A Spanish Castle…..

The castle from afar

Spain is full of holiday properties, but if you’re looking for somewhere special, somewhere characterful and luxurious that offers breath-taking views and rural tranquillity, then look no further than the beautiful Castel d’Escales. Set in a small village in Catalonia, rustic and yet just 30 minutes from the beaches of the Mediterranean, this private residence (actually listed on Spain’s register of historic monuments) is definitely a holiday house with a difference.

Castle living room

For a start, it is hugely atmospheric. The barrel vaulted dining room, 14^th century furniture and winding stone staircase that leads up into the medieval tower all speak volumes of the castle’s history and it’s quite something to be able to say that you have stayed in the house that was once home to the Bishop of Barcelona! And yet, the current owners have clearly put a great deal of care and attention into updating the things that matter – so you can expect highly luxurious accommodation, organic toiletries in the bathrooms, and up-to-date technology in the living areas.

Terrace

Outside the walls of the castle is where this place really comes to life. There are lavender-scented terraces where you can read, sunbathe and marvel at the panoramic views, there is a gorgeous swimming pool which you can lie beside and dip in and out of, and there is a hammock suspended between the pine trees where you can take an afternoon siesta. The 360 degree views really are something to write home about. And nestled within the countryside around you, you will find criss-crossed walking and cycling paths, picturesque villages with open-air markets, the superb Cavarres Nature Reserve and the medieval city of Girona with its upmarket boutiques and restaurants.

Internal courtyard

Nothing is too much trouble when you stay at Castel d’Escales. Your English host, Jules, is a gourmet cook who provides delicious, fresh meals which former guests have raved about. And with a private chef on demand and a mouth-watering selection of local wines and sherries at your disposal, all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. And you’d be hard pressed to find a more idyllic place to do that than here!

For more info on this and other unique castle properties, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Catalonia/Castel-dEscales.aspx or http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/find/property-type/castle-chateau.aspx

Pool area

Far from the madding crowds in Northern Spain

When you picture a holiday in Spain what do you envisage? A resort on the Costa del Sol? A villa in the Algarve? Well, clear your mind of all those clichéd images, because a holiday in Northern Spain offers something very different. Away from the tourist hordes, crowded beaches and unpleasant bars and clubs, this part of the country is refreshingly peaceful, beautiful and unspoilt. When you holiday in Northern Spain you discover a whole other side to Spanish culture and tradition and it is altogether a very pleasant surprise.

Stone house and private pool

If you’re looking for spectacular natural scenery, then a holiday in Northern Spain is definitely for you. The valleys and mountains are simply breathtaking, the long sandy stretches of coastline are pristine and tranquil, the countryside is dotted with sprawling farmhouses and tiny villages, and the backdrop is lush and green for most of the year. Not for nothing is this part of the country often referred to as ‘Green Spain’, due to its mild climate and plentiful rainfall. But don’t let the precipitation levels put you off a holiday in Northern Spain – there may be more of it here than in the baking hot south, but showers come and go quickly and without them the scenery would not be so verdant, the wildlife would not be so rich and the vineyards would not be so productive. And that wouldn’t be good for anyone!

Picos de Europa views

The main regions that make up Northern Spain are Cantabria, Galicia, Asturias and Basque Country, all of which hold many attractions for visitors. Cantabria, which heralds the beginning of the Costa Verde stretch of land, offers everything from the snow-capped Picos de Europa mountain range to rocky cliffs and coves down at the shoreline. The delicious mountain and seaside cuisine (think sardines and cheeses) and the abundance of art and history make Cantabria the perfect destination for a holiday in Northern Spain. Chill out in the charming seaside town of Santander, visit the awe-inspiring Altamira cave paintings, and savour a mouth-watering array of tapas. Galicia, in the west, is another tempting spot for a holiday in Northern Spain. Spend a day in La Coruna, wander around the sensational city of Santiago, or make a meal of freshly caught octopus and homemade empanadas.

Sea views, literally!

