20 Luxury Private Rentals For The Ultimate Escape

All this time at home may have had you longing to upgrade your surroundings, but thoroughly used to home comforts. Combine the two with a private rental escape! Whether it’s a luxury UK staycation in a pretty country cottage or a far-flung mansion with all the trimmings, these are the private rentals we’re dreaming of for a holiday in 2022 and beyond…

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The Beach House at Anse Chastanet, St Lucia

Anse Chastanet, St Lucia’s private residence ‘The Beach House’, is set right on the resort’s golden-sand beach. Enjoy authentic, laidback Caribbean style combined with a luxurious French design, guests of the one-bedroom property will benefit from the amenities and services of Anse Chastanet hotel, whilst enjoying the privacy of a stand-alone residence. The  Beach House comprises an expansive, open-plan bedroom and living area complete with a fully equipped bathroom, and beautiful outside area with a large patio overlooking a landscaped oceanfront garden.

BOOK: Nightly rates for The Beach House at Anse Chastanet start from $950 based on double occupancy (breakfast not included) | ansechastanet.com

Castello di Vicarello, Italy

Your own four walls feeling too constrictive? How about a private castle in the Tuscan hills for the perfect summer escape? Castella di Vicarello is a 12th century castle in the rolling Tuscan hills with nine beautifully-designed suites, two outdoor swimming pools, its very own vineyard and olive oil production plus an open kitchen for authentic Italian dining. Playing host to up to 22 guests, you can have the run of the sprawling estate, located in the picturesque region of Maremma. Experiences arranged by the estate include horse-riding, a leather making workshop with Era Balestrieri, a famous leather creator, Italian cookery classes and learning about the grape and olive harvest.

BOOK: Exclusive hire of Castello di Vicarello starts from €12,000 per night (currently approx. £10,842) on a B&B basis, inclusive of nine suites (sleeping 18 guests) with a supplement of €150 (currently approx. £135) per night for an extra guest per room. A minimum stay of two nights is required from November to April and three nights from May to October. Fly to Florence or Pisa (two-hour drive to the estate) or Rome (three-hour drive) | castellodivicarello.com

Ocean House, New England, USA

Renting a cottage is a tradition for visitors to Watch Hill, a small, peaceful coastal village in America’s smallest state of Rhode Island. This New England seaside resort is perched high on the bluffs of Watch Hill built in 1868 just after the Civil War, overlooking a private stretch of beach with views of the Atlantic Ocean, Montauk and Block Island. Properties range from two-bedroom bungalows to seven-bedroom homes, some with private swimming pools, laundry facilities, fireplaces or hot tubs.

BOOK: oceanhouseri.com

Dun Aluinn, Perthshire, Scotland, UK

Set in a 5.5 acres estate in Highland Perthshire, within short walking distance (600m) of Aberfeldy town, Dun Aluinn is a beautiful Victorian property. Design highlights include the house’s dining table – a bespoke 5.5m piece, made from poured bronze and oak by Black Isle Bronze in Nairn, Northern Scotland, and the orange corner sofa of B&B Italia Tufty-Too design in the sitting room. There are three crackling open fires and beautiful light and views from every window and outside the property guests can enjoy re-wilding areas around the estate, with rich nature habitats including deer, grouse, pheasant and owls, as well as wild mushroom areas, which are protected. There is a wood fired cedar hot tub set in the woods beside the house, a cinema room, great walks from the door including the incredible Birks of Aberfeldy waterwall walk, and plenty of partners happy to offer guests bespoke activities.

BOOK: Sleeps up to 18 in nine bedrooms, with four new rooms in The Lodge due to be added in May 2021, enabling parties of up to 26 to stay | Dun Aluinn costs from £17,000 per week (or from £944pp per week/18 sharing) for a seven night stay including butler service, full daily breakfast using seasonal and local produce, morning and afternoon tea or coffee with freshly baked cake, and morning maid service and evening turn down service | dunaluinn.com | 07766 885270

Alma Grange, Ceredigion, Wales, UK

This Victorian country property situated in West Wales is beautifully restored and modernised with stunning views, five beautiful bedrooms that look out towards the Preseli Hills or Cardigan Bay and a master bedroom with a bespoke walnut four poster king size bed. There is a hand-crafted kitchen, two reception rooms, a large living room, informal morning room and a children’s play area, games room and cinema room. While visiting, visit the coastline of Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion, take a boat trip and see bottlenose dolphins, enjoy a canoe trip down the Teifi Gorge or check out Folly Farm with lions, penguins, rhinos and an adventure playground.

