Seven of the best holiday homes in the UK have been revealed.
Vrbo, an online marketplace for holiday rentals, has announced the 2025 Holiday Homes of the Year, featuring private holiday properties across the UK that you could stay in. Each year Vrbo selects the most standout holiday homes in the UK, ranging from colourful beach houses to romantic castles.
Now in its fourth year, the awards choose holiday homes from over two million listings on the Vrbo app and marks them based on guest ratings, host status, number of bedrooms and standout amenities. Here are this year’s winners:
Kilmartin Castle – Kilmartin, Argyll and Bute (Scotland)
Originally built in 1550 during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots for a former bishop, Kilmartin Castle held a rich and colourful history before being abandoned for nearly 200 years. However, it was then carefully restored as a luxury private guest house that sleeps up to 10 people, across five bedrooms.
The walls and floors proudly display their original aged patina and there is also a curated collection of antique furniture, original artworks, and fascinating objects.
Outside, guests can enjoy the landscaped gardens and their amenities, including an orchard, sunken fire pit, and outdoor kitchen equipped with everything needed for alfresco dining—including a Kamado Joe BBQ and pizza oven. Guests can also enjoy the castle’s own organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables and take a refreshing dip in the wild swimming pond.
It can be booked from £110 per person, per night.
Smithycroft – Chard, Somerset
Nested in the heart of the Somerset countryside, Smithycroft is a beautiful cottage with a traditional thatched roof and stone walls in the charming village of Combe St Nicholas. This idyllic cottage exudes charm from the moment guests arrive.
The cottage has been thoughtfully refurbished and now includes touches of modern luxury. Inside, couples and families can settle into plush leather armchairs and relax by the fireplace before enjoying a restful night’s sleep in one of three spacious bedrooms. The enclosed garden is perfect for enjoying summer evening drinks.
It can be booked from £52 per person, per night.
The Natterjack Manor House – Morecambe, Lancashire
The Natterjack Manor House is a contemporary home with vast living spaces. On the expansive ground floor, there is an open-plan area, perfect for socialising and entertaining. Outside, the manor boasts boutique garden areas, a hot tub, al fresco dining spaces, and an outdoor kitchen complete with a masonry BBQ, stone pizza oven, fire pit, and gazebo.
The Natterjack Manor House also features a stunning private, indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage room, and gym for a dose of relaxation and wellness during the stay.
It can be booked from £105 per person, per night.
Downs Cottage – Deal, Kent
Located on the beachfront, Downs Cottage in Deal, Kent, is a retreat that blends modern luxuries with sophisticated elegance, providing the perfect escape for families and interior design enthusiasts alike.
Set right on the shore, the airy home boasts a quintessential beach house feel with its white-wood interiors and maritime-themed décor. Colourful fabrics and artwork add a touch of style and quirkiness to the space. Kids can enjoy long summer days playing on the beach outside, while parents can unwind in the sauna. The pristine lawned garden is also the perfect setting for family BBQs and sunset drinks.
It can be booked from £66 per person, per night.
The Cosh – Moreton-in-Marsh, Cotswold
Nestled in the beautiful countryside is The Cosh, a stunning converted Dutch barn in the heart of the Cotswolds. It is both a luxurious and dog-friendly retreat. The architectural gem seamlessly blends modern design with rustic charm, creating a unique holiday experience.
As a converted Dutch barn, the accommodation boasts an airy open-plan living space with bi-fold glass doors leading to a peaceful garden and charming shepherd’s hut. Upstairs, the exquisite family room leads onto a vast balcony with sweeping views of the Cotswolds. With six luxury bedrooms and five bathrooms, The Cosh is perfect for large families seeking long summer evenings dining al fresco, or cosy winter escapes in the English countryside.
It can be booked from £39 per person, per night.
Quarry House – Kingsbridge, Devon
Quarry House is an architectural wonder designed by award-winning architect Stan Bolt and with breathtaking coastal views.
Inside, guests can enjoy spacious living areas with industrial décor and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the house with natural light. The modern kitchen is one of the property’s standout features where families can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner overlooking Devon’s rolling green hills.
The gardens offer complete privacy, inviting guests to explore and relax in peace. A particular highlight is the Shepherd’s Hut, a tranquil haven to unwind with a drink and soak in the spectacular views across the South Hams and towards the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary. Evenings are made cosy with a wood burner inside the hut.
It can be booked from £49 per person, per night.
Hermitage House – Caton, Lancashire
Hermitage House is a unique home located on a private island that offers an unforgettable experience. Before even stepping foot onto the private island, guests will be captivated by the stunning views of the River Lune, with the charming Otter Island visible from most rooms.
Hermitage House features luxurious amenities including a games room, a casino and even a private hair salon. And there is also a private spa, with a hot tub and sauna. If a movie night is more your thing, there is also a private cinema. In total, the property sleeps up to 24 people.
It can be booked from £82 per person, per night.
