Category Archives: Eco

Eco conversion in Brittany featured on Grand Designs is now open for holiday rentals

We are thrilled to announce that we’ve just taken on a fabulous new eco conversion in France, which has opened for its first guests in the last week.  Back in 2009 it featured on the Channel 4 programme, Grand Designs and the owners have just decided to let holiday makers have a share of their slice of paradise by opening the house up for holiday rentals.

Brittany eco house exterior

Brittany eco house exterior

It’s a house that has to be seen to be believed!  It is made using old tyres, salvaged timber, rammed earth and recycled bottles and is set in the heart of rural Brittany.  It is sustainable and stunning and equal measure; a modern eco home with an open plan kitchen and lounge, from which the bathroom, bedrooms and amazing ’round room’, can be accessed.

Brittany eco house bedroom

Brittany eco house bedroom

The surrounding provide an amazingly relaxing holiday spot for families, children, nature lovers and couples, and in the summer, the glazed front rooms become one with the surrounding gardens.

Brittany eco house living room

Brittany eco house living room

This exquisite eco house reflects the very essence of One Off Places  and will be a fabulous addition to our growing portfolio of over 1000 properties.

Brittany eco house kitchen

Brittany eco house kitchen

Brittany Groundhouse is a secluded retreat in serene surroundings.  Inside there are three double bedrooms and the luxurious bathroom has a huge stone bath, shower and toilet.  The lounge and kitchen are open plan, and the whole house is furnished with a stylish mix of bespoke one off pieces and vintage French furniture.  Outside you’ve got an acre of private (and organic) garden, surrounded by mature chestnut and oak trees.

Want to stay?  Brittany Groundhouse costs from £750 – £1200 per week and is a 1.5 hour drive from the ferry port of St Malo.

To view our other eco houses on One Off Places, click here.

To view all our properties on One Off Places, click here.

Brand new One Off Place : Woodland Shacks in the Yorkshire Dales

One Off Places is thrilled to announce the launch of Woodland Shacks, six original, hand-crafted round-wood timber-frame Shacks, hidden within the sweeping landscape of a 20,000 acre estate in the Yorkshire Dales.  Off-grid and totally unique, these snug little hideaways are rustic and luxurious in equal measure.

Woodland Shacks in Yorkshire

Woodland Shacks in Yorkshire

The Shacks are spread out around the edge of the woodland with sweeping views across the valley and moorland, and surrounded by trees you can enjoy the views from the privacy of your veranda. The Shacks are furnished with a diverse mixture of handmade and up-cycled items and everything from the crockery to the wood burning stoves and the antique rocking chairs come together to create your own intimate little house in the woods.  Each shack sleeps up to seven people.

Inside the Woodland Shack

Inside the Woodland Shack

Tabitha Symonds, founder and director of oneoffplaces.co.uk, said of this brand new addition to the portfolio; ` Both lavish and rural, the Shacks cleverly manage to combine a comfortable glamping experience with a refreshingly pastoral feel and admirable sustainable living. `

Woodland Shack deck

Woodland Shack deck

At the heart of the site is the Bivouac Café, where residents can savour delicious local produce.  If you want to really indulge yourself, take a dip in the al fresco hot tub, set in the fringes of the trees near the Shacks with panoramic views over the surrounding Dales.

The Bivouac Cafe

The Bivouac Cafe

On site you can participate in bread making workshops, arts and crafts, wine tasting, music events at the cafe, forest school, dry stone walling, pizza making, foraging, wood carving, sculpture and many other activities (subject to specific dates and availability).  In addition to the Shacks, the site is also home to eight canvas yurts, burrowed into the hillside and resting on individual platforms.

From £360 – £600 for a four night midweek stay (from £15pppn based on six people).

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.

Brand new One Off Place : the first Glamping site in Sardinia

One Off Places is thrilled to announce the launch of Bella Pineta, the first glamping site in Sardinia.  The site is made up of a small collection of luxury Emperor tents, immersed in the countryside, in the grounds of a 17th century private country house.

