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10 dreamy holiday cottages you can still book this summer – including a spectacular 'house in the clouds'
Whether you fancy Cornwall or the Cotswolds, it's not too late to book these beautiful spots
Left it a little late to book your summer getaway? Fear not. Whether you fancy sandy beaches, a spot of walking in the Cotswolds or discovering Northumberland, aka the UK's best-kept secret, we've got you covered.
We've rounded up 10 of the most beautiful, luxurious and unique holiday rentals that still have availability for August and September escapes.
Why choose a holiday cottage over a hotel?
There's a lot to be said for having your own space. Whether you have children, a pet or are gathering as a group of friends, a holiday cottage allows you to come together for meals, relaxation and socialising whilst still having your own space. It can also be more cost-effective, as you have the freedom to cook for yourself rather than being reliant on meals out.
10 holiday cottages with late summer availability
From a luxurious earthen lodge to a quirky boathouse, these are Country Living's favourite holiday cottages that still have availability for August and September getaways. But don't delay – slots are going fast!
Golant, Cornwall
A lot of properties claim to be on the waterfront, but not many can lay claim to such a spectacular spot. This show-stopping boathouse is, quite literally, on the River Fowey in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Cornwall.
It's well decked out with board games, a log burner and a telescope, but the pièce de resistance is the open-plan living space with immersive floor-to-ceiling river views. Bag one of a few remaining mini-break slots in August and September, or plan ahead for October onwards.
Sleeps: 2
Anstruther, Fife
Ideal for families or groups of friends, this three-bed apartment is all exposed brick walls and chic nautical decor – and, best of all, it's on the seafront of the pretty fishing town of Anstruther.
Take a boat trip to see puffin colonies and seals on the nearby nature reserve, enjoy fish and chips on the beach or hike the Fife Coastal Path to neighbouring villages. There's currently availability for three- to five-night getaways in August and September.
Sleeps: 6
Hampton Bishop, Herefordshire
Ever dreamed of living in a picture-perfect thatched cottage? Now you can live out those fantasies, if only for a week.
If you can tear yourself away from its charming timbered interiors, explore the nearby historic towns of Hereford and Hay-on-Wye, known for their many bookshops. Or simply kick back with a BBQ or in front of the log burner.
Sleeps: 2
Seahouses, Northumberland
Fancy a bath with floor-to-ceiling sea views? Of course you do. This sleek rental in Seahouses Harbour boasts views of Northumberland's crystal waters, along with three luxurious bedrooms and modern decor throughout.
It's the perfect base for a chic group getaway.
Sleeps: 6
Romney Marsh, Kent
Surrounded by fields of sheep with views over Romney Marsh, this stable cottage has bagfuls of character. Check out the excellent local pubs, characterful towns such as Rye, and nearby beaches, including popular Camber Sands. It's also dog friendly, so you can bring the whole family.
Sleeps: 6
Arenig, Eyri National Park
Can you believe this luxurious minimalist pad is an underground earthen pod? With views over Llyn Celyn lake, a hot tub and private terrace, this truly special spot would make for a romantic getaway.
Plus it's got miles of stunning countryside and walks on its doorstep in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).
Sleeps: 2
Thorpeness, Suffolk
And now for something completely different... The House in the Clouds was originally built as a water tower and offers unique accommodation for groups and large families.
Once you're done exploring its many levels, the garden offers tennis, boules and barbecue facilities and the Suffolk coast is only 10 minutes away.
Sleeps: 12
Painswick, Cotswolds
The Old Boathouse has everything you'd hope for in a Cotswolds escape – honeyed stone exteriors, exquisite interiors and views of rolling fields.
It's on the doorstep of Painswick, one of the most beautiful Cotswolds villages – don't miss the Rococo gardens and churchyard full of distinctive yew topiary.
Sleeps: 2
Kirkby Stephen, Lake District
It would be hard to conjure up a more quintessential Lake District cottage than this charming bolthole, complete with dry stone garden walls, a log burner and neighbouring sheep.
It's the ideal base for all the walking and outdoor pursuits the Lake District and North Pennines AONB have to offer.
Sleeps: 2
Ilmington, Cotswolds
It's almost impossible to resist exposed stone walls and country-luxe interiors – and, fortunately, you don't have to, as this tiny one-bed cottage still has availability for breaks in August and September.
There's an excellent pub next door, a roll-top and even a sofa-bed in case you want to extend the invite.
Sleeps: 4
Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
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