Cosy cottages and quirky cabins to stay this winter

This festive season why not escape for a winter break with family or friends with our round-up of cosy country cottages. 

Chestnut and Culls Cottage, Eco Chic Cottages, Gloucestershire

Culls Cottage is a quintessentially Cotswold Cottage dating from 1670 that combines all the charm of the past with modern fittings and luxurious extras. Its larger sister property The Chestnuts, is a stylishly furnished  traditional stone cottage  with original artworks, two lounges and three bathrooms. Both properties are toasty warm with traditional inglenook fireplaces, wood burners and underfloor heating.

Glorious walks over the fields can be enjoyed direct from the door and historic Burford, Lechlade, Blenheim Place and The Ashmoleum Museum are within easy reach.

Ockeridge Rural Retreats, Worcester

Set on a nine-acre equestrian site, Ockeridge Rural Retreats is the ideal escape for lovers of luxury. Furnished to high standards, this glamping site is the epitome of luxury with cabins’ special touches including a wood log burner and a large bathtub at the foot of a king sized bed to soak away the winter blues as you look out at views over fields towards Little Witley, or a stunning kitchen and sitting area, plus a luxury bathroom in the larger Shepherd’s hut. Book now at Pitchup.com

Erw Gwenllian, Wales

The gorgeous Erw Gwenllian has some of the most breath-taking views of Aberdovey village. Aberdovey sits on the northern edge of the Dyfi estuary, where the mountains meet the sea on the edge of the Snowdonia national park. This peaceful village has a thriving harbour and remains a popular seaside resort.

Recently refurbished to an incredibly high-standard, this property is the perfect bolthole for a weekend of coastal walks and hunkering down inside by the fire watching films. With glass sliding doors opening out to a patio, the house, which sleeps eight, makes the ideal base for a relaxing break – whatever the weather.

Oliveduck Cottage, Narberth

Located in an idyllic market town full of boutique shops, galleries and cafes, this warming period cottage provides a comfortable stay in a great location. There is an open fire place, roll top bath and, for kids, a lofty playroom up a spiralled staircase with beanbags, games and a tv. www.qualitycottages.co.uk

Cwrt-Yr-Ala Barns, Glamorgan

Nestled in the Vale of Glamorgan countryside, former hay barns Cwrt-Yr-Ala Barns offers a luxurious hideaway in the hills. The four properties, sleeping between two and 12 guests, sit on a 42-acre estate. Cardiff Bay and Penarth are also just ten minutes drive away.

Off-grid on the Isle of Mull at Eco Camping Cabin

Go off-grid in the village of Salen on Scotland’s own Isle of Mull with Scandinavian-style Eco Camping Cabin. The back-to-basics cabin was built using traditional methods and recycled materials. It sleeps two people, with a cosy log-burning stove for heating and cooking. Feed your survival skills with no running water or electricity, and earth-composting toilet, and enjoy visits from wildlife and stunning nature: deer and owls are regular visitors, whilst a few lucky guests have been treated to a dazzling display of the Northern Lights. It’s not all basics – special touches include a sauna cabin and plunge pool made from a recycled large fish tank, perfect for relaxing after a busy day exploring. The nearby Salen village is a great base to enjoy Mull’s scenery and wildlife, with cycling and walking tracks around the island. Golf, fishing, climbing and horse riding are all available nearby for those feeling more adventurous. Bookings available through www.pitchup.com

Fron Haul, Poppit Sands

Fron Haul is a traditional Grade II listed Welsh stone cottage with tiny shuttered windows, an inglenook fireplace and wide open views of the Preseli hills. The 200 year old cottage is set in three acres of secluded countryside, has a firepit in the rear garden and a cosy parlwr for curling up with a good book in. www.qualitycottages.co.uk

Old Oak Cottages, North Yorkshire

Situated in a delightful rural location Old Oak Cottages are just outside the pretty village of Little Thirkleby, on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors, boasting spectacular views across unspoilt countryside toward the White Hourse of Kilburn.

Fairy Hill House, Newport

Sat in the foothills of the Preseli Hills, this former farmhouse offers 12 guests a snug retreat in sumptuous surroundings. Spacious yet cosy, the house has inglenook fireplaces, exposed beams, oak floors, underfloor heating and an original feature fireplace with a bread oven. www.qualitycottages.co.uk

Kingshoath Cottage, Sussex

This grade II listed 16^th century character cottage is tucked away down a country lane on the outskirts of the village of Beckley between Rye and Battle.

Accommodating up to eight guests, this cosy, comfortable and well equipped cottage benefits from a large lounge with an open log fire and oak beams throughout creating a warm and rustic feel.

It’s also just a short walk from country pub the ‘Rose & Crown’ and less than 8 miles from the Sussex coastline and beaches of Camber Sands for bracing winter walks.

The Bend in the New Forest

Situated in the pretty hamlet of Neacroft, in the New Forest National Park, The Bend is a stylish luxury holiday home sleeping up to 12 guests. The house is well located for exploring the New Forest – on foot, by bicycle or on horseback – and there are plenty of cosy country pubs nearby. In addition to spacious living areas and a roaring log fire, the house also features a games room with table tennis and plenty for all the family to enjoy.