Bella Pineta at night - romantic Glamping

Bella Pineta at night – romantic Glamping

Each large tent is luxuriously furnished and carpeted, and can accommodate two adults in a kingsize bed, made up with fine linen.  Each tent also has its own log cabin bathroom.  Outside the tent is a decking and dining area.  There is a little paddling pool which you can dip into when the heat soars, and all around the grounds you will find hidden seating and hammocks where you can while away the hours listening to the sounds of nature.

Rural Glamping in Sardinia

Rural Glamping in Sardinia

Tabitha Symonds, founder and director of oneoffplaces.co.uk, said of this brand new addition to the portfolio; ` Bella Pineta offers affordable, romantic glamping – it’s one of the Mediterranean’s best kept holiday secrets.  Nestled deep in the countryside, yet just a short drive from Sardinia’s beaches, it’s perfectly located for those who want peace and tranquillity.`

Luxurious interiors

Luxurious interiors

There are six acres of untamed countryside to wander and relax in, and an orchard full of almond, walnut and fig trees.  A ten minute walk, and you can be in the village buying your provisions.  If you want to feel thoroughly spoilt, a continental breakfast, complete with homemade preserves, can be delivered to your tent each morning.

Beaches of Sardinia

Beaches of Sardinia

Prices – £50-£55 per night (3 night minimum stay).  Open all year round, as even in December, it is often warm, and the sun shines!

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; a holiday in a yurt, a villa in Croatia, glamping, a venue for house parties, as well as eco houses, church conversions, train carriages, tents, tipis and yurts; visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.

Eco houses & Pirate Houses – October half term discounts from One Off Places

Treehouse accommodation on the Isle of Wight – now £92 per person

If you’re looking for somewhere completely unique then you’ve found it. This charming little treehouse, the only one on the beautiful Isle of Wight, offers luxurious comfort within peaceful, private surroundings. You won’t get closer to nature than this.

Sleeps:                 6

Available:            19 – 26 October 2012

Deal:                      Was £650, now £550 for one week

Isle of Wight Treehouse

Isle of Wight Treehouse

The former home of a famous pirate in Cornwall – now £94 per person

Lantau Cottage is a former 17th Century ship merchants’ cottage with wonky floors, a winding staircase that incorporates an original full size ship’s mast, and an Elizabethan panelled bedroom. Allegedly once the home of a famous pirate, it has many period features, but is also immaculately presented. A truly unique holiday house!

Sleeps:                 9

Available:            19 – 26 October 2012

Deal:                      Was £1195, now £850 for one week

17th century cottage in Cornwall

17th century cottage in Cornwall

Unspoilt views to the Atlantic and beyond in Cornwall – now £55 per person

This is a newly built, environmentally friendly, stone and slate holiday home situated just 1 mile from the coast at Crackington Haven in North Cornwall. You can enjoy extraordinary views across fields, and a wooded valley to the Atlantic beyond.

Sleeps:                 9

Available:            19-26 October 2012

Deal:                      Was £685, now £499 for one week

Eco friendly house in Cornwall

Eco friendly house in Cornwall

Award winning Eco Barn Conversion in Yorkshire – now £121 per person

Situated in an elevated position in the heart of Cragg Vale, Old Cragg Hall Barn is an eco-friendly award-winning conversion with outstanding views over the valley. Fabulous views, contemporary furnishings, abundant wildlife – this multi award-winning 5-star self-catering holiday home has it all. Sleeps 6 with 3 sumptuous bedrooms and 2 luxurious bathrooms.

Sleeps:                 6

Available:            19-26 October 2012

Deal:                      Was £895, now £725 for one week

Barn conversion in Yorkshire

Barn conversion in Yorkshire

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 holiday in a yurt; a safari tent in Italy; a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; a venue for house parties; windmills, castles, eco houses, tents, tipis and yurts; visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.

