Quirky hideaways

Fancy a Christmas and New Year escape with family and friends? Tina Nielsen lists 10 holiday havens with a twist—from a Scottish castle sleeping 50 to a Cornish cottage for eight

1. Eastnor Castle, Near Ledbury, Herefordshire

Eastnor Castle is the private family home of the Hervey-Bathurst family. Situated in the spectacular Malvern Hills, the 5,000-acre estate includes four small lakes, rolling hills and woodland parks, all of which combine to provide a magical setting. Featuring 12 guest bedrooms, four of them with four-poster beds, the castle also has a licence to hold weddings.
www.eastnorcastles.com

2. Cliff Barns, Narborough, Norfolk

Dubbed "one of the most desirable places in the world to spend a weekend" by The Sunday Times, Cliff Barns is decorated in rancho-deluxe style: a mix of Mexican hacienda and American hunting lodge. With enough space to accommodate 18 people, it has seven bedrooms, a bunkhouse, four bathrooms, two wet rooms, and a modern kitchen. For extra indulgence guests can enjoy the sauna and hot tub. Cliff Barns caters to hen nights, corporate events, weddings, family holidays or simply a gathering of friends.
www.cliffbarns.com

3. Fort Clonque, Alderney, Channel Islands

Spend the weekend at your own Victorian fort, reached by a long causeway and entered by a drawbridge. When the tide is in the fort is cut off from Alderney, and its occupants are left to enjoy dramatic views from the brick-vaulted kitchen or in front of the roaring fire. Alderney is the third-largest Channel island but still tiny and easy to explore. The fort sleeps 13.
www.landmarktrust.org.uk

4. The Glamour House, Crieff, Perthshire

A country house with space for 20 people makes this a great spot to celebrate a special occasion. Enjoy long walks in the Perthshire countryside, take a Highland safari, go white-water rafting or head to Edinburgh for the day. Despite its rural charm the house is packed with modern touches, including a 50in home cinema.
www.uniquehomestays.com

5. Berkeley House, Tetbury, Gloucestershire

An eight-bedroom, three-storey town house in the Cotswolds. Larger parties needing more space can make use of two other properties nearby, offering accommodation for up to 30 guests. Ideal for large celebrations, Berkeley House combines Georgian elegance with contemporary style, and a chef can be hired to cook in-house. www.mrandmrssmith.com

6. The Sky Ranch, Trefeglwys, near Llanidloes, Powys

Offering modern luxury in a remote Welsh location, the Sky Ranch makes it easy to recharge your batteries. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and stripped wooden floors, the converted farm cottage is surrounded by moorland and hills, which are ideal for hiking. There are country pursuits in abundance from shooting and riding to rallying and dirt biking.
www.uniquehomestays.com

7. Ackergill Tower, Near Wick, Caithness

This 15th-century Scottish castle has 25 luxurious bedrooms. Ackergill is ideal for an activity break-rise before dawn for a shooting trip by the loch or head off on a day of horse riding along miles of golden sand. Other popular pastimes in the area include falconry and trout fishing in the tower's own loch. Visitors rave about the secluded location as well as amazing food, including home-caught lobster and crab.
www.celticcastles.com

8. Treverra Farm Cottage, Rock, Cornwall

A former worker's cottage that is now a hi-tech, luxurious holiday home for eight, with high-end audio visual equipment throughout and its own infinity pool. The open-plan kitchen and beamed sitting room offer a comfortable space to relax around an open fire. Treverra Farm Cottage is set on a 14-acre site with stunning views across the Camel estuary.
www.ckrock.com

9. Shire Castle, Halifax, West Yorkshire

This Grade II folly was converted to resemble a Norman castle at the end of the 19th century and has more recently been transformed into a luxurious holiday home with enough space for 10 guests and boasting an indoor swimming pool and gym. The surrounding area offers a wealth of outdoor activities including clay pigeon shooting and archery.
www.uniquehomestays.com

10. Woodenstone, Ilfracombe, Devon

Standing tall and dignified on a hillside, Woodenstone, where an admiral once lived, provides spacious and light accommodation in an idyllic setting near the coast. There are spectacular views of the sea and Ilfracombe, and from the top of the garden you can follow the coastal path to explore cliffs, countryside and beaches. A large living space with all the mod-cons, including widescreen TV and internet facilities, makes this cottage a characterful hideaway for families and friends.
www.sheepskinlife.com