Christmas by the sea and other stunning offers from One Off Places this Winter

What could be more romantic than a Christmas spent literally surrounded by sea views and salty air? Grab this incredible opportunity and stay in the stunning Plantation House with One Off Places. Walk into Yarmouth to explore wintery pubs or go further afield and take on the Tennyson Trail cliff walk for a view of the Needles. Or you could just stay home for a week, stoke up the log fire and call in a delivery of locally caught lobster, crab and line-caught bass for a Christmas meal with a real difference!

Plantation House is a unique architect-designed property on the edge of Yarmouth. Featuring 360 foot of sea frontage it provides the opportunity to stay within striking distance of the historic harbour and the attractions of the surrounding area. The house itself was originally built by Lady Caernarvon in 1930 in the grounds of her estate as “a place to enjoy sea views while surrounded by peaceful trees”. The trees have remained while the property was extended in 1988 and then entirely refurbished in natural materials in 2007, incorporating state of the art services. The result is luxury accommodation for up to six guests, with a living room with hardwood floors, an open fire and triple aspect views out to sea. See pictures attached, plus this link for more details: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Isle-of-Wight/Plantation-House.aspx

Owing to a recent cancellation Plantation House is available for rent over the Christmas and New Year period. Although it sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms, it is ideal for a smaller more intimate gathering as the owners are delighted to offer a 50% discount off their standard rate if only two people stay (making it £1450 per week), or 25% off for four people (i.e. £2175 per week). They are also willing to offer a shorter break if required, with a day rate at pro rata the weekly one (£207 for 2 people, or £310 for 4 people) for a minimum 3 night stay.

Getting to Yarmouth is simple. The nearest mainland ferry port is Lymington in the New Forest and the crossing takes only half an hour – upon arrival you either have a short drive or alternatively a bus or taxi from the harbour to the house. Or, if you get the ferry over from Portsmouth on the other side of the island (and you haven’t driven yourself) then the train station is only a mile’s bracing walk from your destination (or there’s always the bus or taxi!)

As well as Plantation House, One Off Places is delighted to offer the following winter break ideas or discounts:

Christmas skiing in the shadow of Mount Etna on Sicily?
Make it the experience of a lifetime - skiing on a volcano offers incredible contrast between black lava flow, white snow and (hopefully) blue skies above. And then you can get to the beach ad the Ionian Sea in an hour’s drive for a real contrast. House of Camellia is situated on an organic farm (providing citrus fruits and produce whenever you need it). It sleeps up to 6 in 2 bedrooms and is offering 20% of its usual rates over Christmas and the New Year making it only €520 / £440 per week. See attached photo and http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Italy/Sicily/The-House-of-Camellia.aspx . Flights* from £370 return per adult from London to Catania over Christmas week.

Thermal spa in Slovenia?
Lie back in steaming water while the snow falls all around you at Vino Cottage, a stunning location in the beautiful Goricko National Park in North East Slovenia. It sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms, has central heating and a wood burning stove and offers nearby access to trips into Austria, Hungary and Croatia plus there is skiing at Maribor, about an hour away. A totally new experience for only £200 per week throughout the winter months (or £50 per night). See attached photo and http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Slovenia/Prekmurje/Vino-Cottage.aspx . Flights* from London to Graz from only £314 return per adult over Christmas week.

Notes for editors:
One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.
*All flights are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com, and should be used for guidance only.

Christmas and New Year Discounts - Get Wild and Wintry on the Isle of Harris with One Off Places

Winter in the Outer Hebrides may be pretty wild, but it will certainly be unforgettable. Whether you are curled up on a fireside sofa listening to the Atlantic winds, or outside enjoying vivid blue skies above white sandy beaches we guarantee that this is one place that will not leave you in a hurry!

Situated just a few miles from Leverburgh on the south west coast of the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, Kyle’s House is a beautiful cottage from which to seek out everything that Harris has to offer. Set on a hillside, surrounded by wild flower meadow and heathland, it overlooks the Sound of Harris with spectacular views across the sea to the islands of North Uist, Skye and the many small islands of the Sound.