BOOK: A week’s stay for up to ten guests costs in May costs from £2050 and £3550 in July | premiercottages.co.uk | 01239 801012

The Farmyard At The Newt, Somerset, UK

Fans of The Newt looking for a more private escape will want to check out The Farmyard, launching summer 2021 in a secluded corner of the Somerset estate. It will offer 17 bedrooms and suites, as part of a laid back, private experience, available for exclusive hire. The rooms are housed within historic buildings such as a Farm House, Cyder Mill, Apple Loft and Cheese Barns, all of which offer lovingly restored spaces that include touches of modern luxury while retaining their original use. There will be an indoor swimming pool, bar and games room plus an authentic farm-to-table culinary experience that celebrates the best of Somerset.

BOOK: thenewtinsomerset.com

Stockton House, Wiltshire, UK

Set in the Wylye Valley amongst the rolling downs of Wiltshire, Stockton House is an Elizabethan Manor that underwent extensive refurbishments completed in 2016. There are nine bedrooms, beautiful gardens to relax in, a squash court, swimming pool and tennis court. The area offers beautiful walking and cycling routes, and the house has a renowned partridge shoot.

BOOK: Stays at Stockton House are priced from £3,000 per night during low season, (with a six-night minimum stay), based on accommodation for up to 18 people. Price is for venue only (which includes on site leisure activities). Dining and additional activities can be arranged for an extra cost | oetkercollection.com

Enfield House, Devon, UK

This dog-friendly, 13th century thatched luxury cottage is just five doors from the Michelin Star Mason Arms in the quiet and pretty rural village of Knowstone. Explore rolling green hills and river valleys with Exmoor National Park nearby and the rugged Devon coastline within easy reach; perfect for walkers and those with dogs. With a designer kitchen, log burner and boutique bathroom, this is the perfect Devon home away from home.

BOOK: A four-night mid-week stay in May for five guests is £599 and a three night mid week stay in August is £699 | premiercottages.co.uk | 01252 725009

Gerald Road II, London

Gerald Road II is situated in the heart of Belgravia, a stone’s throw from both Sloane Square and Victoria stations, where lofty white stone buildings line quiet residential streets leading to chic Chelsea shops and cosy floral-adorned cafes. The three-floor, three-bedroom, three-bathroom property is the London townhouse you always imagined you’d live in (for longer than a few nights), with tasteful, elegant décor throughout, highest quality finishes and a gorgeous collection of photographic art. Read our full review of onefinestay’s Gerald Road II here.

BOOK: Stays at Gerald Road II start at £890 per night | onefinestay.com

The Manoir du Golf, France

Built in 1911, originally as a family home, this seven-room property has a English clubhouse atmosphere. The rooms have names such as Birdie and Green and it’s locale on the heart of the green itself, means guests can indulge in their passion for golf from dawn to dusk.

BOOK: From €1,725.50 for 7 people including breakfast, 1 green fee for the Evian Championship course and access to the Academy | evianresort.com

The Townhouse at The Gainsborough Bath Spa, UK

Enjoy private thermal bathing in the historic Cross Bath with The Gainsborough Bath Spa’s Townhouse Experience. Stay at this elegant Georgian property to combine the space of a private home with the luxury services of the five-star hotel. The experience offers guests unrivalled exclusive access to The Cross Bath, an intimate, open-air bath where guests can bathe in the city’s famed natural thermal waters in complete privacy. Adjacent to The Gainsborough Bath Spa, The Townhouse offers peaceful and private accommodation spread over four floors. There are three bedrooms, one king, one queen and one single, sleeping up to five. The Cross Bath is an official sacred site where Celts once revered their Goddess Sulis, in whose honour the Romans named the spa town, Aquae Sulis.

BOOK: Nightly rates at The Townhouse at The Gainsborough Bath Spa are subject to length of stay and start from £765 per weeknight and £995 per weekend night, with a minimum two-night stay required over summer weekends. To book, contact [email protected] or visit thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk 

Gwel Trelsa in Polzeath, Cornwall, UK

Moments from the sand and waves, right on the beach front, Gwel Trelsa boasts an unrivalled beachside location with panoramic sea views, a stylish cocktail bar, outdoor kitchen, cushion-filled sky hammock and four-floors of chic interiors. It sleeps 10 in five rooms, everything Polzeath has to offer just a hop, skip and a jump away. Friends, families and surfers alike will immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere and surf culture of Polzeath.

