This summer is all about the staycation.
With UK-wide travel tentatively pencilled in for a July 4 start (and some stunning boutique hotels reopening next month too ), we’re ready to explore the best of our backyards.
Summer means swimming, and while we love our local lidos, we want to treat ourselves to a private pool this year.
We’ve scouted out the best holiday villas in the UK with private pools below.
Vicarage House, Norfolk
Vicarage House is a beautiful Georgian home in stunning rural Norfolk, with landscaped gardens, a tennis court and a heated outdoor pool. Located on the outskirts of Great Hockham, it sits on six acres of landscaped gardens and the ivy-covered facade has an equally pretty interior to match.
Sleeps: 15
From £800 per night, coolstays.com
Pentre Court, Pembrokeshire
This Grade II-listed Georgian-style house is situated on the fringes of picturesque Abergavenny in Wales. Nestled on five acres of lush countryside, the outdoor pool is perfect for the summer months, while inside, guests will discover bright and airy bedrooms along with two kitchens – but if you don’t fancy cooking the pub is just a minute away.
Sleeps: 16
From £2,226 for seven nights, sykescottages.co.uk
Oliveta House, Devon
For a large dose of luxury, Oliveta House is located in a valley on the outskirts of Dartmouth. With both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a tennis court, an in-house bar, private hot tub and a state-of-the-art cinema room, it’s the ideal socially-distanced break.
Sleeps: 16
Price on request, sykescottages.co.uk
Fairview House, Gullane
Head across the Scottish border this summer to coastal Gullane. Fairview House is just 20 minutes from Edinburgh and sleeps 16 guests – plenty of room for your overdue friends getaway or a trip with your extended family. Inside, you’ll find a 15-metre indoor swimming pool, cinema room and steam room as well as a state-of-the-art kitchen with views to the sea cliffs.
Sleeps: 16
From £10,045 for a week’s self-catering accommodation, thewowhousecompany.com
Old Barn Bowden Head, Peak District
Tucked away on the outskirts of the charming Peak District town, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Old Barn Bowden Head has five bedrooms and lofty living spaces. The cinema room is a real draw, with its comfy corner sofa, but during summer guests will likely spend their days by the outdoor heated swimming pool.
Sleeps: 10
From £1,626 for seven nights, sykescottages.co.uk
The Old Mill, Norfolk
This seven-storey converted windmill and adjoining main house boasts seven bedrooms, 10 beds and three bathrooms. The outdoor pool can be heated on request and the seventh floor of the mill houses a spectacular 360 degree viewing tower with views over the beautiful Norfolk countryside.
Sleeps: 15
From £790 per night, airbnb.co.uk
House on the Hill, Peak District
Sitting pretty within two acres of beautiful private land in Woodhouse Eaves village in Leicestershire, is the aptly named House on the Hill. The Beacon Hill Country Park is on your doorstep here but there’s plenty to keep you occupied at the home too, including a heated outdoor pool and a games room.
Sleeps: 16
From £2,233 for seven nights, sykescottages.co.uk
Upper Tetchwick House, Buckinghamshire
With a large, private heated outdoor swimming pool and views across the rolling countryside, this farmhouse is the ideal base for exploring the Cotswolds and the Chiltern Hills. The home is lovely and bright, with six bedrooms, three bathrooms, a games room anda pool house.
Sleeps: 12
From £3,122 for seven nights, holidaycottages.co.uk
Dorset Escape, Dorset
This lovely Grade II-listed country house is just three miles from the Jurassic Coast and within walking distance to the picturesque village of Symondsbury. With eight bedrooms and five bathrooms, there’s enough for the whole (extended) family and everyone will love the indoor swimming pool, cinema room, in-house hot tub and sauna.
Sleeps: 17
From £5,657 for seven nights, holidaycottages.co.uk
Windy Heath, Devon
Tucked into a neat corner of the Devonshire coast, Windy Heath has far-reaching views of the sparkling sea. Salcombe is nearby and the on-site outdoor swimming pool and alfresco barbecue will be well used. The beaches of North and South Sands are just a short drive away and primed for paddle boarding or kayaking.
Sleeps: 8
From £1,192 per week, sykescottages.co.uk
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