Asturias is an area that is completely untouched and it is definitely the place to come if you want to see the ‘real’ Spain. The fertile mountains are criss-crossed with walking trails (the views are unbeatable), the coastline is strewn with fishing villages and gorgeous little beaches, the local cider and goat’s cheese is out of this world, and there are actual dinosaur footprints along the coast. Now that alone is reason enough for a holiday in Northern Spain. From serene, secluded hamlets and coves to vibrant, colourful fiestas, a holiday in Northern Spain is a fantastic way to see the country at its most simple and striking. 

Up to 30% discount in selected One Off Places during June

30% discount at exquisite luxury villa in Morocco – less than £100 pppn

13km outside Marrakech you will find Villa Alexandra, one of Marrakech’s most beautiful country houses.  Light spacious rooms and decorative plasterwork, silk and Egyptian wall hangings and mother-of-pearl inlaid Syrian mirrors. At night, the front of the villa, drive and fountain are lit by candlelight, the palm trees in the garden are illuminated, and the effect is simply magical. Villa Alexandra is your own private hotel where you can relax and allow yourself to be completely spoilt.

Available 20^th Jun – 9^th Jul

Was £7500 per week, now £5250 per week (based on 8 people)

Luxury villa in Morocco

 

Villa Alexandra near Marrakech

20% discount at luxury five bed village house in Provence – £35pppn

L’Ancienne Poste is a luxury five bedroom rental property in the heart of Menerbes, the charming peaceful village immortalised in Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. This former post office was designed by one of France’s leading architects, and has been elegantly restored and stylishly furnished.  The design allows Provence’s magical light, the inspiration of so many painters, to bathe the interior of the house. Rooftop terrace and access to a private pool just three minutes drive away.

Available 8 – 29 June

Was £3095 per week, now £2475 per week.

The Old Post Office in Provence

Luxurious bedrooms

22% discount on 6 night full board painting holiday in French Farmhouse – £100pppn

Le Perchoir des Paons (meaning ‘the peacock’s roost’) is a stone farm house believed to be over 300 years’ old, with outbuildings and grounds of about 2 acres. Built on the side of a hill, the house benefits from lovely views across the valley and basks in sunshine nearly all day long. This delightful ‘chambre d’hôtes’ is the perfect setting for a peaceful getaway, and it is a well-positioned base for exploring the area. The owners specialise in running art workshops and painting holiday for all abilities, and when you experience the extensive grounds, the stunning views and the tranquil atmosphere you will see why this is the perfect spot for artists.

Available 23-29 June (6 nights)

Was £775, now £600 (full board, tuition and materials included).

Painting holidays in south west France

Artists in the grounds

For more information on these and the other unique properties in the collection, including a truck conversion in the Scottish Highlands; a treehouse in Somerset; a roundhouse in France;  a houseboat in Amsterdam; a stay in a shepherds hut; a yurt in Portugal; a safari tent in Italy; a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; a holiday in a yurt, glamping, a big house to rent, a holiday in a tipi, quirky places to stay, a Scottish holiday, a holiday cottage by the sea, a stay in a shepherds hut, treehouse holidays, a villa in Galicia, villas in France, villas in Spain, windmills, castles, eco houses, tents, tipis and yurts and all round unique holidays; visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.

A Villa in Provence – a classic but unbeatable choice for a family holiday

Nothing conjures up quite such sunkissed, romantic, poetic images as the words ‘villa in Provence’ and luckily for all the region’s visitors, the reality is just as enchanting as the fantasy. In fact there aren’t many places in the world which actually look like they’ve just stepped off the cover of a postcard but this is one of those few! From beautiful French countryside and mouth-watering food markets to tiny hillside villages and miles of sprawling vineyards, villas in France, or more particularly a villa in Provence provides a feast for the senses.

Rural Provencal Gite

For a start, this is a region full of fascinating historic attractions. Chateau les Baux, Chateau de Grignan and Chateau Suze la Rousse are just a few of the impressive castles in the area and will keep visitors, both young and old, enthralled for hours. Likewise, the country houses of Pavillion Vendome, Rocher des Doms and Jas de Bouffan (the family home of the artist Cezanne), are beautiful old buildings with stunning gardens and valuable portraits on show. If you’re staying in a villa in Provence, you will also be surrounded by churches and cathedrals. It’s hard to choose the most spectacular, but Palais des Papes in Avignon and the Cathedrale St Sauveur in Aix-en-Provence are certainly unmissable. A villa in Provence can even provide Roman ruins, not least the aqueduct and amphitheatre in Nimes, the Theatre Antique in Orange and of course the settlement of Glanum in St Remy de Provence. So, as you can see, renting a villa in Provence is not just about sitting in village squares drinking local wine (although there’s nothing wrong with doing exactly that of course…!).

