Inspiration in the stomping grounds of literary greats

To sleep, perchance to dream... amid surroundings once favoured by iconic authors

Huxley and D.H Lawrence stayed in this New Mexico cabin

There was a time when the only way to experience the lives of literary greats was at a museum. No longer; many residences have been sympathetically restored to offer guests the chance to spend the night with the the ghosts of their favourite writers.

From Dickens’ studio, where he worked on his literary magazine, to Aldous Huxley’s cabin in the middle of nowhere, you're likely to feel inspired with a stay at these cottages with literary connections.

John Steinbeck’s Writer’s Studio, California

Here is the place where Steinbeck used to work on his words

This cosy cabin was once owned by Grapes of Wrath author John Steinbeck. He used it as his writing studio and penned novel The Sea of Cortez here. While it has been renovated, it’s kept the quaint charm, but also has wifi and a TV for those who want to indulge in some modern luxuries.

Aldous Huxley’s Cabin, New Mexico

Huxley and Lawrence both used this as a writing den

Tucked away in a goji berry farm in New Mexico is Huxley’s live-in writing cabin. The Brave New World writer's residence now sleeps four travellers looking for some literary nostalgia. DH Lawrence also made this his writing retreat. Two literary giants for the price of one.

Charles Dickens’ city apartment, London

This is where Dickens worked on All The Year Round

This one-bed city escape was formerly Dickens’ workspace, where he founded the ‘All The Year Round’ magazine. Now thoroughly modern, this flat is just a stone's throw away from Covent Garden.

Francisco de Quevedo’s apartment, Madrid

One of Spain's top authors wrote and lived here

One of Spain’s most important writers kept his home here. Located in the Cortes district, this apartment is incredibly central, making it a useful base for visitors to the Spanish capital. Moreover, Miguel de Cervantes, of Don Quixote fame, was laid to rest in a tomb in Trinitarians’ Convent, which is right in front of this apartment building.

Daphne du Maurier - 'Farthings', Cornwall

The cottage looks out over a cove (Picture: Blue Chip Holidays)

While du Maurier didn't actually live or stay in this cottage, its location - the town of Fowey - inspired her bestseller Rebecca. Farthings looks out over the cove, and is located right opposite Readymoney Cottage, where the writer lived. The Daphne du Maurier literary festival - Fowey Festival - is also held near here each year around May time.

Beatrix Potter’s 'Yew Tree Farm', Lake District

The house is tucked in between Lake District hills (Picture: Yew Tree Farm)

This farmhouse was once owned by Beatrix Potter and is nestled in the Coniston Valley. It was the setting for the biographical movie, Miss Potter, starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. The house operates as a working farm, and guests can collect their own eggs for breakfast from the farm chickens.