 

Ends

Notes for editors: One Off Places  was launched in 2008. Named A Top 10 Hot Travel Website (Times Online). 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 or 01285 750713.  Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Press release: September discounts on Scottish hideaways

20% off – Scottish island isolation with a touch of luxury

Blue Reef Cottages is the ideal retreat for anyone who likes their island life isolation cushioned with a touch of comfort and civilisation. This pair of 5 star graded luxury cottages offer the kind of understated luxury usually reserved for the smarter urban hotels. When it comes to quality and comfort, no corners have been cut. With private saunas and Jacuzzi baths and spectacular views of the local beaches and Caribbean-blue seas, this is an idyllic hideaway.

Sleeps:                 2

Available:            29th Sep – 6th Oct / 13th Oct – 20th Oct

Deal:                      Was £1680, now £1344 for 7 nights.

Blue Reef Cottages

Blue Reef Cottages

 15% off – Unspoiled beaches and famous golf clubs on your doorstep

This self-catering property is a period family home of quality, previously owned by the writer Rosamunde Pilcher. It is a large, spacious two-floor flat situated in the High Street, right opposite the cathedral. Ideally placed to explore the Highlands and with endless activities on your doorstep.  It is only a ten-minute walk to the famous Royal Dornoch Golf Club, and then a further five minutes will take you on to the unspoiled lengths of Dornoch beach, perfect for a bucket and spader or for walking the dog. Golfers will be in heaven here with an extensive choice of top class golf courses in the vicinity.

Sleeps:                 8

Available:            Until 31st October

Deal:                      Was £610, now £520 for 7 nights.  (3 nights was £500, now £420)

Bank House in Dornoch

Bank House in Dornoch

Perfect hideaway for exploring the Hebrides

This luxury 5 star self catering thatched cottage is located on the beautiful island of South Uist in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. The cottage is an original 1800s traditional thatched cottage which has been lovingly restored to the highest standard. The Shieling makes for the perfect hideaway for exploring the magical Hebrides.

Sleeps:                 2

Available:            Until 31st December 2012

Deal:                      Complimentary luxury Hebridean welcome pack for all bookings

The Shieling by the Bay

The Shieling by the Bay

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 glamping site in Portugal; a safari tent in Italy; a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; windmills, castles, eco houses, tents, tipis and yurts and big houses to rent; visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.

Brand new to the market: The only Treehouse accommodation on the Isle of Wight

One Off Places is thrilled to announce the launch of Into the Woods, treehouse accommodation on the North East coast of the Isle of Wight.   The only one on the Isle of Wight, it sleeps up to six people and offers luxurious comfort within peaceful and private surroundings.

Isle of Wight Treehouse

Isle of Wight Treehouse

The treehouse accommodation is made up of two separate areas – the living house and the sleeping house, which are linked up with a decked walkway.  The treehouse is lovingly furnished with lots of natural wood, slate and stone, so it blends stylishly into its surroundings.  French doors from the living house open out onto a sunny decking area.

The two cabins

The two cabins

On arrival, you park in a private woodland car park and follow the secret path down to the treehouse, with a cart provided to transport your luggage.  Everything has been provided to enhance your stay, from smart bed linen, fluffy towels and shower gel to basic kitchen ingredients and a selection of books, puzzles and games.

Double bedroom

Double bedroom

Tabitha Symonds, co-founder and director of oneoffplaces.co.uk, said of this brand new addition to the portfolio; `If you’re looking for something unique then you’ve found it.  This charming treehouse is a truly quirky getaway, but provides the facilities, luxuries and home comforts to suit everyone’.

Treehouse interior

Treehouse interior

On site there are bikes available to hire, mini tractor rides and shooting lessons.  They also offer speedboat charters. The Isle of Wight is jam-packed with things to do and see, whether you want to visit historic castles, take long coastal walks, try a spot of sailing or sit on a beach eating ice cream.

From £175 for two nights (minimum stay).  £450 – £1200 per week.

For more information on these and the other unique properties in the collection, including a truck conversion in Scotland, a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; a merchant`s house in Morocco; a treehouse in Somerset; windmills, eco houses, 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.

Brand new to the market: Luxury Eco Retreat in Spain with Mountain & Sea Views

One Off Places is thrilled to announce the launch of La Finca Paradiso, a luxury eco-retreat set on an estate 20,000 square metres of fruitful Spanish gardens, enjoying 360 degree views of the surrounding Sierra Cabrera Mountain Range and the Mediterranean Sea.

