Unique Homestays to escape to this year

Set on the fringes of the New Forest, this gingerbread house with a thatched roof  (featured in the header), could very easily have been plucked from the pages of Hansel and Gretel. Through the stable door and fairytale charm makes way for crisp luxury interiors and chic country living; The Sorting Office is a rural retreat which ticks all the boxes for an escape from the city to mark the end of the festive season.

There's a hint of Balearic island style to this rustic stone retreat. Tucked away seven miles inland from Crantock and Watergate Bay in rural north Cornwall, this enviable barn is a haven for the new year. With an uplifting whitewashed aesthetic, hot tub and floating egg bath overlooking the swaying wildflower meadow, this is country living on modern terms.

Step back in time to a bygone era of burgundy smoking rooms and vaulted ceilings at this 240-year-old Gothic castle on the Somerset coast. Within walking distance of Weston-super-Mare beach and the famous Donkey Bluebell Fields yet secretly hidden away within 10 acres of grounds containing beehives and ancient trees, Thornemead Castle is ideally placed for exploring Bath and the Mendip Hills.

As one of the largest beach house abodes on Tregonhawke Cliff, surrender to the majesty of Whitsand Bay with a luxurious weekend at Tempest. With its vast views of the sea, fresh interiors and laid back feel, this is the perfect choice for those wanting to embrace the new year with a walk along the coastline and a warm fire awaiting their return.

Nestled above the sand dunes of Perranporth beach, Gwendolyn is the epitome of laid-back coastal living. With an understated design edge, this cottage is a haven for those seeking a family-friendly escape to the Cornish coast. A truly tranquil setting, combining sea views, a hot tub and a calming interior scheme, Gwendolyn is a property for those looking for a beach house less ordinary.

Wind through Herefordshire’s patchwork countryside to find Hollyhocks nestled on the banks of the river Arrow. Tucked away in the fairy-tale village of Eardisland, the Tudor timber-frame hints at what's inside. A chalky vintage style, irregular lines and a polished parquet floor dating back to the Roaring 20s combine to create one curious self-catering cottage you'll simply never want to depart.