And due to a last minute cancellation there are currently discounts available during December and January, meaning that the cost of renting this Scottish bolthole comes down to only £900 per week over Christmas or New Year, and only £540 from January through to March. Kyle’s House sleeps 6 people in three bedrooms, 2 of which are ensuite. Downstairs, there is a fully equipped kitchen, a sitting room and the stunning sunroom that gives far-reaching views over the Sound of Harris –a great place to watch the scenery change in front of your eyes! The Outer Hebrides is a magical place to be at anytime of year but over these winter months it really is in a league of its own. Kyle’s House is a great base for long walks to explore the island, although with its cosy wood burner you'll feel just as content to relax with a good book and a glass of wine to enjoy this exceptional spot. Good pubs and restaurants in nearby Leverburgh allow you a real rest from the daily routine – it really is the perfect place to blow away the cobwebs of 2008 and recharge your batteries in anticipation of an exhilarating 2009.

See Kyle’s House here: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Scotland/Islands/Kyles-House.aspx

You can travel to the Isle of Harris either on a ferry - Caledonian MacBrayne operates ferry routes to the island from Skye and North Uist. Cost of a car plus 4 occupants is around £90 and the journey takes under 2 hours from Uist. Ferries run roughly every other day – visit www.calmac.co.uk for details. Alternatively it is possible to fly to Stornaway airport in nearby Lewis (price is around £125 for a return over Christmas per adult from London airports)– and from there drive to Kyle’s House. Visit the following websites for more information and prices: www.ba.com / www.flybmi.com / www.highlandairways.co.uk


One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner. For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.
*All flights are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com, and should be used for guidance only.

Guarantee a white Christmas in a stunning eco-chalet with One Off Places

La Source is an exclusive, luxury self-catered or catered farmhouse just outside Samoens village in the French Alps. This exclusive and unique retreat sleeps 10 + 4 children in 5 bedrooms and has 4 bathrooms alongside a wealth of features inside and out with old beams exposed and offset against white walls. It is a truly unique venue; an eco-conversion of a 19th Century Alpine farm. Visitors will be bathing in mountain source water heated by wood pellets from the local timber yard. There is a traditional Cedar wood-fired hot tub on the 60m2 Larch deck, and there is a big garden with its own stream, a mill ruin and some spectacular South facing views.

And incredibly, they still have availability for this Christmas (up to 28th December) – and there is currently an amazing deal of £300 off the weekly price (making it £2600 for the whole property for the week - £260 a head based on 10 people) – plus they are offering an 8th night for free!

The owners make sure a stay in their property is a truly unique and exciting experience. Their knowledge and enthusiasm for all mountain sports makes them invaluable guides for the area, while there are also opportunities for yoga, tai chi and shiatsu for those that may not want to hit the slopes every day. The property itself features:

· 130m2 open plan living area with huge sliding doors that open to South-facing views of the Giffre Valley
· FSC oak floors and slate bathrooms with Duravit and Hansgrohe fittings
· Rustic-chic furniture with a mix of antiques and 20th Century designer classics alongside contemporary art on the walls
· all mod cons - a laundry room / broadband points in every room / under floor heating / Italian kitchen with breakfast island
· A cosy quirky TV and music den and library with optional cable TV, a DVD player and an I-Pod docking station

For full details of the La Source, plus photography, please visit:
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Rhone-Alps/La-Source.aspx

To get to La Source by air, the closest airport is Geneva 42 miles /64 km or 1 hour away. From the UK, Easyjet, British Airways and Air France all fly into Geneva on a very regular basis (flights start at around £140 return*). Transfers can either be arranged locally or a member of La Source’s crew can collect up to 12 passengers for a small additional fee.