Ancient exteriors, modern interiors in Provence

This area of France is well known for its natural beauty and this is nowhere more evident than in the outstanding nature reserves. The Luberon Park offers a diversity of outdoor activities, from mountain biking to paragliding, and Mont Ventoux is renowned for being one of the hardest stages of the Tour de France. The Gorges du Verdon (often referred to as ‘the Grand Canyon of France’) is simply breath-taking and if you’re a serious hiker or kayaker this is an area you cannot miss. On the other hand, you may prefer to enjoy the scenery in a gentler manner, on the slopes of Montagne St Victoire. A villa in Provence is heaven if you want to enjoy the great French outdoors in all its forms.

Villa with pool in Provence

However, a villa in Provence is just as heavenly if you simply want a week of warm weather, delicious cuisine and complete relaxation. What better backdrop could there be for an old-fashioned bit of peace and quiet? Enjoy a cool glass of Pernod al fresco, sample locally grown olives, apricots and figs, go wine tasting in organic vineyards and spent leisurely evenings in Michelin starred restaurants. You will quickly realise that food and drink are mainstays of this region! You cannot go wrong with a villa in Provence. From adrenalin to inactivity, from art galleries to rustic delicatessens, it has everything you could possibly want.

Unique holiday cottages, glamping holidays, treehouse holidays and unique accommodation from One Off Places.

Brand New to the Market: A pair of traditional Shepherd Huts in the grounds of a Dorset pub

One Off Places is thrilled to announce the launch of Drusilla’s Inn Shepherd Huts, a pair of handcrafted shepherd huts in the grounds of a 250 year old thatched Wessex free house in Dorset.   Opened for business in April 2013, guests can enjoy the novelty of staying in a shepherd hut combined with the cosiness of a traditional pub.

Drusilla’ Inn Shepherd Huts

The two cosy and luxuriously equipped huts are sitting in a paddock surrounded by fields of sheep, and are just a short distance away from the pub where breakfast is served each morning.   Inside, each hut has a king size bed, complete with luxurious linen, and each hut has its own bathroom.

Drusilla’s Inn

Tabitha Symonds, founder and director of oneoffplaces.co.uk, said of this brand new addition to the portfolio; `These huts offer people the best of both worlds; a quirky Glamping experience combined with the home comforts of a traditional pub.  The perfect choice for a romantic weekend away.`

Inside the hut

The huts were built on site by local craftsmen, using traditional methods.  Fully insulated, they are warm and snug all year round and include some rustic touches including shepherd crooks for hanging your clothes!  The surrounding area is spectacular walking country and there are several walks which start right on your doorstep.

Your views

£95 for one night / £165 for 2 nights / £220 for 3 nights / £70 for any additional nights.

For more information on these and the other unique properties in the collection, including a truck conversion in Scotland, a windmill in France, a medieval gatehouse in Wales, a safari tent in Italy, a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; and a merchant`s house in Morocco; as well as eco houses, church conversions, train carriages, tents, tipis and yurts; visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.

 

Notes for editors:

One Off Places launched in 2008.  The site specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications.  Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Tabitha Symonds on tabitha@oneoffplaces.co.uk , tel: 01285 750713.  Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

An Eclectic Selection of Top Last Minute Discounts from One Off Places

30% discount – May bank holiday weekend in a Dorset Manor House

Was £4,500, now £3,200 for 3 nights (£53pppn based on 20 sharing)

Available Friday 24^th – Monday 27^th May

A stunning and spacious 17th century rural retreat sleeping 20 people (in 10 bedrooms) with 5 acres of gardens, all weather tennis court, croquet lawn, football pitch, table tennis table, and rowing boat for use on the lake. An unforgettable venue for a country house party weekend.

