For those golfers who feel inspired by watching the spectacular links golf played at the Open at Birkdale and are in search of a golfing holiday with a difference, One Off Places offers individual holiday accommodation located just down the road from some of the oldest and greatest golf courses in Scotland .
With more and more people wanting to explore when they travel, and as demand for self-catering trips continues to grow, we have found that the more characterful properties are often swamped by bland resort style holiday accommodation. One Off Places offers visitors the chance to book unique and memorable accommodation.
One Off Places has a large selection of properties, many of which are in Scotland and the Isles.
Regularly named as one of the top 20 best courses in the world, the Royal Dornach is just a few minutes from Milton Lodge, a 19th century shooting lodge which accommodates up to seven guests. With far reaching views to the south and west of the highlands, this is the perfect retreat. For more information, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=374
If you want to experience Scotland in its true colours and experience one of the world’s finest settings for a game of golf, then head for the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Scarista is a nine hole course, but created in the way the golfing gods intended, with its layout formed only by the actions of the sea, sand and wind. For accommodation, Kyle’s house is set on a hillside, surrounded by wild flower meadows and heathland, and overlooks the Sound of Harris with spectacular views across the sea to the islands of North Uist and Skye. The house sleeps six, and provides an ideal base for exploring this stunning isle. For more information, see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=201
Glenturret Mill is a converted watermill with log fires and Victorian roll top baths where tradition and modernity meet, and is less than an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh airports. As far as golf courses go, visitors here are truly spoilt for choice. From the world renowned courses at Gleneagles, to the more reserved and classic charms of the nearby world famous Crieff Golf Club plus local 9 hole courses at Comrie and Mutthill there really is something for every visitor. For more information, go to: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=212
Notes for the editor:
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. 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.
Prices for the above are as follows: Milton Lodge starts at £800 per week; Kyle’s House from £600 per week and Glenturret Mill from £385 per week.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Monday, 14 July 2008
Greece – time for a little self-catering?
Holidays in Greece don’t always get good press these days. There’s often some story about an unfortunate soul booking his family vacation in the same hotel as the 100-strong stag party from Droitwich, or Mr and Mrs Jones’ luxury water-front hotel room actually facing onto the local sewage pipe outlet.
The problem is – you never quite know what you’re going to get in the large holiday resorts. You might have a breathtaking view from your hotel room, but food so bad that you won’t even give it to the bad-breathed stray dog sitting at your feet. More importantly - you’re missing out on one big thing. Greece.
Greece – from its lesser-explored interior to its multitude of islands – is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It didn’t earn its title as ‘the cradle of civilisation’ for nothing... From ancient amphitheatres to hilltop olive farms and whitewashed villages perched precariously on hillsides, Greece has everything to offer and more. And that’s just the location. What about the people – some of the friendliest you’re ever likely to meet and a culture that adores children? Or indeed the local food – mouth-watering olives, cheeses, meats, retisna – all home grown and beautifully prepared.
So how do you experience the real thing? If you want a real escape, with no strings attached, then try a self-catering holiday. There are plenty of tailor-made properties out there to give you what you really want from a holiday. Be it a secluded beach-front villa or a converted stone monastery – there will be something for you. And while you sit on your private patio, sipping your local retsina and watching the sun dip behind the horizon, you can reflect on the fact that you don’t always have to believe what you read in the papers…
To see what http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/ has to offer in Greece, go to our search page and type in Greece.
The problem is – you never quite know what you’re going to get in the large holiday resorts. You might have a breathtaking view from your hotel room, but food so bad that you won’t even give it to the bad-breathed stray dog sitting at your feet. More importantly - you’re missing out on one big thing. Greece.
Greece – from its lesser-explored interior to its multitude of islands – is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It didn’t earn its title as ‘the cradle of civilisation’ for nothing... From ancient amphitheatres to hilltop olive farms and whitewashed villages perched precariously on hillsides, Greece has everything to offer and more. And that’s just the location. What about the people – some of the friendliest you’re ever likely to meet and a culture that adores children? Or indeed the local food – mouth-watering olives, cheeses, meats, retisna – all home grown and beautifully prepared.
So how do you experience the real thing? If you want a real escape, with no strings attached, then try a self-catering holiday. There are plenty of tailor-made properties out there to give you what you really want from a holiday. Be it a secluded beach-front villa or a converted stone monastery – there will be something for you. And while you sit on your private patio, sipping your local retsina and watching the sun dip behind the horizon, you can reflect on the fact that you don’t always have to believe what you read in the papers…
To see what http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/ has to offer in Greece, go to our search page and type in Greece.