 

La Finca Paradiso in Spain

La Finca Paradiso in Spain

The main house at Finca Paradiso sleeps eight in four bedrooms.  There is also a designer poolhouse sleeping a further four people,  separate Moroccan suite with private terrace and Moroccan wetroom and three further bedrooms (sleeps a total of 20 people).

Master Suite at Finca Paradiso

Master Suite at Finca Paradiso

The most outstanding feature however, is the outside space.  20,000 square metres of park like gardens, two swimming pools (one with underwater seating) and two bars (one of which is Caribbean inspired).  There is a Parrillada (traditional Argentinian BBQ area), Indian firebowls for nights under the stars, and a Dojo for dance or martial arts.

Games room at Finca Paradiso

Games room at Finca Paradiso

Tabitha Symonds, co-founder and director of oneoffplaces.co.uk, said of this brand new addition to the portfolio; `This is the ultimate in off-grid luxury.  An opportunity to thoroughly spoil yourself in a stunning Spanish setting; it’s what One Off Places is all about`.

Birds Eye view of Finca Paradiso

Birds Eye view of Finca Paradiso

Finca Paradiso is 15 minutes from Mojacar Playa, a beautiful and unspoilt beachfront with plenty of bars and good quality restaurants. Watersports, waterparks, go-karting, riding and sailing all available in the local area. Nearby is the national park of the Cabo de Gata, and Granada is only a couple of hours away.

Prices from £3500 – £5000 per week for groups of up to 12 people. £350 – £500 per extra person (up to 20).

For more information on these and the other unique properties in the collection, including a truck conversion in Scotland, a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; a merchant`s house in Morocco; a treehouse in Somerset; windmills, eco houses, tents, tipis and yurts; visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.

Notes for editors:

One Off Places was launched in 2008 by husband and wife team Olly and Tabitha Symonds. 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.

Brand new to the market: Designer Eco Cottages with Private Sauna & Hot Tub on Islay

One Off Places is thrilled to announce the launch of Coillabus, two architect designed turf-roofed cottages in an extraordinary setting on Scotland’s Isle of Islay.

Coillabus & surrounds

Coillabus & surrounds

The cottages have opened for their first guests in June 2012. The two cottages have been designed by award- winning architect Stuart Bagshaw of Stornoway very much in the spirit of the island vernacular: traditional black house meets neolithic with a healthy dose of contemporary chic. Each cottage has its own sauna and hand-made hot tub. Reclaimed pitch pine and Caithness slab floors heated by air source technology ensure the buildings look good and feel good inside as well as out. Spacious and interestingly shaped rooms with amazing views make sure that the stylish interiors are no less impressive than the eco-credentials of these amazing buildings.

Living room & fireplace

Living room & fireplace

Islay, the Queen of the Hebrides is a world class destination. It is no wonder that visitors return year after year to enjoy being here: the miles of sandy beaches idyllic coastal villages and iconic whisky distilleries are second to none. Islay is renowned for its superb birdlife and varied flora and fauna.

Coillabus sauna

Coillabus sauna

Tabitha Symonds, founder and director of oneoffplaces.co.uk, said of this brand new addition to the portfolio;` These stunning cottages truly encapsulate eco-luxury. Built by local craftsmen using local stone, they appear to flow out of the landscape. A romantic escape extraordinaire!`

Coillabus views

Coillabus views

Prices from £995 – £2200 per week. Minimum stay 3 nights from £220 per night.

For more information on these and the other unique properties in the collection, including a truck conversion in Scotland, a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; a merchant`s house in Morocco; a treehouse in Somerset; windmills, eco houses, tents, tipis and yurts; visit http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.

Notes for editors:
One Off Places was launched in 2008 by Tabitha Symonds. 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 http://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.

Brand new to the market: Unique Mobile Glamping Site in Devon

One Off Places is thrilled to announce the launch of Wild Comfort, one of the world’s only mobile glamping sites. Offering its guests luxury camping in beautiful natural surroundings, the campsites are set up in a variety of locations in Devon, for a few short weeks at a time, before moving on to another equally stunning spot.

