We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
15 Of The Most Luxe English Country Cottages For The Ultimate Chill Staycation
For a breath of some much needed country air
Travel in 2020 is as foreign as actual international holidays.
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic - and the ensuing chaos brought with it - thousands have found their holiday plans thwarted as the world grapples with a new way of life.
A saving grace for many, amid the months of lockdown and pending unknown, has been the great British staycation, with lots of people discovering parts of the country that they might otherwise have missed off their travel bucket list.
The UK is home to some beautiful countryside escapes and, just because the summer might have come to an end, doesn't mean the staycations have to.
With travel and staycation rules changing all the time, we've chosen to focus on the best country cottages available in England for now - though there are some very idyllic accommodation options in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland too.
Here is our pick of the best English country cottages for you (and five friends, or just your other half or family depending on local tiered restrictions) to get to know the UK countryside and be at one with nature..
*Please note that due to the updated tier system within England, there may be some restrictions on some of these properties.
Home Farm Cottage, The Cotswolds
If you want the luxury of a hotel, but ultimately your own private accommodation in the countryside, Home Farm Cottage is the place for you. Owned by the gorgeous Barnsley House - a five-star hotel which feels like an exclusive members club fused with a cosy country house - is the three-bedroom cottage.
Secluded enough that you won't be bothered by other guests but with the benefits of staying on-site (like fresh milk, baked bread and eggs from the farmyard), The Potager restaurant and use of the hotel's spa, this is an idyllic compromise in a beautiful part of England.
BOOK NOW
The Lodge, Sussex
Found in one of the most picturesque spots of countryside south of London - the South Downs - is the Lodge at Whithurst Park. With four bathrooms and four bedrooms, the Lodge even won an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for its design in 2002.
The lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can look out at the country views while snuggling by the fire. If it's warm enough to venture outside, the decking features bean bags and a fire pit so the cosiness can be brought outside too.
Huxham Croft, Somerset
Huxham Croft is a flat which connects to a beautiful country home. The annexe features two bedrooms, a sitting room and kitchen, all with a modern finish, making it the perfect stylish countryside retreat for small families, couples or a small group of friends.
Located near Glastonbury, Huxham Croft sits on some beautiful land where vegetables are grown, sheep are reared and where a hot tub, tennis courts and snug outdoor seating area can be found too.
Agra Cottage, Yorkshire Dales
Set in the rolling Yorkshire Dales is Agra Cottage. The cottage is thought to date back to the monks of nearby Jervaulx Abbey and has been restored into a luxury cottage since. As if the monk history couldn't make it feel any more noble, the cottage has a walled garden and is home to some resident peacocks too.
West Farleigh Barn, Devon
Located in rural Tiverton, in the middle of Devon, is the West Fairleigh Barn - a super impressive barn conversion boasting French doors that look out onto the picturesque valley. The farmhouse-style kitchen and rustic long dining table are perfect for evenings spent drinking wine and enjoying delicious home cooked meals in a location where you definitely will not be disturbed.
Brock Cottage, Cotswolds
Located near Kingham, not far from Cotswolds hot spots Stow-on-the-wold, Chipping Norton and Bourton-on-the-water, Brock Cottage boasts seven bedrooms, four bathrooms (two of which are en suite) and an annexe.
Complete with a one-acre garden, patio and pergola and trampoline to keep children entertained, this property is a classic countryside find but decorated with bursts of colour to liven up the vibe.
Stable Cottage, Charlton Hall, Northumberland
Found at the very north of England (and just 40 minutes from the Scottish borders, should travel restrictions allow you to venture into beautiful Scotland) is Stable Cottage located on the Charlton Hall estate, in Ellingham on the east coast of Northumberland.
The two-bedroom cottage boasts modern interiors, a large patio for evening dinners and a traditional cottage brick exterior.
Mellingey, Cornwall
This four bedroom house is a former dairy which was built by the owner's great grandfather in 1926, and has since been renovated within the family. Set on the banks of the River Fowey, the house possesses a tiered garden, balcony with outdoor patio furniture and roaring fireplace perfect for Autumn and Winter.
The Old Smock Windmill, Kent
One of Airbnb's most wishlisted properties in August 2020 is the Old Smock windmill in rural Kent. The 17th century restored windmill is ideal for couples as it has one bedroom and bathroom set across four storeys and is found in the remote Kent countryside.
Romantic cottage, Lancashire
Though this one might be close to the town of Lancaster (and the medieval Lancaster Castle), it's got all the amenities of a typical English country cottage. Copper bath tub, check. A 'secret' bedroom, check and a window seat to take in the views, check. The cottage has one bedroom so is perfect for couples.
Orchard Cottage, Sussex
Located in Stonegate, near the Sussex and Kent countryside border, is Orchard Cottage - a three bedroom cottage with a wood burner, large corner sofa and smart TV making up an ultimately very snuggly and ideal living room. There are also shared tennis courts on site which can be used by guests
Warcleave Cottage, Devon
Described as a 'woodland retreat', the cottage is found in the middle of Dartmoor National Park. With a balcony connecting to the reception room, guests can look out over the moors and River Teign which runs at the bottom of the garden. The cottage is perfect for walkers as there are lots of routes nearby.
Eelbeck Cottage, Lake District
Set in the must-visit Lake District is a former farm labourer's cottage which has been given a luxe renovation (wooden beams, aga stove and woodburner in the snug). Eelbeck cottage is close to local sights like 60ft waterfall Stanley Ghyll Force and Scafell Pike.
Chapel Cottage, Cotswolds
As far as location goes, Chapel Cottage is ideal for first time Cotswolds-dwellers. Located in the postcard perfect (and bustling in the summer) Bourton-on-the-water (you'll surely have seen the stream of the River Windrush and series of footbridges on your Instagram feed ), the grade II Chapel Cottage is a great find in this well sought after area.
Malt House, Cornwall
Found on the Cotehele estate on the River Tamar is Malt House, a cottage featuring an impressive tower room which is home to a lounge. The three-bedroom cottage sits on the Cotehale quay and is a 'stone's throw to the water's edge'.
Olivia Blair is Entertainment Editor (Luxury) at Hearst UK, working across ELLE, Esquire and Harper's Bazaar. Olivia covers all things entertainment and has interviewed the likes of Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Michaela Coel and Ryan Gosling over the years.
From Bars To Boutiques, The 7 Most Fashionable Places To Visit In Copenhagen
ELLE UK's Guide To Bodrum
The ELLE Guide To Costa Smeralda
Forget What You Think You Know About Marbella