Get some Winter sun – New Year sunshine deals with One Off Places

Looking to get away from the UK and find some sunshine this winter? No need to travel longhaul to find warmth though – both of these properties are within a few hours flying time of the UK, and they all offer the promise of sunshine and warmth. What’s more - all are offering great deals to make your decision to take a break that much simpler!

Cyprus – Apartment with Spa Treatments Onsite
Why not enjoy the warmth of Cyprus? Larnaca is widely known to be its oldest city, with evidence of habitation up to 6000 years ago! Enjoy the ancient city centre and the promenade – ideal for people watching in the sunshine. And, particularly at this time of year, the Great Salt Lake is home to thousands of pink flamingos! Danae House is a typical Cyprean house, positioned in the beautiful village of Tochni. It has recently been renovated and divided into 8 stunning apartments set around a beautiful swimming pool. This is an ideal base for Tochni, for Larnaca and particularly for those lovely flamingos. The owners are also delighted to offer spa type treatments, plus a sauna and steam room to aid your post-Christmas recovery! If that weren’t enough to tempt you, they are happy to offer a 7 night for the price of 6 deal for bookings between end of November 2008 and end of February 2009 (excluding Christmas and New Year). Prices from £350 for a 2 person apartment for a week. Flights available from London from £190 return, per person*.
See: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Cyprus/Larnaca-Region/Danae-House.aspx

Turkey – Private Villa with Discount for Early Booking
The Aegean coast of Turkey is a wonderful destination, being not just a fascinating place to visit, but inexpensive as well! This coastline has a rich cultural legacy and is scattered with significant archaeological sites, including Ephesus and Troy, plus its climate ensures the perfect escape from the rigors of a northern winter: even in January and February, the days are sunny and pleasant. Villa Guller is an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of life and is the perfect winter sunshine holiday spot. It is located in the small rural village of Hisaronu Koy, just 20Km from Marmaris and is surrounded by a private walled garden, and a swimming pool for your exclusive use. It’s an oasis of peace and relaxation – why not spend some time in the slow lane this winter? Plus, enquire via One Off Places before 31st December and receive a 10% discount on any bookings made for next year! January 2009 flights available from London from £299 return, per person*.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Turkey/Aegean-Coast/Villa-Guller.aspx


One Off Places specialises in individual and characterful holiday rentals worldwide and has a wide selection of properties catering for all different tastes, group sizes and location specifications. Its website offers users the chance to enquire about their chosen property directly with the owner.

For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.
*All flights are estimates, researched from carriers or sites such as Expedia.com, and should be used for guidance only.

Amazing Christmas Deals on a tiny Caribbean paradise with One Off Places!

The tiny island of Bequia has a unique, magical charm which is hard to find anywhere else in the Caribbean. Measuring just 7 square miles, and with a population of fewer than six thousand, it feels like home from the moment you arrive as friendliness is the watchword, and the pace is relaxed and easy-going. As with many of the Windward Islands, don't be surprised if you are greeted with a warm hello as you walk along the street - a centuries-old dependence on inter-island shipping and trading has meant that Bequians have been eagerly welcoming visitors to their shores for generations. And as the next few months coincide with their dry season this is a great time to visit with good daytime temperatures and a gentle sea breeze ensuring that any visitor is never less than comfortable! As befits its location, Bequia boasts some stunning holiday accommodation and visitors to either of the below properties will immediately feel as though they have found their own Caribbean paradise.

Whispers Villa – US$1000 discount per week until the end of the year

Whispers is a luxury private villa which nestles on the side of hill on Bequia. It has stunning views over the islands of the Grenadines. This romantic spot is extraordinarily peaceful - it takes its name from the whispering of the wind in the trees, and of the waves on the shore below. Whispers is a superb design which features a wonderful blend of traditional Caribbean features, such as the high vaulted ceilings and the wraparound balconies, alongside stylish European colours and furnishings. It has 3 luxury bedrooms (each ensuite), and a view that stretches over the Grenadines in one direction and over to Mustique in the other. Wonderfully secluded and yet only a 10 minute walk from the beach this is the perfect romantic holiday destination. And as the owners are offering a US$1000 discount off any week before 29th December this year, making a week there only US$2000 (around £1200 at today’s rates – i.e. £200 per person per week for 6 people sharing), there really could not be a better time to be taking a One Off Christmas in the sun! See:
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/The-Americas/St-Vincent-and-the-Grenadines/Bequia/Whispers-Villa.aspx