Sleeping tent by the sea

Sleeping tent by the sea

The campsite comprises five sleeping tents (sleeping up to 10 adults in total), plus one living room tent, one cook tent, and one bathroom tent. The tents are stylish and include a comfortable sofa, a woodstove-warmed living room, fully fitted kitchen, hot showers and decks with stunning views. You can even request for the kitchen to be stocked up with food before your arrival!

Sleeping tent interior

Sleeping tent interior

Wild Comfort takes great pride in the fact that they are providing a sustainable, low impact and self sufficient way to enjoy wonderful places, devoid of crowds and holiday home developments. The camps occupy various locations, all within the picturesque South Hams area of Devon. Wherever you are, you will be living close to beaches and rivers, the wilds of Dartmoor and the charming towns of Totnes, Kingsbridge, Dartmouth and Salcombe.

Cosy at night

Cosy at night

Tabitha Symonds, co-founder and director of oneoffplaces.co.uk, said of this brand new addition to the portfolio;` If you’re looking for a family holiday where children can explore, where you can build fires, cook outdoors and go rock-pooling, then this ticks all the boxes. Or maybe you want a unique setting for a celebration weekend – long walks, local pubs and dips in the sea – whoever you’re here with, you’ll love every minute!`

living room tent

living room tent

All the campsites are located in and around South Hams in Devon. Exact addresses are given at time of booking. Prices from £650 – £1000 for eight people for one week. Short breaks also available from £500.

7 mins from the beach

7 mins from the beach

For more information on these and the other unique properties in the collection, including a truck conversion in Scotland, a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; a merchant`s house in Morocco; a treehouse in Somerset; windmills, eco houses, tents, tipis and yurts; visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.

Notes for editors:
One Off Places was launched in 2008 by husband and wife team Olly and Tabitha Symonds. 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 http://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.

Brand new to the market: Carbon Negative Luxury in the Scottish Highlands

One Off Places is thrilled to announce the launch of Croft 103, a pair of five star eco dwellings in the northwest Scottish Highlands with sea loch and mountain views. Wilderness, luxury and inspiration combine to make Croft 103 heaven for couples in search of dreamy isolation.

Hill Cottage Bedroom

Hill Cottage Bedroom

Croft 103 is made up two 5 star self-catering cottages both with stunning open views over Loch Eriboll and the mountains. They have been created with style and vision and effortlessly combine the traditional and the contemporary. Nothing at Croft 103 is off the shelf – from the door handles to the 7ft bed practically everything is handcrafted. Every aspect has been carefully planned and created using honest, natural fabrics and materials. Each cottage has two baths – both designed to accommodate two people – one of which is outdoors on the secluded patio area overlooking the sea.

Shore Cottage at Night

Shore Cottage at Night

Croft 103 is carbon negative – it produces more energy than it uses, through wind and solar generation. The buildings were constructed using natural materials and traditional building techniques, including sheep’s wool insulation, woodfibre sheathing, tyre bales and solar collectors. The cottages are powered almost entirely by a small on-site wind turbine.

Shore Cottage from a distance

Shore Cottage from a distance

Tabitha Symonds, co-founder and director of oneoffplaces.co.uk, said of this brand new addition to the portfolio; `Croft 103 epitomises what One Off Places is all about. A stay in one of these cottages will really give you something to write home about; not only will your eco-conscience be clean, but here you can indulge in sensuous luxury at the very heart of the wilderness.`

Hill Cottage interior

Hill Cottage interior

Cape Wrath, where the cottages are situated, is a wild, remote and beautiful expanse and is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Europe. An abundance of wildlife and vast open space create an overwhelming experience. The village of Durness is surrounded by some of the best walking in the world and an endlessly fascinating environment, made for exploring.

Prices from £220 per night (minimum stay three nights) / £1200 for one week.

For more information on these and the other unique properties in the collection, including a truck conversion in Scotland, a colonial villa in Sri Lanka; a merchant`s house in Morocco; a treehouse in Somerset; windmills, eco houses, tents, tipis and yurts; visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk.