UK’S TOP QUIRKY ACCOMMODATION FOR SUMMER 2014
UK’S TOP QUIRKY ACCOMMODATION FOR SUMMER 2014
If you believe the hype, we’re about to be engulfed in a sizzling pre-summer heat wave that’ll leave you pining for some sun-dappled rest and relaxation. Here’s our pick of some of the best quirky accommodations around…
Living Room Treehouses, Powys
Each designed by Peter Canham, the former exhibit designer at the Science Museum, these arboreal abodes boast cosy double beds, woodburning stoves and steaming hot showers. This is also a completely electricity-free zone with solar lanterns, tea lights and lamps lighting the way across treetop rope bridges. www.living-room.co
Mag Dogs & Vintage Vans, Wye Valley
Four cute, kitsch caravans situated in a small wildflower meadow facing West, enjoying fantastic views out to the Black Mountains and Hay Bluff. Each comes with its own private seating area and firebowl to allow you to kick back and watch the setting sun. www.maddogsandvintagevans.co.uk
Big Green Bus, South Downs National Park
You might recognise this one if you’re a fan of Geogre Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. The renovation of the 1982 West Midlands Metro bus was filmed by the popular television show last year. The bus now sleeps 6 (two double and a bunk bed), with a full size kitchen and lounge (plus log burner) downstairs. Organic welcome hampers available on request. http://www.our-land.co.uk/accommodation/14807/double-decker-bus-accommodation-in-sussex
The Yurt Farm, Ceredigion
The Yurt Farm’s oak-framed yurts are warm, spacious and light with wooden floors. Laurie and Thea have handcrafted everything themselves using timber from the farm. Inside you will find everything you need for your stay and a well equipped kitchen area. Listen to your wood-burner crackling as you snuggle down into your unique king-sized bed. www.theyurtfarm.co.uk
Tipis at Outdoors@Hay, Brecon Beacons
Outdoors@Hay offer spacious and atmospheric Tipi is authentically made by Crow Indians in North America providing a camping experience beyond all expectations. Tipi furnishings include a cooking fire, comfortable furniture, cooking facilities. Ideal for families as there are lots of activities on offer around the site as well as the Black Mountains and river Wye on the location’s doorstep. http://www.training-activities.co.uk
Sonia the converted boat, Ceredigion Coast
Few accommodations can be quite as cool as Sonia, the restored 1950s houseboat that now sits overlooking Cardigan Bay near Llangrannog. Sat in her very own grassy paddock Sonia is wonderfully secluded and boasts a footpath leading from the door right onto the beach. Kids will love peeping from the portholes almost as much as you’ll love the peace and quiet. www.underthethatch.co.uk/boat
Cwm Tawel Mongolian Yurts, Bridgend
Each of the traditional yurts has been furnished with an eclectic blend of rustic and ethnic furniture, while fluffy sheepskins and plump cushions surround the central log burner and a bbq sits on a peaceful decked area. The camp kitchen has everything you need for outdoor cooking and the washrooms have piping hot showers and state-of-the-art ‘Natsol’ compost toilets. http://www.cwmtawel.org.uk/
The Dome Garden, Forest of Dean
Dome Garden is a real Luxury Camping Village. It’s a special UK glamping site with a thoughtful blend of outdoor life and real luxury facilities. It is a unique collection of insulated Geodomes formed into stylish, eco glamping lodges. Each of the ten domes have individual private en-suites, flushing loos, proper beds, luxury linen and wood burning stoves. www.domegarden.co.uk
Preseli Venture’s Geodesic Dome, Pembrokeshire
Measuring six metres in diameter, the dome comes fully equipped with a double bed, two single futons, duvets and fresh linen for four, LED lights, fairy lights and a storage chest. There’s also a wood burning stove to help keep you warm and snug. The dome also has it’s own electricity, with a separate meter, so modern day essentials like laptops and iPods can be charged. www.preseliventure.co.uk
Danyfan Railway Carriage, Brecon
A romantic railway carriage for two, beside the stream, looking up to the mountains surrounding Brecon. This is also completely off-grid; there’s no electricity but there is solar lighting, candles and a cosy wood burning stove. You’ll also be given your own supplies, from locally sourced bacon to sour dough bread and a batch of brownies waiting for you when you arrive. You can also expect an eco-friendly compost loo and a shower (with plenty of hot water). http://www.breconcottages.com/cottage-details/DANCAR