5 Chic & Affordable Country Retreats

THE VIBE: Another hidden gem to know, Glen Dye is wild, beautiful and quiet. Set on a 15,000-acre private estate in Aberdeenshire, it’s a wilderness retreat with serious design credentials. Surrounded by forest, moorland and the River Dye, the owners have curated a brilliant experience where adventure meets comfort – think saunas in the woods, curated interiors and a calendar full of creative experiences.

THE ROOMS: Accommodation ranges from cabins and restored cottages to the grand Coach House, which sleeps up to 12. Each space is individually styled with salvaged materials, vintage finds and modern touches, from stone bathtubs to velvet armchairs. Expect wood-burning stoves, outdoor baths and views that stretch for miles.

FOOD & DRINK: The Seed Store restaurant is available for private hire, while the Glen Dye General Store stocks local produce, organic essentials and meal kits. Guests can cook in, dine al fresco or head to the Glen Dye Arms, a tiny and charming BYOB pub.

FACILITIES & EXTRAS: There’s so much to do around the estate, but one of the highlights is the woodland sauna which can be booked for private sessions (£45 for three hours) followed by a cold dip in one of the corrugated tubs. There’s also an excellent and varied range of activities on offer, including flower arranging, axe throwing, whisky tasting, forest bathing, bushcraft sessions, archery, yoga, butchery and more. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a BYOB private cinema you can book for group screenings, as well as plenty of bikes you use to discover the local area.

From £365 for two nights.

Visit GLENDYECABINSANDCOTTAGES.COM

THE VIBE: Set on a 200-acre estate between the Teifi Gorge and Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve, Fforest Farm is one of the coolest places to stay in Wales. It’s an outdoorsy escape with serious style credentials – part eco-retreat, part design-led adventure base. Whether you’re here for wild swims, stargazing or pub nights by the fire, it’s a great place to slow down and reconnect with friends, all while exploring the beautiful landscape.

THE ROOMS: Accommodation is spread across the farm, coast and town, with options ranging from cosy farmhouses and family lofts to bell tents and eco pods with woodburning stoves. Each space is thoughtfully designed with natural materials, warm textures and a touch of rustic charm. It’s pared-back without feeling basic.

FOOD & DRINK: The on-site pub, Y Bwthyn, serves local ales and hearty pub classics made with organic produce. Guests can also cook in their own outdoor kitchens or join communal feasts in the giant tipi.

FACILITIES & EXTRAS: Expect cedar-barrel saunas, nature-inspired workshops, film nights in giant tipis and plenty of space to roam. Plus, there are plenty of year-round events, from chef takeovers to October half term activities.

Stays from £150 per night.

Visit COLDATNIGHT.CO.UK

THE VIBE: Tucked away on a working farm near Bridport, Outbuildings is a collection of beautifully restored barns and cabins. It’s the kind of place where you can wake up to misty fields, soak in an outdoor copper bath and end the day with dinner delivered to your door.

THE ROOMS: Each of the six stays – from The Coop to The Pressing Room – is individually designed with reclaimed materials, vintage finds and thoughtful touches. Expect roll-top baths, woodburning stoves, Roberts radios and sweeping views. The Pig House is perfect for couples, while The Cart Shed offers space for families or groups.

FOOD & DRINK: Outbuildings offers a unique take on dining – from breakfast hampers and homemade cakes to private dining experiences in The Hay Barn. Guests can book the Field to Fork Supper, enjoy a candlelit dinner in The Woodshed or opt for the ‘Room Service’ menu delivered straight to their door.

FACILITIES & EXTRAS: There’s an honesty bar, outdoor baths, firepits and a cinema barn for cosy film nights. Guests can borrow bikes, explore the Jurassic Coast or simply unwind in the wildflower meadows.

Rooms from £180 per night. 

Visit OUTBUILDINGSDORSET.COM