Cool Getaways: Stay Somewhere That Feels Different
There’s something special about staying somewhere that feels considered from the moment you arrive. Not simply a beautiful holiday let, but a place where the architecture, interiors, landscape and smallest details have all been thoughtfully brought together.
For design lovers, the accommodation can be just as much a part of the getaway as the destination itself. Think dramatic glass frontages, mirrored exteriors, Scandinavian-inspired interiors, unusual structures and clever use of natural light. These are stays where the design isn’t an afterthought, it’s part of the experience.
From contemporary cabins in the Welsh countryside to a circular grain store in Powys and a treehouse hidden among the Dorset landscape, these architectural hideaways in the UK offer a different way to escape.
The Tri-Pod, Ceredigion
Set in Ceredigion, The Tri-Pod is a striking stay for two that puts design firmly at the heart of the experience. With impressive architecture inside and out, it combines a distinctive structure with exceptional facilities to create a memorable countryside escape.
Its unusual design makes it feel far removed from a conventional holiday cottage, while its intimate size makes it particularly suited to couples looking for somewhere special to stay.
Sleeps 2 | From £110 per night
The Scandi Cabin at The Fold, Herefordshire
If you love Scandinavian design, The Scandi Cabin at The Fold is one to put on your list. Designed for two, the interiors are a major part of its appeal, creating a beautifully considered space for a peaceful countryside break.
The cabin demonstrates how thoughtful design can completely transform a small space, making the accommodation itself part of the reason to visit.
Sleeps 2 | From £236 per night
The Mirror Houses Kirtlington, Oxfordshire
Architecture and nature come together at The Mirror Houses Kirtlington, where mirrored exteriors reflect the surrounding woodland. Inside, floor-to-ceiling windows create a strong connection with the landscape, allowing the outside surroundings to become part of the experience.
Designed for two, these distinctive hideaways are a perfect example of architecture that works with its setting rather than simply sitting within it.
Sleeps 2 | From £300 per night
Look or book The Mirror Houses
Hideout @ Sleepy Owl Devon
For something a little more unusual, Hideout @ Sleepy Owl Devon combines contemporary design with a memorable countryside setting. Sleeping up to four and welcoming dogs, it’s a stylish option for those wanting to experience something beyond the traditional holiday cottage.
And then there’s the bathroom. The standout bath offers a choice and, unusually, the bath itself moves. It’s exactly the kind of unexpected design detail that makes a stay memorable.
Sleeps 4 | Dogs welcome | From £360 per night
Look or book Hideout @ Sleepy Owl Devon
The Willow Hill, Ceredigion
With its contemporary architecture and sleek glass frontage, The Willow Hill makes a striking statement in the Ceredigion landscape.
The design deliberately meets its natural surroundings, creating a strong relationship between the building and the environment around it. Sleeping four and welcoming dogs, it offers a contemporary take on the countryside escape.
Rather than hiding away from the landscape, the design brings it into the experience.
Sleeps 4 | Dogs welcome | From £275 per night
Pinwheel Treehouse, Dorset
Treehouses have come a long way from the simple childhood hideouts many of us remember. Pinwheel Treehouse in Dorset has been designed to a bespoke specification, creating a completely individual place to stay.
Sleeping two, it’s an intimate hideaway where the architecture and unusual setting are central to the experience. If you’re looking for somewhere that feels genuinely different from a standard countryside stay, this is one to bookmark.
Sleeps 2 | From £280 per night
Look or book Pinwheel Treehouse
The Old Grain Store, Powys
Some of the most interesting architectural stays begin with buildings that already have a story. In Powys, The Old Grain Store is a remarkable circular building that has been transformed into a luxurious hideaway.
The unusual shape immediately sets it apart, creating a stay that feels architectural and distinctive while still offering the comfort you would expect from a luxury escape.
Sleeping up to five, it’s also one of the larger options in this collection, making it suitable for a small group or family looking for somewhere with plenty of character.
Sleeps 5 | From £200 per night
Look or book The Old Grain Store
Orcop TreeTops, Herefordshire
For a stay that brings the outdoors right into the living space, look to Orcop TreeTops in Herefordshire.
Each treehouse features a stunning glazed frontage, allowing the surrounding landscape to become part of the interior. Natural light pours into the space, creating an airy connection between the accommodation and the trees around it.
Sleeping up to four, these are architectural hideaways with a distinctly elevated perspective on the countryside.
Sleeps 4 | From £190 per night
Why choose an architectural hideaway?
There’s a reason design-led accommodation has become such a popular part of the UK staycation. These properties offer something beyond simply having somewhere comfortable to sleep.
For some, it’s the opportunity to experience architecture they wouldn’t normally encounter. For others, it’s the interiors, the relationship with nature or the feeling of staying somewhere completely different from home.
An architectural stay can also change the way you experience a destination. Instead of spending every moment out exploring, the accommodation becomes part of the reason to slow down. Large windows, unusual structures, beautiful materials and carefully considered spaces encourage you to spend time appreciating where you are.
And importantly, these properties show that architectural design doesn’t have to mean stark or impractical. The best examples combine striking design with comfort, creating places that are both beautiful to look at and enjoyable to stay in.
What connects these stays isn’t a particular style. Instead, it’s the idea that the building itself can be part of the getaway.
For anyone who has ever booked a stay because of the building as much as the destination, these are the places that make a strong case for putting accommodation at the top of your travel list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an architectural hideaway?
An architectural hideaway is a holiday stay where the design and architecture of the property are a significant part of the experience. This might include unusual structures, contemporary architecture, distinctive interiors, large glazed areas, innovative use of space or a strong relationship between the building and its surroundings.
Where can I find architectural holiday lets in the UK?
Architectural stays can be found across the UK, including rural and coastal areas. The properties featured here are located in Ceredigion, Herefordshire, Oxfordshire, Devon, Dorset and Powys.
Are architectural stays suitable for couples?
Yes. Several of the stays featured are designed specifically for two guests, including The Tri-Pod, The Scandi Cabin at The Fold, The Mirror Houses Kirtlington and Pinwheel Treehouse. These can be particularly appealing for couples looking for a more unusual setting for a short break.
What makes these stays different from a traditional holiday cottage?
The accommodation itself is often a major part of the experience. Rather than simply providing a base from which to explore, architectural hideaways are designed to be enjoyed in their own right, with distinctive buildings, interiors, views, natural light and connections to the surrounding landscape.
Are architectural holiday lets expensive?
Prices vary considerably depending on the property, size and location. In this collection, listed starting prices range from £110 to £360 per night, giving you options across a range of budgets.
Where should I stay in the UK if I love contemporary design?
The Mirror Houses Kirtlington, The Willow Hill and The Scandi Cabin at The Fold are particularly notable for their contemporary or design-led approach. The Tri-Pod and Pinwheel Treehouse offer something more unconventional, while The Old Grain Store combines an unusual architectural form with a luxurious interior.
Why book an unusual place to stay?
Choosing an unusual property can make the accommodation part of the memory of the trip. Instead of simply being somewhere to return to at the end of the day, the building, interiors and setting can become part of the experience itself, particularly for travellers who appreciate architecture, design and thoughtful spaces.
How can I find more unique places to stay in the UK?
ToWander UK brings together independent holiday lets across the UK, including design-led cabins, treehouses, cottages, glamping stays and other distinctive escapes. Explore the collection to find a stay that feels as special as the destination itself.
