5 Extraordinary places to sleep this summer
From treehouses to space-age pods, there are some great quirky hideaways that are perfect for spending a few days away in the UK
1. ON A RAFT
The Raft at Chigborough, near Maldon, Essex
Cast off from the real world and stay on this floating cabin for four. Secluded and beautifully designed, the cabin runs on solar power and has a private hot tub and outdoor kitchen. There's even a rowing boat for splashing around on the lake.
From
£195 per night, canopyandstars.co.uk
2. ON A ROOFTOP
Brooks Guesthouse Retro Rockets, Bristol
Brooks is a boutique guesthouse with a difference. Its quirkiest bed-and-breakfast option comes in the form of airstream caravans parked on top of the guesthouse's flat roof. There are four gleaming aluminium caravans to choose from, ranging in size from 16ft to 20ft. Each is equipped with a double bed, shower room, TV with DVD, eco heating and low-energy LED lighting. The self-contained caravans are cosy and fun, with amazing views across the city.
Known as Retro Rockets, they offer the fun of glamping combined with the luxury of a city-centre hotel.
From £80 per night, brooksguesthousebristol.com
3. IN A TREE
The Treehouses at Chewton Glen, Hampshire
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Staying in a treehouse is the antithesis to any urban jungle. This five-star hotel's
12 luxury treehouse suites have ecofriendly credentials that include rainwater recycling and solar heating. The wraparound balconies have private hot tubs and panoramic views.
From
£800 per night, chewtonglen.com
4. IN A GEO DOME
Loveland Farm, Hartland, Devon
Nestled between rolling hills and the North Devon coast, the Loveland pod sits atop raised decking. It has a king-size bed and two sofabeds, sea views, a wood burner and a projector for private movie nights. And if that pod doesn't suit you, there are four others to choose from.
From £240 for two nights, lovelandfarmcamping.co.uk
5. IN A TABERNACLE
Brownscombe Tabernacle, near Totnes, South Devon
This timber and tin Wendy house with a twist is quite a find. Set in rural South Devon, its design is based on the traditional tabernacles once used by Methodist preachers. Pour a glass of fizz and soak in the wood-fired hot tub while stargazing and listening to wildlife. Bliss.
From £36 per person per night, classicglamping.co.uk
Tamara was Ideal Home's Digital Editor before joining the Woman & Home team in 2022. She has spent the last 15 years working with the style teams at Country Homes & Interiors and Ideal Home, both now at Future PLC. It’s with these award wining interiors teams that she's honed her skills and passion for shopping, styling and writing. Tamara is always ahead of the curve when it comes to interiors trends – and is great at seeking out designer dupes on the high street.
-
When to sow courgettes for your most productive summer crop yet
It all depends on where you start the seeds
By Sophie King
-
I tried Lakeland's £45 rice cooker and now I'll never buy a microwave pouch again – plus it's small kitchen friendly
It's my new kitchen essential
By Molly Cleary
-
What are the most timeless wall panelling styles? Experts reveal the 2 designs that will never go out of style
If you want your wall panelling to stand the test of time, these 2 styles are the ones to go for
By Sara Hesikova