Now we’ve packed away our summer wardrobe, we’re getting a tingle of excitement for all that winter warmth in our boltholes around the country. So stoke the coals or pile on the wood this winter at one of our inviting holiday cottages with an open fire or wood burner.
Pop the kettle on and get browsing for your perfect winter getaway… Where will your next adventure take you?
Smiddy Cottage, Exmoor National Park
Head to Smiddy Cottage for a peaceful winter holiday away from the hustle and bustle. This delightful barn conversion nestles in 60 acres in a tranquil farm location within Exmoor National Park. With easy access to superb footpaths and dramatic scenery you’re sure to come home refreshed and rejuvenated. One of four cottages with cosy wood burners at West Hollowcombe Farm.
Vicarage House, Norfolk
If you’re planning a winter break for the whole family then you’re going to need a large property; a property with plenty of space that still feels cosy; a property just like Vicarage House. And, if your perfect winter escape involves ‘walking in a winter wonderland’, this charming house boasts wonderful walks right on the doorstep in Thetford Forest, on top of many other activities. After your walk, head back to the house and cuddle up in front of one of the two open fires, guaranteed to get you all nice and toasty.
Hampton Wafre Cottage, Herefordshire
Stoke up the wood burner and and bask in its warmth whether you are relaxing, cooking or entertaining in the open plan living area of this two bedroom characterful former barn. The addition of underfloor heating means all your comforts are taken care of (your canine pals will love it too!). If you do venture out, there are unrivalled walks, plus the opportunity to roam on the farm. Or explore the Black & White Village Trail, historic Hereford and Ludlow.
The Old Chapel, Oxfordshire
If you’re after a secluded break with walks from your doorstep and a cosy fire where you can hunker down in the evenings then The Old Chapel has just what you are looking for. This delightful chapel conversion is nestled near Uffington in glorious Oxfordshire countryside. With floor-to-ceiling windows and wonderful rural views, this holiday home is truly impressive and ideal for a small family or two couples looking for a rural retreat with a roaring fire. It’s the perfect choice if you plan to take your dog on holiday with you too and perfectly situated to explore Oxfordshire, the Cotswolds and Wiltshire.
Sky Lark, Cornwall
The gorgeous interior and beautiful wood burner at Sky Lark just scream romantic winter getaway. Just picture yourself snuggling up with your loved one in front of the wood burner with a glass of wine! This lovingly restored cottage is situated in the Looe Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty renowned for its peace and tranquillity. To top it off, there are superb coastal paths nearby – perfect for walking off those Christmas excesses. One of five cottages with cosy wood burners at Killigorrick Farm.
Harvest Moon, Devon
This charming converted threshing barn is thought to be over 400 years old and is bright and airy with contemporary décor and a wonderfully cosy wood burner. The landscape here is truly amazing with numerous countryside walks from the doorstep and the Devon coast within easy reach. And, as Harvest Moon welcomes two-well behaved dogs, this could be the ideal location for giving your pooch some well needed winter exercise.
Elliotts House, Devon
With exposed beams and a wood burning stove, the open plan living space is perfect for warming up after a wintry walk, but it’s our bet you’ll most likely spend your evenings in the glorious hot tub! And, if you fancy a pre- or post-Christmas workout, take advantage of the FREE access to the great facilities at Woodbury Park Golf and Leisure Club, only 10 minutes away. Within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast and Exeter, you can enjoy both the wintry countryside and the dramatic coastal landscape. You can also book Burrows nearby if there’s a bigger group of you looking to go on a winter break together.
The Oaks, Shropshire
Quietly nestled in the heart of the Shropshire Hills AONB, this five-star country house not only has a wonderfully cosy atmosphere inside but a breathtaking winter landscape outside. A great place to stay with friends or family over a long winter weekend, the children have their own games room and TV – somewhere to escape to when the adults are being boring! But you’re not going to want to stay indoors here. Across the road is the National Trust’s Long Mynd Estate, with plenty of excellent walks to explore, before settling in by the log burner to snooze it off.
Larkin Farmhouse, Kent
Featured in the TV series The Darling Buds of May, Larkin Farmhouse is a picturesque five star Grade II listed country house in the heart of Kent. Relax around the huge brick inglenook fireplace with wood burning stove, guaranteed to toast up the whole house on chillier days. There’s even a piano to gather round and have an old fashioned family sing song. Situated on Darling Buds Farm, this is a real back-to-nature property. There are 35 acres of land with footpaths on the doorstep including nine large ponds and opportunities to visit the animals. It’s so perfick you may never want to leave…
Banningham Coach House, Norfolk
This fabulous converted coach house has a beautiful living room furnished lovingly and complete with a cosy wood burner – the perfect place to while away a chilly winter’s night. If you’d rather get out and about, you won’t be disappointed. Banningham Coach House is the ultimate luxury base for exploring countless walks right on the doorstep, North Norfolk’s beautiful coastline, the tranquil Broads and the fine cathedral city of Norwich.
Manor Farmhouse, Kent
For a grand winter getaway for the whole family, this splendid country house in Kent, with no fewer than three wood burning stoves, is definitely the place to be! The sitting room is a great space for socialising as is the large cinema room with 47” screen smart TV with HD. The separate dining room also seats eighteen, creating a wonderful environment for a family meal where you can spend hours catching up and sharing fond memories.
Henfield Barn, Bristol
We’ve saved Henfield Barn till last, and though it does indeed feature the crackle of two log burners, we’re betting you’ll spend much of your time in the superb indoor heated pool and the new reindeer hut for winter barbecues. With six en suite bedrooms, two spacious living rooms with wood burning stoves and a stunning kitchen diner, this beautiful barn conversion is perfect for a special winter break in South Gloucestershire. And if you can’t be bothered to cook, a private chef can provide catering during your stay.
What else?
We’ve got even more fabulous cottages with an open fire for you to choose from, so if you’re looking for a cosy cottage where you can relax in front of a roaring fire or wood burner, please visit our website and take your pick!
Published on Sunday 12th January 2020 by Linnie Clements
Follow us on social media