Stone manor house in Dorset

30% discount – Romantic barn conversion in an award winning Pembrokeshire garden

Was £295 for one week, now £206.50 (or £133 for 3 night break)

Available until 21^st May

Hidden within a stunning 6 acre garden in the Pembrokeshire National Park, this romantic one bedroom barn conversion is the perfect place to find peace and privacy. The open sleeping loft and wood burning stove make the cottage a cosy bolthole that is hard to leave but when you do, the sea and the coastal path are just a mile away.

Romantic barn conversion in Pembrokeshire

25% discount – Boutique family retreat set in the French countryside

Was £1715 for one week, now £1285.  Two meals a day included in the price.

Available 18^th – 25^th May.

A boutique family retreat built with both parents and children in mind with breathtaking views of the Aveyron countryside.  A mix of boutique quality fittings and French décor, it has been charmingly and thoughtfully furnished, and there are personal touches throughout, from delicious meals to long distance baby monitors.  The Balcony suite comfortably accommodates a family of four and has spectacular views over the valley.

Boutique family retreat in France

22% discount – Luxurious sea front house on private estate in Greece

Was £4600 for one week, now £3600. Price includes free use of motor boat.

Available 31^st May – 7^th June.

In a commanding position at the head of the bay of Lefokastro on the Pelion Peninsula sits Dolphin’s Leap, a beautiful secluded estate which sleeps 14 people in seven bedrooms.  There is an infinity pool with breathtaking panoramic views over a sparkling blue bay, bedrooms with air-conditioning and mountain views views, a sandy beach just a moment away and a delightful village on your doorstep.

Luxury villa rental in Greece

For more information on these and the other unique properties in the collection, including a truck conversion in the Scottish Highlands; a treehouse in Somerset; a roundhouse in France;  a houseboat in Amsterdam; a yurt in Portugal; a safari tent in Italy; a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; a holiday in a yurt, glamping, a big house to rent, a holiday in a tipi, quirky places to stay, a Scottish holiday, a stay in a shepherds hut, treehouse holidays, a villa in Galicia, villas in France, villas in Spain, windmills, castles, eco houses, tents, tipis and yurts; visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.

 

Party Time Up North…..The North of England’s best House Party Houses

There’s nothing like a long weekend with a big bunch of friends or a large family group.  Unless you’re lucky enough to live an enormous pad yourself, it’s not an opportunity you often get, to spend a few days hanging out with each other.

Views from your dinner table

Inspired by one of our newest properties, Silverholme, we thought we’d give you a few ideas as to where to go in the north of England to find a fabulous house party house.  And if you think the prices will be extortionate, think again.  When split between large numbers of people, staying in the most luxurious of places can often cost as little as £25 per person per night.  Not bad when you consider you’ve got the run of large estates, banqueting halls, and luxurious facilities.

So, our first gem is the aforementioned Silverholme, an 8 bedroom house on the shores of Lake Windermere, with private access to the water and exquisite gardens.   Stylishly furnished, this elegant manor house blends period character with modern luxuries.   It costs from £40 per person per night / £4410 – £6300 for the whole property for one week.

Georgian Manor on the shores of Lake Windermere

Next up is Waren Lea Hall, a six bedroom Edwardian house on the short of Budle Bay in Northumberland.  It has spectacular views of Lindisfarne and the Cheviot Hills and can sleep up to 14 people.  All the rooms have breathtaking views across the water, there is a fine galleried staircase, a floodlit terrace and walled garden.   There are a couple of cottages on site to accommodate extra people.  Cost per week is £950 – £1950.

Edwardian House in Northumberland

Back to Windermere (can’t get enough of it) and Boston House is a majestic seven bedroom house in the heart of Windermere village.  Not only does it have stunning interiors (and as many bathrooms as it has bedrooms), but it has a 14 seat cinema in the cellar!  There’s a great walk from the house to the top of Orrest Head (the hill behind the The Terrace) from there you can see virtually the whole of the Lake District.  From £2200 per week.

Seven bedroom house in Windermere with private cinema

Finally, for now, let me introduce you to Fawcett Mill, a three storey former mill owners house in Penrith, Cumbria, sleeping up to 14 people.  Perfect for family get togethers and groups of friends, it is located midway between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, and hidden in its own tranquil valley.   £1595 – £3995 per week.

Mill house in Cumbria