SEE BRITAIN IN A HISTORIC RENTAL HOLIDAY HOME

What we Americans refer to as a vacation cottage is called a holiday home by the Brits.  Charming historic home rentals, some on large estates, are found on the National Trust Holiday Cottages website that can accommodate from two people up and are available for short breaks, weekends away and holiday periods in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

South of Birmingham, northwest of London, there is an 18 C. brick built house on the Brockhampton estate, The Oast House.  Spacious and an ideal retreat located deep in the heart of an “unspoilt countryside.”  Featured are a wood-burning stove in the dining room and sitting room, 3 bedrooms on the first floor and two on the 2^nd floor.

 South of London is Emley House, a substantial farmsted in an idyllic rural setting, that is largely unaltered since the 19^th C. and retains a unique charm and character.  Rooms are spacious, there is a traditional country kitchen and several large fireplaces.  5 bedrooms, 2 baths.  Large meadow to rear of cottage.

Mustard Pot cottage has a large fenced garden and an octagonal shaped sitting room with bedroom above.  There is direct access from the cottage to acres of park and woodland on the Felbrigg estate. 2 bedrooms, one reached by narrow and winding stairs.  Passing cars may be heard from the nearby road.

Have you dreamt of living in a castle, high up on the cliffs with regal ocean views?  Step out through Gothic arches. Not for children under 12 because of proximity to sheer cliffs.  Walk through the archways at Doyden Castle and peer down from the citadel to the valley below.  Built in 1830, it was a pleasure house of an infamous and wealthy bon-viveur.

You can browse another 180 historic holiday homes accommodating up to 16 people at Landmark Trust.