Forget naff nautical-themed decor, our carefully chosen edit of elegant, design-led UK holiday homes will have you dreaming of a long weekend beside the seaside. By Rosalind Sack
Radar, Kent
Fans of Scandi-inspired design will adore this clean and crisp contemporary self-catering beach house overlooking uninterrupted views of the surrounding shingle beach, sea and sky. Natural materials abound at Radar, with beautiful paired back wood, wicker and cork adding warmth to the minimalist scheme. While indulgent touches such as underfloor heating, a cosy woodburner and sauna keep it super toasty during an unpredictable British summer. Available to rent at Bloom Stays.
IMAGES: ©UNIQUE HOMESTAYS
Seren Mor, Pembrokeshire
Sweeping waterside vistas aren’t the only draw at this stunning RIBA award-winning self catering holiday home in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This fully sustainable clifftop house is a celebration of modern design and architecture, as well as beautiful natural materials. Available to rent at Unique Home Stays, +44(0) 1637 881183.
IMAGES: RICHARD GADSBY
The Outbuilding Appledore, Kent
Just a 10-minute drive from Rye and 20-minutes from the golden dunes of Camber Sands, Appledore is also the quintessential English country village. Tucked behind the traditional cottages and Georgian double-fronted houses is The Outbuilding, a converted workshop which is far from utilitarian. Its owner, interiors journalist and stylist Amy Maynard, has put her eye for detail to great use in this stylish two-bedroom bolthole. Available to rent at Cabins and Castles.
IMAGES: ©UNIQUE HOMESTAYS
Found Tower, Suffolk
This luxurious three-bedroom Martello tower on the Deben peninsula, looking across the water to Bawdsey village, makes for a very special escape indeed. The understated décor and clean lines allow this historic building to shine and the exposed brick walls, flagstone floors and sweeping wooden staircase are nothing short of spectacular. Available to rent at Unique Homestays, +44(0) 1637 881183.
IMAGES: HUMPHREY & GRACE
Camber Sands Cottage, East Sussex
Owned by interior designer Atlanta Bartlett, Camber Sands Cottage would look perfectly at home on the US West Coast with its all-white theme and laid-back industrial chic. Large windows facing the sea mean the coastal light can come flooding in. A series of separate but inter-connecting living spaces, plus four bedrooms, makes a great place for a larger group to relax after a day at the beach. Open the garden gate and it is just short stroll across a field to the wide open spaces and rolling dunes of Camber Sands; bustling Rye is within a short drive, too.
IMAGES: INSTAGRAM/@THEHOUSEONDOLPHINST
The House on Dolphin Street, Kent
We adore this Grade II listed Georgian terrace a stone’s throw from the seafront in Deal, Kent, which has been beautifully coaxed back to life by its owner, serial renovator and artist Russell Loughlan. Built in 1768 and virtually untouched since the 1960s, this three-bedroom holiday home now sings with clever styling, bold colour and a sense of fun, thanks to Russell’s sensitive transformation. Every bit as comfortable as it is stylish, this creative home is a coastal gem. Available to rent at Keepers Cottages.
IMAGES: AIR BNB
Carnacalla Cottage, Cornwall
Formerly owned by the National Trust, this charming six-bedroom cottage sits overlooking the sea in Sennen, England’s most westerly village. A soothing colour palette, paired-back styling and vintage pieces compliment the original features of the cottage, while adding a clean and contemporary feeling to the space. Available to rent on AirBnB.
IMAGES: ©UNIQUE HOMESTAYS
Northcott Beach House, Cornwall
Gaze at the waves from the comfort of your armchair at this colonial-style beach house near Bude. Whitewashed interiors, tasteful nautical touches and beautiful window detailing, not to mention the handsome Aga and well-stocked kitchen makes for an instantly welcoming feel at this fabulous home from home. Available to rent at Unique Homestays, +44(0) 1637 881183.
Feeling inspired for your next trip? Share this feature with friends and followers using the share buttons at the top of the page and discover more travel inspiration here.
