than a mile away, making Summer trips to the beach a breeze.
Final Thoughts
These are only a handful of the numerous holiday cottages you can find outside London. If you ever need a break from your busy city life, a weekend at one of these comfortable yet well-equipped country cottages will transport you to a world of peace and quiet.
