Tired of the same old hotels and accommodation? Unbeknown to many, the UK is home to a huge selection of self-catering properties (or vacation rentals to those of you in the US or Down Under), many of which are in a league of their own when it comes down to quality. Cottage agency Sykes Cottages, which was established more than 25 years ago, lists over 7,000 properties, each of which has been personally inspected and approved to meet quality standards. We’ve picked out five of their most unique luxury properties to give you a flavour of what you can expect by visiting their website.
1. Greystead Old Church, Bellingham, near Kielder Water, Northumberland
This former Georgian church is a Grade II listed building that has been lovingly restored whilst retaining a number of unique features, including a Victorian stained glass window, a Gothic archway and Georgian panelling.
It is situated less than 5 miles from Kielder Water, sleeps 8 and is rated 5* Gold by Visit England. One of the many highlights is the first floor mezzanine living area which covers two thirds of the church’s former nave.
2. The Old School, Hatton, near Wragby, Lincolnshire
Built in the 1870s, this former school room has been sympathetically converted to a luxurious rental property, complete with an open plan living area with high beams and a wonderfully spacious master bedroom. Situated in the hamlet of Hatton, just 30 minutes’ drive to the east of Lincoln, the property sleeps four and is rated 5 ticks in Sykes’ own classification system.
So unique is this property that it has its own Victorian postbox at the entrance. And it’s still in use today!
3. The Old Stables, Ashover, near Matlock, Peak District & Derbyshire Dales
The Old Stables form part of Marsh Green Hall, a property 5 miles from Matlock, dating back to the fifteenth century and with Civil War historical connections. It sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms but, when combined with an adjoining property, can sleep 14.
Rated 5 ticks by Sykes Cottages, it has been renovated to a very high standard and offers contemporary accommodation with fine views over private parkland and countryside.
4. Three Peaks Barn, Chapel-le-Dale, Ingleton, Three Peaks Country, Yorkshire Dales
A striking feature about this property is its location, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Ribblehead Viaduct in the heart of Yorkshire Dales countryside. Enjoying views of the Three Peaks at the same time, this detached barn conversion retains much of its original character, including the use of original oak beams, and can sleep as many as 13 guests.
Rated 5 ticks by Sykes Cottages, the main living space can be found upstairs, allowing you to maximise on the property’s stunning views. A galleried central dining room, farmhouse-style, kitchen, snug and four bedrooms can be found on the ground floor.
5. 1 Church House, Totland near Freshwater, Isle of Wight
Featured in The Times, 50 best cottages in Britain for 2016, 1 Church House is a stunning conversion situated on the western side of the Isle of Wight, just half a mile from Totland beach.
High ceilings, original timbers and a beautiful stained glass window mean that the interior of the property is every bit as impressive as the exterior. Rated 5 ticks and sleeping 7 people, the accommodation consists of 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, as well as a lovely living space in which to relax, dining area and utility room.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sykes Cottages.
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Daily Telegraph.
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It is situated less than 5 miles from Kielder Water, sleeps 8 and is rated 5* Gold by Visit England. One of the many highlights is the first floor mezzanine living area which covers two thirds of the church’s former nave.
It is situated less than 5 miles from Kielder Water, sleeps 8 and is rated 5* Gold by Visit England. One of the many highlights is the first floor mezzanine living area which covers two thirds of the church’s former nave.
2. The Old School, Hatton, near Wragby, Lincolnshire
Built in the 1870s, this former school room has been sympathetically converted to a luxurious rental property, complete with an open plan living area with high beams and a wonderfully spacious master bedroom. Situated in the hamlet of Hatton, just 30 minutes’ drive to the east of Lincoln, the property sleeps four and is rated 5 ticks in Sykes’ own classification system.
So unique is this property that it has its own Victorian postbox at the entrance. And it’s still in use today!
3. The Old Stables, Ashover, near Matlock, Peak District & Derbyshire Dales
The Old Stables form part of Marsh Green Hall, a property 5 miles from Matlock, dating back to the fifteenth century and with Civil War historical connections. It sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms but, when combined with an adjoining property, can sleep 14.
Rated 5 ticks by Sykes Cottages, it has been renovated to a very high standard and offers contemporary accommodation with fine views over private parkland and countryside.
4. Three Peaks Barn, Chapel-le-Dale, Ingleton, Three Peaks Country, Yorkshire Dales
A striking feature about this property is its location, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Ribblehead Viaduct in the heart of Yorkshire Dales countryside. Enjoying views of the Three Peaks at the same time, this detached barn conversion retains much of its original character, including the use of original oak beams, and can sleep as many as 13 guests.
Rated 5 ticks by Sykes Cottages, the main living space can be found upstairs, allowing you to maximise on the property’s stunning views. A galleried central dining room, farmhouse-style, kitchen, snug and four bedrooms can be found on the ground floor.
5. 1 Church House, Totland near Freshwater, Isle of Wight
Featured in The Times, 50 best cottages in Britain for 2016, 1 Church House is a stunning conversion situated on the western side of the Isle of Wight, just half a mile from Totland beach.
High ceilings, original timbers and a beautiful stained glass window mean that the interior of the property is every bit as impressive as the exterior. Rated 5 ticks and sleeping 7 people, the accommodation consists of 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, as well as a lovely living space in which to relax, dining area and utility room.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sykes Cottages.
