For holidays with added soul, stay in a place with a past. Here’s our finest selection of historic holiday homes with interesting previous lives available through Niche Retreats. No barn or farmhouse conversions here!
A court house in Padstow
Plush is the word at this sumptuously decorated former Court House which has been sensitively restored and exquisitely designed to honour its prestigious past. The vast fireplace has more than a few tales to tell and now there’s a wood burner to heat up an evening’s debate should temperatures drop outside. A rich colour palette of traditional hues, original wood panelling, artwork and luxurious materials are complemented by all the high spec, modern living goodies you’ll require. The regal red of the room is a nod to the building’s historic high status. The warm blues of the lounge-diner bring a calm to breakfast planning and tease you to relax in its deep seat sofa later in the day.
Sleeps 10. From £1777 for a week or £1333 for three nights
A Triumphal Arch in Holkham
Sink into understated luxury at one of three extraordinary 18th-century Grade I listed buildings on the magnificent Holkham Estate, which extends through woodland onto Holkham’s famous sweep of golden sand. The Triumphal Arch was designed by the renowned architect, William Kent, to impress travellers passing through to the North Norfolk coast. Guests are given a sumptuous breakfast hamper on arrival, and 10% off at the Estate’s fabulous Victoria Inn, a Soho House-vibe restaurant serving delicious, seasonal food from dawn until dusk.
Sleeps 2 plus 2 pets from £459 for three nights, or from £765 for a week.
A school house in Swanage
At the Old School House, a gallery wall filled with original artwork, floor to ceiling windows, flagstone floors and vaulted ceilings are a nod to this building’s past life as a school house. Climb the spiral staircase to find a quirky mezzanine level that overlooks the living room. The village feel of its location in the oldest part of Swanage adds to the charm.
Sleeps two, from £326 for three nights, from £435 per week
A coach house on the Llyn Peninsula
The Coach House within rural Llyn Peninsula is a pup’s paradise. The Coach House is a traditional Welsh cottage with wow factor, where a Grade II listed building has been transformed to provide striking and crisp modern interiors - you’ll barely want to leave once your walking boots are off.
Sleeps six. From £590 for seven nights or £443 for three.
Royal connections in Hales
Hales Hall dates back to the reign of Henry VII and miraculous preservation and restoration over the following 500 years retains this spectacle of a now Grade I listed building for everyone to enjoy. The perfect wedding venue, multigenerational holiday home, or weekend retreat for a large group. Simply stunning.
Sleeps 14 from £3686/week