A One Off Trip to Remember at The Old Fort
For larger parties, this former plantation is now available for weekly villa rentals. With 6 unique bedrooms and every amenity you will need, this really is one of the most outstanding rental properties in the Caribbean. It is ideally located, offering breathtaking 180° views of the Grenadine Islands, including Mustique and distant Grenada while being only a 5 - 10 min drive away from the best beaches, restaurants, shops and activities. Harking back to its original purpose as a plantation house, its ancient buildings are set in acres of lush, tropical gardens, whilst six spacious bedrooms are located in various areas of the main mansion, providing truly unique atmosphere and luxury in a stunning natural setting. The estate grounds are extensive with nature walks through meadows to seaside cliffs, and hikes to nearby secluded beaches. A new open air pool with jacuzzi and waterfall is perched over the ocean, allowing for breathtaking panoramas. For dining and evening arrangements, there is a ‘club room’ with fireplace along with patios, a dining area, an extensive wine cellar, office with wireless internet, wonderfully helpful staff including waitress, maids/laundry, gardener, renowned kitchen chef and on-compound manager. There is even a vehicle available for guests own use. At the time of writing there is still availability over the Christmas period, and prices start at US$8500 (around £5475 at today’s rates) in December this year for full occupancy of all 6 rooms – although less are available if required. All in all, this is the perfect destination for a truly One Off trip to remember – whether that be a holiday, a honeymoon or even the ceremony itself! See:
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/The-Americas/St-Vincent-and-the-Grenadines/Bequia/The-Old-Fort.aspx

Getting there and away:
Bequia can be reached via several of the major Caribbean gateways with Barbados being particularly recommended owing to frequency of connecting flights (flights to Barbados start at around £730 return in December). From there it is a 40 minute journey by plane (additional cost of US$150 approx.). Alternatively, visitors could fly to St Vincent (9 miles north of Bequia) and hop on a ferry for an immediate taste of island life! Owners of either property above would be delighted to assist with any travel plans or specific questions that may arise.

Bequia background information provided by the Bequia Tourism Association: http://www.bequiatourism.com/

Lose those winter blues - visit the sights, smells and souks of Morocco with One Off Places this Winter...

Why not take advantage of the offers below and enjoy a totally different winter holiday experience in Marrakech with One Off Places? Many budget airlines now fly there direct, so a new perspective need not be pricey – what better way to beat the cold weather blues?

In Marrakech, December and January offer days warm enough to sunbathe on the roof terrace, while cooler evenings are perfect for curling up with a book in front of an open fire. Venture into a souk and let the colours and aromas assault your senses. Maybe you just need to relax – so head for one of the traditional hammams and be invigorated with a "gommage" that will leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Alternatively, head out for a round on one of several world standard golf courses within driving distance – or take a horseback safari or a cooking course.

Dar Azure – sleeps 7 from only £125 per person for a 4 night stay, plus special package
One of Marrakech’s best kept secrets is the charming Dar Azure, a British owned 3 bedroom traditional house, tucked away in a quiet street behind the old city walls. The house, which sleeps up to 7 guests, combines chic Moroccan design with all European comforts and is let as a whole, including breakfast and maid service, so guests have ample space to enjoy all for themselves. From mid-November to mid-February, Dar Azure is offering a special package for guests staying for 4 nights or more, which includes one free night, one dinner, a traditional ‘hammam and gommage’ at a nearby Spa and a copy of Dar Azure’s own unique guide to the best bargains in the souks and shops, favourite restaurants and recommended local excursions. This is a great opportunity to escape the winter gloom by soaking up some Moroccan sunshine and take advantage of the cheaper air fares on offer by the low-cost airlines.
The special package price starts from £125 per person for a 4 night stay, based on a minimum of 4 persons sharing the house (NB not 24 Dec 08 - 11 Jan 09).
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Africa/Morocco/Marrakech-Essaouira/Dar-Azure.aspx

