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Britain's best holiday cottages with pools
Where to make a splash this summer
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Rydon, Teign Valley, Devon
Located at the edge of Dartmoor National Park – a great area for walkers – this architect-converted, 16th-century barn with outdoor heated pool has a wow-factor at every turn, both inside and out. Luxurious in the extreme, it’s full of exposed stone word, vaulted beams and thick walls, along with unusual contemporary furnishings and touches. Sleeps 6.
From £675 for 3 nights (rydon.uniquehomestays.com)
Home Cottage, Thurlestone, Devon
This spacious, picture-perfect thatched cottage, located in the pretty village of Thurlestone on Devon’s south coast, is just a short walk from a long, sandy beach, as well as being close to the village pub. Recently renovated, it’s well-appointed inside, although the best bit is the outdoor swimming pool, sundeck, sauna and pool house. Sleeps 13.
From £1,110 per week (toadhallcottages.co.uk)
Clydey Cottages, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Voted Best Place to Stay in Wales 2015 in the National Tourism Awards for Wales, these 10 family-friendly cottages, which sleep between one and four people, have impressive facilities for both parents and children, including indoor swimming pool, spa, hot tub, games room and adventure playgrounds. There are 20 acres of shared grounds and woodlands and staff can organise pretty much anything you need.
From £400 per week (clydeycottages.co.uk)
Swallowtails, Mawnan Smith, Cornwall
You could be forgiven for wondering where the swimming pool is when you look through the picture gallery of this gorgeous property, set within 54 acres of Cornish countryside and half a mile from Maenporth beach. That’s because the pool is completely natural, complete with mini waterfall and paddle area. Inside, the house is full of character, with high-end and tasteful décor. Sleeps 6.
From £750 for 3 nights (swallowtails.uniquehomestays.com)
The Haywain, Colchester, Essex
This homely, comfortable and tranquil 15th-century barn is a simply decorated open living space, with stone floors, beams and a wood burner. There's one bedroom, with a sofa bed for children and visitors have access to the grounds of a Grade II-listed farmhouse, including an outdoor pool and tennis court. Sleeps 4.
From £60 per night (airbnb.co.uk)
House on the Hill, Charnwood Forest, Peak District
Ideal for large get-togethers, this luxury abode is set in two acres of grounds with impressive facilities including games room and 10x6m private swimming pool, which is heated from May to September. The surrounding patio with loungers and furniture is a fabulous place to hang out in summer, with the pretty village of Woodhouse Eaves just a few minutes' walk away. Sleeps 16.
From £1,999 per week (sykescottages.co.uk)
The Lodge, Alresford, Hampshire
This two-storey secluded lodge, which has just the right balance between fresh and modern and cosy and homely, is surrounded by picturesque countryside. The house has its own patio, which merges into the family garden and this is where the swimming pool is located – and which guests can use at pre-arranged times. The owners are friendly, so you never feel like you’re in the way, and you can walk to local restaurants or jump in the car to explore Winchester. Sleeps 4.
From £650 per week (sawdays.co.uk)
Arnott’s House, Isle of Eriska, Scotland
With stirring views across the island, towards Ben Cruachan, this beautifully furnished house is set within the grounds of Isle of Eriska hotel, where facilities (which visitors have access to) include a golf course, brand new spa and indoor pool. It has its own private hot tub and is just a couple of minutes’ walk to Eriska’s Michelin star restaurant. Sleeps 6.
From £1,000 per week (eriska-hotel.co.uk/arnotts-house)
Praaloha, Praa Sands, Cornwall
Panoramic sea views are what it’s all about at this modern, simply-styled beach home and that includes the private 15-metre heated outdoor pool, which overlooks the Atlantic. Oh and did we mention the detached pool house with bar, which forms part of the secluded gardens? There are plenty of lovely local walks, beaches, pubs and restaurants. Sleeps 10.
From £2,178 per week (aspects-holidays.co.uk)
Vista Point, West Sussex
Renowned modernist architect Patrick Gwynne designed this Grade II-listed 1960s home, which still maintains the sixties vibe. With a dramatic spiral staircase, five bedrooms and an outdoor pool that’s heated from May to September, there are also extensive private gardens that lead directly to the beach.
From £1,500 per week (themodernhouse.com)
The Retreat, near Lincoln, East Anglia
Not the prettiest from the outside, but the interior of this three-storey house more than makes up for it, with spacious, luxury living spaces and a 42ft indoor heated swimming pool, along with hydro spa and gym. There’s even a games room and Lincoln is just four miles away. Sleeps 8.
From £1,239 per week (sykescottages.co.uk)
Chauffeur’s Cottage, Chichester, Sussex
The indoor, oak-framed and geothermally heated pool is the stand-out feature at this delightful new cottage that’s been renovated from a former garage. The pool is not yours exclusively, but the owner – who lives in the farmhouse on site – will give you private access at prearranged times. We also love the large walled garden, and you have your own private terrace too. Plus, it’s set in the South Downs national park. Sleeps 4.
From £450 per week (sawdays.co.uk)
The Old Rectory, Near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
If you like your holiday houses in traditional, country-living style, this elegant Georgian home with Wisteria clad entrance and sweeping drive may just be your dream holiday pad. Located on the outskirts of Aylesbury, it is set in two acres of meticulously neat gardens, within the grounds of the Hartwell House Hotel, which has a fabulous restaurant and spa, and which guests have access to. There’s a large 25m private outdoor swimming pool in a secluded area of the garden. Sleeps 7.
From £2,650 per week (nationaltrustholidays.org.uk)
The Gate House, Makeney, Derbyshire
This characterful and luxurious house is great for big gatherings. You can walk to two real ale pubs directly from the house and walkers will love the multiple trails directly from the house. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool with changing room, hot tub, steam room, gym equipment and football table. There’s also a huge garden. Sleeps 18.
From £2,450 per week (derbyshire-holidays.com)
The Forge, Alnwick, Northumberland
Located in rural Northumberland, this delightful 19th century cottage is as traditional as they come, complete with inglenook fireplace and exposed beams, although it’s the south-facing gardens with views over moorlands and beyond – and a heated outdoor pool – that really make it stand out. The famous Alnwick castle is seven miles away and the coast is just 15 minutes’ drive. Sleeps 4.
From £374 per week (english-country-cottages.co.uk)
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