Rural Retreats cottages in UK for rent

Rural Retreats

There is nothing that relaxes the mind better than some time away in the countryside.  Free from the stresses of city life, free from the smog that hangs over you at all time, and the ability to actually see the stars at night.  Spending some time at a rural retreat doesn’t even mean you need to go to the end of the world, you can find some fantastic places right on your doorstep.

What is a Holiday Rental?

Vacation rentals mean you go on a self catering holiday, i.e. you cook for yourself, in someone else’s home, villa or apartment.  Many people own holiday homes and only use them for part of the year, or don’t use them themselves at all, and choose to rent these properties out during the year.  Generally, vacation rentals are well decorated and very comfortable, often with some great special features such as log fires, biomass boilers and hot tubs.  The homes are well furnished with everything that you need, although you may sometimes have to bring your own bedding and towels, but this should be made very clear to you when you agree on a property. 
For pet owners, there are also many holiday home owners that will accept a few well behaved dogs, particularly for rural retreats, where the property can regularly be found on a working farm, which is the perfect location for a dog to have its own little holiday of course.  Do make sure your dog or dogs are well behaved and that you clean up after them, of course.

What Is A Rural Retreat?

A rural retreat is a place where you can simply get away from it all.  Generally set in glorious countryside, you will have the opportunity to just be on your own and relax.  Don’t expect any cars flying past or supermarkets on your doorstep.  In a rural retreat, things are calm, quiet and peaceful.  It is the perfect place to go for a romantic break, or just to unwind with a group of friends.  There really is no season that is not practical for a break in the countryside.  During the spring, you can enjoy the beautiful new flowers and buds.  In the summer, you can spend time in a secluded garden, reading a book whilst enjoying the rays.  Autumn brings majestic colours with it, the reds and browns and yellows of the trees all being colours that inspire relaxation.  And winter in the countryside is fantastic!  Snow to your knees, the quietness that comes with it, there is just nothing quite like it.

What Sort of Properties Are Available For Rural Retreats?

If you are looking for a rural retreat, you can find anything from a small, one bedroom cottage, to gigantic properties where you can go with the entire family. Wales, in the United Kingdom, for example, is a great place to go for a rural holiday.  You could pick a tiny converted barn that sleeps two people comfortably, offering the ultimate romance.  Or you could go for an entire farmhouse, surrounded by beautiful landscape gardens.
France is another country that offers fantastic options for rural retreats.  Why not rent your own chateau for a week, for example.  Great not just for family get togethers, but also for themed parties for example.  Do check, of course, that the owners are happy to let you have a party in their holiday home or chateaux.  The French also love their “gites”, which are small holiday homes in rural villages.  Explore the little towns, enjoy the food and go on some wine tasting tours.  The French, particularly villagers, are extremely welcoming and you will more than likely be invited to numerous “aperos” with locals.
Or perhaps you prefer the real Mediterranean feel and would like to spend some time amongst the olive trees of Greece!  Greece has to be one of the ultimate destinations for a rural retreat, with miles of unspoilt landscape surrounding you.  Legend has it that mystical creatures live among the olive trees, and you could spend some fantastic time walking through these trees, particularly around sunset, where you are also likely to see many fireflies, which is an amazing experience. 

Things to Look For in Holiday Properties

Whenever you are thinking of hiring a holiday property, whether it is a rural retreat or an apartment in the city, it is important to find something that will deliver quality and comfort.  A holiday is a time to relax and enjoy yourself, to escape from the stresses of everyday life and the last thing you would want is to be confronted with substandard accommodation, effectively ruining your holiday experience.  Most properties will have many photographs of both the inside and outside of the building, as well as the surrounding area.  It is also possible that certain properties have been reviewed by previous holiday makers and do take some time to read through these.  Of course, the owners of the property should be easy to contact and respond quickly to any enquiry you may have.  The information on any property should include all the facilities that are available in the property, such as:

• Is gas and electricity included in the price?
• What is the layout of the property?
• Are pets allowed?
• For larger properties, do they accept hen nights and stag dos?
• Do you need to bring your own bed linen and towels?

So, if you are looking for that ultimate escaping holiday where you can simply forget for a minute about all the responsibilities you face each and every day, a rural retreat may be for you.  There are holiday homes available away from the hustle and bustle of life in a range of different countries, including the United Kingdom, meaning you don’t even have to go too far afield.  All you need to do is pick a property that suits your needs, pack your bags, and enjoy yourself.  Unwind, relax, breathe in and enjoy!