Riad Fawakay – sleeps 6 from £180 per night plus personal shopping offer
Riad Fawakay (meaning "house of fruit" in Moroccan Arabic), is an elegant, traditional Moroccan haven, within the ancient walled city of Marrakech and is ideal for families. Decorated with traditional materials and modern flair, a plain wooden door welcomes you into a tranquil and cool oasis of calm, far removed from the frantic activity of the souks. A fantastic fusion of Moroccan and funky, the owners are delighted to offer a free three hour personal shopping session in the souk with every stay of over 3 days. There is also a special credit crunch beating deal of 10% off the basic nightly rate making it £180 per night, or £1260 per week for up to 6 guests from the 6th of January 2009 until the 28th of February 2009.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Africa/Morocco/Marrakech-Essaouira/Riad-Fawakay.aspx

Dar Soulahfa – immediate availability at £850 per week for 4 guests in real Moroccan decadence
Dar Soulahfa has the most decadent of salons with rich colours and lamps that provide a warm and comfortable room in which to lounge away the cooler evenings. The large roof terrace offers a dining table that catches the morning sun and sun beds for those that want make the most of the Moroccan sun. Located in the very best part of the ancient Medina the bustle of the souks and the enthralling main square, Djemaa el- fna, are just a moments walk away while the Riad is positioned in a quiet pedestrian street. Renting at £850 per week for 4 guests, you could be there almost immediately, as they currently have availability in late November and December, as well as early next year!
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Africa/Morocco/Marrakech-Essaouira/Dar-Soulahfa.aspx

Go native in Crete, or get medieval in Tuscany with One Off Places this Autumn

Take advantage of these great last minute discounted offers from One Off Places, and really immerse yourself this Autumn...

The Cretan village of Anatoli dates back to Venetian times and is set at 600m altitude surrounded by wild countryside, gigantic rock formations and natural spring waters. Each of these beautifully converted properties is in the village itself, and offers spectacular views over the bay with a chance really dive into daily Cretan life...

Smaragda House sleeps up to 4 guests, and is offered at a 25% discount for only £420 per week between 19th October and 3rd November (saving £130).
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Greece/Crete/Smaragda-House.aspx

Kallirhoe House also sleeps up to 4 guests, and again with a 25% discount its price is £480 per week between 19th October and 3rd November (saving £160). See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Greece/Crete/Kallirhoe-House.aspx

Pasiphae House is slightly larger and sleeps up to 8 guests. Its discounted price between 27th October and 3rd November is down to only £750 per week (saving £250). See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Greece/Crete/Pasiphae-House.aspx

Or if classical Greece does not appeal, why not get a little more modern – and move into the middle ages in Italy? Built in the 1400’s, Lance Manor is a small medieval castle less than 1km from the village of Lanciole in beautiful Tuscany. The castle itself has been separated into two independent wings, both of which have magnificent views over the surrounding countryside, and a separate ‘Knights Quarter’. Wonderfully located for exploring rustic Italy while satisfying those Maid Marion fantasies!

The Elf Apartment sleeps up to 5, and the owners are offering 15% off any booking between 2nd November and 21st December. It is now £400 per week – a saving of £70.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Lance-Manor-Castle-The-Elf.aspx

The Fairy Apartment sleeps up to 4 guests and a 15% discount between 2nd November and 21st December makes the price now £360 per week, down from £420 – a saving of £60. See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Lance-Manor-Castle-The-Fairy.aspx

Finally, The Tale Apartment sleeps 2 guests, and 15% off between 2nd November and 21st December makes the price now around £240 per week, down from £280 – a saving of £40.
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Italy/Tuscany/Lance-Manor-Castle-The-Tale.aspx