Buttercup Hut, Combe Martin, Devon

Perfect for couples, the Buttercup Hut in Devon  is a short drive or a walk through the valley to Combe Martin, with seaside towns of Ilfracombe and Woolacombe a sort drive away. Enjoy spectacular views of the Malvern Hills across the River Severn, and take your dog for a walk in a nearby field or on one of many coastal trails.

The Old Cheese Factory, Derbyshire

The Old Cheese Factory is set in an idyllic location in the rural village of Windley, offering breathtaking views of the Peak District and fantastic walking and cycling opportunities straight from the door.

Built around 1690, this grade II listed building has been restored to an incredibly high standard. It retains many original features including the oak beams and lime ash floors.

The property will be tastefully decorated for the festive season and guests will be welcomed with a variety of Christmas treats. The Old Cheese Factory sleeps up to eight people. premiercottages.co.uk

Cae Du, Snowdonia National Park

Cae Du  provides a stunning location for a festive escape with beautiful mountain panoramas, quiet forest walkways, lakeside trails, and tumbling waterfalls nearby. A short distance away is Betws-y-Coed, the principal village of the park, if you need anything. Dogs are welcome here too; there’ll be plenty of space for them to run around. premiercottages.co.uk

Baker’s Cottage and Swallow’s Nest, Gower

Baker’s Cottage and Swallow’s Nest are two beautifully converted one bedroom cottages on the Gower peninsula’s north west coast. The cottages are perfect for couples in search of a peaceful Christmas hideaway and plenty of coastal walks. Each has a small private garden, beautiful sea views and access to a shared hot tub.

Baker’s Cottage is a former 17^th century bakehouse with, the original fireplace and baker’s oven still intact and a cosy bedroom under the eaves. Swallow’s Nest is a converted barn that has been furnished in a similar period style, with a mezzanine bedroom complete with a four-poster bed. qualitycottages.co.uk

Llofft Storws and Stabal, Anglesey

These two cottages form part of a group of eco-conscious converted farm buildings, centred around a stone courtyard and with shared access to a large garden.

The former stable,‘Stabal’, sleeps six and has a lavish playroom for kids, while ‘Llofft Storws’, the old hay loft, sleeps four. Each of the properties offers contemporary, accommodation with en-suite bedrooms and open-plan living spaces, in a beautiful rural location. Visitors can enjoy walks around Newborough Warren Nature Reserve or uncover the legend of St Dwynwyn on Llanddwyn Island. qualitycottages.co.uk

Gellideg,Cwmhiraeth, Wales

Gellideg is a gorgeous traditional Welsh cottage nestled in the small village of Cwmhiraeth, just a short drive from Cardigan. Built in 1850, it oozes character with beamed ceilings, a slate hearth and large country kitchen. With scenic woodland and river walks right outside and stunning beaches only half an hour away, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind this Christmas.

The cottage will be decorated for festivities, and its log burner and underfloor heating will ensure guests stay toasty.  premiercottages.co.uk

Aish Cross Holiday Cottages in Devon

Situated three miles from the medieval market town of Totnes, Aish Cross Holiday Cottages offer beautiful views across the Dart Valley and surrounding countryside – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property is also a mile from the riverside village of Stoke Gabriel. premiercottages.co.uk

Belle Grove, Suffolk

Celebrate Christmas in style at the gorgeously converted farm buildings at Belle Grove. Bursting with character and comfort, their ‘East meets West’ twist is provided by carefully chosen antiques and textiles. The under-floor heating and wood-burning stoves are ideal for cosy nights in. premiercottages.co.uk

Mulberry House, Pembrokeshire

This traditional stone built farmhouse, owned by the same family for over 100 years, combines period features with modern living. Mulberry House sleeps nine, plus two dogs, in five bedrooms, with cosy under-floor heating throughout, stylish contemporary fittings, log burners, exposed original stonework and beams.

The house is within easy reach of cliff-top walks along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and some of the region’s best beaches, as well as the Preseli Hills. Over Christmas, visitors can also make the short journey to St Davids and join a number of special services at the city’s impressive Catherdal, including Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and a service on Christmas Day. qualitycottages.co.uk

Cae Marchog, Brecon Beacons

Perched above a valley in the Black Mountains, Cae Marchog is a luxurious self-catering farmhouse and barn conversion that makes a wonderful retreat for larger groups at Christmas. Guests can enjoy modern luxuries such as underfloor heating, games consoles and a home cinema system.

The house is stylishly furnished and has three spacious bedrooms, while the barn features an additional two bedrooms and an open-plan living space. There’s plenty of room to cook a festive feast, plus a large hot tub and a second sitting room in the main house that is stocked with board games perfect for Boxing Day.

The surrounding mountains offer refreshing winter walks, including Hay Bluff and the dramatic Cat’s Back. qualitycottages.co.uk