- Previous story
- DIY Diaries
- Next story
- Lifestyle
Holiday plans are slowly but surely becoming feasible again and whether you’re crabbing on the Cornish coast, rambling in the Brecon Beacons or simply catching up on some reading on the Isle of Skye, you’ll want a well-designed base. Read on to discover our pick of design-led holiday homes in the UK.
Life House, Llanbister
This rural retreat in the wild and windswept Welsh countryside is a collaboration between architect John Pawson and philosopher Alain de Botton. Nestled among gorse-covered hills, the single-storey abode was built from more than 80,000 handmade Danish bricks on the site of a 1950s concrete bungalow. The outside is brought into the mostly open-plan spaces by way of Douglas fir woodwork and large windows that let in lots of light; in the so-called contemplation chamber, there’s even a retractable glazed roof.
On a blustery evening curl up in front of the freestanding wood burner with a good book, plenty of which you’ll find in the library bedroom; the music bedroom is, unsurprisingly, home to a similarly extensive selection of CDs, while the bathing bedroom offers unbeatable views from its altar-like terrazzo tub. Sleeps up to six guests and a well-behaved dog (the neighbouring fields are home to a flock of sheep).
Photography by Jack Hobhouse
Pump Station, Dungeness
Fancy staying in a former fuel-pumping station? This bomb-proof number, which was built during the Second World War and sent fuel via underwater pipes to support the D-Day landings in France, was transformed into a modern holiday home by architecture studio Johnson Naylor in 2018. Situated on a shingle beach in Dungeness, Kent, the concrete structure retains many of its original features, including a concrete plank ceiling supported by steel beams.
It was the original building material that inspired the subdued palette, which comprises soft shades of grey (think Cumbrian slate and Carrara marble) and warmer oak finishes. A stone-clad fireplace separates the main space from the adjoining snug and an automatic light in the new glass entrance emits a golden glow at night – a nod to the lamps of coastal houses that used to signal to the boats.
The Black Shed, Isle of Skye
The rugged landscape of Skye has inspired several architecture studios, among them Rural Design, which completed its work on the Black Shed at Skinidin in 2008. Sidling up to the foot of Macleod’s Table, the small house is inspired by the traditional farm buildings that dot the surrounding hillsides, with simple timber cladding and a low-pitched corrugated roof. Inside, the industrial-style concrete floor and timber linings are softened by Harris tweed partitions. In winter, the sheep’s-wool wall insulation and the wood-burning stove keep out the cold. As the temperature warms up, the deck is an ideal spot to soak up the Highland sun, with views overlooking Loch Dunvegan.
Photography by Rural Design Architects and Anne-Sophie Bak Rosenvinge
The Sheepfold, Cornwall
When sustainability-first architecture studio Charlie Luxton Design started work on this former sheep barn in Tregona, north Cornwall, only the external stone walls were intact. Today it’s been converted into a low-energy holiday home with a slate roof and a spacious open-plan living and dining area with floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering sweeping sea views. There are three bedrooms – one complete with a bunkbed and a climbing wall for kids – and a patio for alfresco dining. The minimal palette is enlivened with pops of colour, most buttery yellows. The Sheepfold is available to rent by itself or together with its annex, the two-bedroom Sheepshed.
Photography by Mark Bolton
Backwater, Norfolk
From the Cornish coast to a secluded lagoon in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. This waterside getaway in Wroxham was completed by London-based Platform 5 Architects in 2016. The timber-framed structure is clad in red cedar shingles and takes its cue from nearby boatsheds, with three low-rise bays that contain the main living areas. While the exterior blends in with the wetland surroundings, inside the four-bedroom house has a more contemporary feel, with a spiral staircase and a skylight. On the lagoon side is an abundance of glass and a canopy for enjoying the outdoors, whatever the weather, and on a hot day you can enjoy a drink on the jetty while dangling your feet into the water and keeping an eye out for the local family of otters.
Kyle House, Sutherland
For total isolation, Kyle House – which perches at the southern tip of the Kyle of Tongue in Scotland – is hard to beat. The original structure was allegedly constructed from stone lifted from Dun Mhaigh Broch, the 2,000-year-old building whose remains lie on a nearby hill. It was derelict when Scottish design studio GRAS began the process of converting it into the elegant bolthole it is today. The exterior has been restored using traditional materials such as reclaimed stone, lime mortar and slate; big triple-glazed windows were added to allow light in and provide views of the wild landscape. Inside, the two storeys are divided into equally proportioned, pared-back living spaces. And remember, just because something’s understated it doesn’t mean it’s short on comfort – the ground floor is made from polished stone slabs that are heated underfoot.