BOOK: latitude50.co.uk

Kirtlington Hall, UK

This Grade 1 listed English country house sleeps 16 and is set in glorious Capability Brown designed parkland in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside. With dramatic period features and cosy corners, the state rooms, famed Monkey Room and beautiful bedrooms, Kirtlington is perfect for family celebrations and parties, once allowed. The property features eight bedrooms and six reception rooms, a tennis court, cinema and games room, gym, billiard table and extensive grounds. Outdoor space includes gardens for relaxing in, al fresco dining spaces, barbecue areas and croquet space plus abundant woodlands, mature trees and wildflower meadows.

BOOK: £2,500 per night for a minimum of three nights |  luxurycotswoldrentals.co.uk | sleeps 16 | +44(0)207 993 6545; [email protected]

Thirlestane Castle, Scotland, UK

This 16th century castle sits below the Royal Burgh of Lauder, looking out over acres of parkland and estate. Guests can enjoy eight en-suite bedrooms spread across five separate apartments and gather in the panelled room or state drawing room. Activities include clay pigeon shooting, game shooting (pheasant, partridge & grouse), red deer stalking, whisky tasting, bag pipers, story tellers and golf. Upon request the owner Edward Maitland-Carew offers private tours around the castle.

BOOK: Stays at Thirlestane Castle are priced from £11,000 for 2 nights based on accommodation for up to 8 people including breakfast & dinner. The Castle can accommodate a total of 16 guests. All other activities can be arranged at an extra cost | oetkercollection.com

Lobster Pot, Porthcothan, Cornwall, UK

Looking for a cosy seaside bolthole to get away from it all with the one you love? This cosy cabin is located in Porthcothan, North Cornwall. The individual, carefully thought-out rustic interiors have been hand-selected, foraged and upcycled by Cornish-based artist Susie Ray who offers painting, fish rubbing and upcycling workshops to staying guests at her nearby studio.

BOOK: Sleeps 2 | from £426 for a week’s stay | beachretreats.co.uk

Puffets Little Barrington, UK

If you’ve been dreaming of a move to the Cotswolds throughout lockdown, plan a getaway at Puffets, a spacious cottage in the heart of Little Barrington, converted from two classically Cotswold terraced cottages. The property has five bedrooms – three suitable for adults and two child-friendly rooms – and four bathrooms. There is a large entrance hall, drawing room, snug, open plan kitchen-dining room, games room and small gym.

BOOK: From £6,000 per week (dogs will be considered) luxurycotswoldrentals.co.uk | sleeps 8, (dogs will be considered) |  +44(0)207 993 6545; [email protected]

Gwel an Mor, Portreath Beach, Cornwall

This five-star resort overlooking Portreath beach has won multiple awards and offers spacious lodges sleeping 2-6 guests. The lodges are surrounded by woodland and Cornish countryside, the perfect base for wildlife adventures, surfing, beach days, climbing, archery and more. This year the resort will launch their outdoor cinema programme plus lakeside lodges for two with hot tubs and family-friendly Kinder lodges; the perfect private rentals for cosy escapes.

BOOK: gwelanmor.com

Cowdray House, Sussex, UK

Cowdray House is set amongst 110-acres of beautiful gardens and is known as being the home of British polo. This 22-bedroom house offers a wide range of activities from polo to golf and shooting. Once parties and gatherings are allowed, you can have the perfect get-together here.

BOOK: Stays at Cowdray House are priced from £12,000 per night based on accommodation for up to 44 people. | oetkercollection.com

The Beach House, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, UK

This stylish beachside house of unique design is a beachside haven full of natural light and comfort. The property has its own pool and sits just above the magnificent sandy beach and roaring ocean of Mawgan Porth so guests can wake to the sound of rolling waves.

BOOK: Sleeps 12 | from £2245 for a week’s stay | beachretreats.co.uk

Edgar House, Chester, UK

From its prime location high above the Roman sandstone walls of Chester, the recently renovated Edgar House boasts beautiful views over the River Dee – with its own terrace to admire them from. Accommodating up to 16 guests, the Regency-style villa has seven bedrooms, each styled with décor themes inspired by the city’s racecourse – including the Copper Suite, complete with its own deep copper bathtub. The open-plan kitchen can switch effortlessly from hosting home-cooked suppers to more elaborated menus put together by a personal in-house chef, recommended by Edgar House’s manager. Guests can also book cheese and wine tastings, watch films in the cinema room, and play table football, darts and air hockey in the games room. An in-house concierge team, meanwhile, will be on hand to help with your every need – whether that’s booking a table at a local restaurant or organising a chauffeur-driven tour.

BOOK: Sleeps 16 | daisyjoy.co.uk