Ty Hedfan, Brecon Beacons
Finally, we have Ty Hedfan (or The Hovering House) – so named because it cantilevers over the River Ysgir in the Welsh hills. The carefully crafted structure was designed by London-based architecture practice Featherstone Young and recalls other iconic resi-dences such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater in Pennsylvania. And yet, the mate-rials used in this four-bedroom hideaway are all Wales: locally sourced slate, stone and timber, plus a green roof and plenty of glass. The house is divided into two wings, the first hovering high above the river and the second submerged on the ground. A river-side tree house that complements its natural surroundings.
Photography by Tim Brotherton and Featherstone Young Architects
- Lifestyle
The Modern Menu
Studio Visits
A Day Well Spent
Residents' Guides
A Day Well Spent
Residents' Guides
The TMH Edit
The Modern Menu
The TMH Edit
The Modern Menu
The TMH Edit
The Modern Menu
Residents' Guides
The Modern Menu
A Day Well Spent
The TMH Edit
Residents' Guides
The Modern Menu
Residents' Guides
Partnerships
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I am an expert and enthusiast assistant. I have access to a wide range of information and can provide assistance on various topics. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in discussions.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in this article.
Design-led Holiday Homes in the UK
The article discusses several design-led holiday homes in the UK. These homes are known for their unique architectural designs and thoughtful integration with the surrounding landscapes. Let's explore each of these homes in more detail:
-
Life House, Llanbister: This rural retreat in the Welsh countryside is a collaboration between architect John Pawson and philosopher Alain de Botton. The single-storey abode features more than 80,000 handmade Danish bricks and incorporates Douglas fir woodwork and large windows to bring the outside in. Notable features include a contemplation chamber with a retractable glazed roof and a library bedroom. The house can accommodate up to six guests and is pet-friendly [[1]].
-
Pump Station, Dungeness: This former fuel-pumping station, built during World War II to support the D-Day landings, has been transformed into a modern holiday home by architecture studio Johnson Naylor. Located on a shingle beach in Dungeness, Kent, the concrete structure retains many of its original features. The interior design incorporates soft shades of grey, oak finishes, and a stone-clad fireplace. The main living space is separated from the snug, and the entrance features an automatic light that emits a golden glow at night. The Pump Station offers a unique coastal experience [[2]].
-
The Black Shed, Isle of Skye: Designed by Rural Design, the Black Shed is inspired by traditional farm buildings in the rugged landscape of Skye. The house features simple timber cladding, a low-pitched corrugated roof, and industrial-style concrete floors. The interior is softened by Harris tweed partitions, and the house offers stunning views of Loch Dunvegan. It is equipped with sheep's-wool wall insulation and a wood-burning stove for warmth in winter. The deck provides an ideal spot to enjoy the Highland sun [[3]].
-
The Sheepfold, Cornwall: This former sheep barn in Tregona, north Cornwall, has been converted into a low-energy holiday home by Charlie Luxton Design. The house features a slate roof, floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering sea views, and a spacious open-plan living and dining area. The interior design incorporates a minimal palette with pops of color. The Sheepfold has three bedrooms and a patio for alfresco dining. It can be rented separately or together with its annex, the Sheepshed [[4]].
-
Backwater, Norfolk: Located in Wroxham, Backwater is a waterside getaway designed by Platform 5 Architects. The timber-framed structure is clad in red cedar shingles and blends in with the wetland surroundings. The interior features a contemporary design with a spiral staircase and a skylight. The house offers glass walls and a canopy for enjoying the outdoors, and it provides a perfect spot for observing the local family of otters [[5]].
-
Kyle House, Sutherland: Perched at the southern tip of the Kyle of Tongue in Scotland, Kyle House offers total isolation. The house was converted from a derelict structure using traditional materials such as reclaimed stone, lime mortar, and slate. It features big triple-glazed windows that provide views of the wild landscape. The interior is divided into equally proportioned living spaces, and the ground floor is made from heated polished stone slabs. Kyle House offers a unique and elegant bolthole experience [[6]].
-
Ty Hedfan, Brecon Beacons: Designed by Featherstone Young, Ty Hedfan is a four-bedroom house that cantilevers over the River Ysgir in the Welsh hills. The house features locally sourced slate, stone, and timber, as well as a green roof and plenty of glass. It is divided into two wings, with one hovering high above the river and the other submerged on the ground. Ty Hedfan offers a carefully crafted structure that complements its natural surroundings [[7]].
These design-led holiday homes in the UK provide unique and immersive experiences for travelers seeking a well-designed base to enjoy their holidays.
Let me know if there's anything specific you would like to know about these homes or if you have any other questions!