Friday, 4 July 2008
July & August late deals and special offers from One Off Places
FRANCE £400 discount at Les Bregeres, a farmhouse in Limousin (sleeps six). It has uninterrupted views across beautiful countryside and offers you the opportunity to hire a British Classic car while you’re there and is available from 12-26 July. £950 for one week. http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=190
SLOVENIA 20% discount at Vino Cottage, set in the beautiful Goricko National Park in North East Slovenia within its own vineyard. It has three bedrooms and is available from 12 July – 2 August & 16-23 August. £320 for one week. And five free bottles of wine from the cellar included! http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=228
SPAIN 12.5% discount at Casa Galesa, a one bedroom mountain hideaway at the head of a secluded valley in Andalucia. Available from 17-31 July. €350 for one week. http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=146
SPAIN 10% discount at Casa Maldonado, a two bedroom Moorish house in the heart of a medieval town in Cadiz province. Available from 21st July - €500 for one week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=280
SOUTH AFRICA 10% discount at Nectar Cottage, a four bedroom cottage in Nature’s Valley, 100 paces from the beach and set within a national park. Available from 13th July. From £315 for one week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=250
MOROCCO 20% discount at the four bedroom Riad Merstane in Marrakech for the last week of July and whole of August. Set in the medina itself, here you are in the heart of the city, yet able to escape to the privacy of your roof terrace after a busy day in the souks. £756 for one week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=287
MOROCCO 10% off a stay in the studio suite at Riad de la Mer in Essaouira. A restored 18th century Jewish merchants house with panoramic views of the sea and port, it is available from 9-16 July for £280.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=197
SLOVENIA 20% discount at Vino Cottage, set in the beautiful Goricko National Park in North East Slovenia within its own vineyard. It has three bedrooms and is available from 12 July – 2 August & 16-23 August. £320 for one week. And five free bottles of wine from the cellar included! http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=228
SPAIN 12.5% discount at Casa Galesa, a one bedroom mountain hideaway at the head of a secluded valley in Andalucia. Available from 17-31 July. €350 for one week. http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=146
SPAIN 10% discount at Casa Maldonado, a two bedroom Moorish house in the heart of a medieval town in Cadiz province. Available from 21st July - €500 for one week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=280
SOUTH AFRICA 10% discount at Nectar Cottage, a four bedroom cottage in Nature’s Valley, 100 paces from the beach and set within a national park. Available from 13th July. From £315 for one week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=250
MOROCCO 20% discount at the four bedroom Riad Merstane in Marrakech for the last week of July and whole of August. Set in the medina itself, here you are in the heart of the city, yet able to escape to the privacy of your roof terrace after a busy day in the souks. £756 for one week.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=287
MOROCCO 10% off a stay in the studio suite at Riad de la Mer in Essaouira. A restored 18th century Jewish merchants house with panoramic views of the sea and port, it is available from 9-16 July for £280.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=197
Monday, 30 June 2008
Land of Plenty – Andalucia
Here’s the thing. Andalucia is big. So big that it’s got a little bit of everything.
From the majestic 3000 metre peaks of the Sierra Nevada that sweep their way down to a sparkling Mediterranean coastline, to the culture laden cities of Seville and Granada – there will certainly be something that makes Andalucia a holiday destination to remember.
You won’t be the first to experience its appeal, however. The Tartessians, Phoenicians, Carthagineans, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors all got there before you. And it’s a good thing they did because Andalucia is literally dripping with architectural jewels courtesy of its previous uninvited guests. The Moorish influence is apparent across the region – not just in the well-known spots such as Granada, but off the beaten track you are likely to stumble across some remnant of Spain’s multicultural past.
And therein lies the key to making the most of Andalucia. To truly experience this land of plenty you need to get off the beaten track. It’s one thing to stay in the safety of a beachfront complex, but it’s another thing altogether to base yourself in the real Andalucia. To experience the authentic flavour of centuries of multicultural culinary mixing, to understand the culture that shaped artists such as Picasso and Velazquez, to taste the wine that us foreigners never get our hands on – you need to look a little further than the glossy holiday brochures.
Fortunately, finding a unique, one-off place to stay in the heart of Andalucia couldn’t be easier nowadays. Whether you’re looking for a mountain hideaway with goats in the garden, an olive farm with local ‘Costa’ wine on tap, or an apartment within the walls of a historic city – there will be something out there to suit your needs. Once you’ve found the spot, then Andalucia will do the rest.
Top three one off places in Andalucia:
Dar Hajra: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=282
One of Andalucia’s most spectacular rental properties, sculpted around a rocky crag in a forest of the Grazalema park. The views are inspirational, the infinity pool amazing, and the house has been decorated with great style. You’ll find no more romantic a hideaway: this is a place to let your spirit soar.
Palacete de Cazulas - http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=317
This exquisite Andalucian country mansion is the perfect place for large family and friends holidays. This jewel of a property dates back to 1492 and is set deep in the heart of the Spanish hinterland in a private, quiet and peaceful setting. With luxurious interiors and beautiful gardens, this is no ordinary holiday rental!
La Molina del Olivar - http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=192
From the majestic 3000 metre peaks of the Sierra Nevada that sweep their way down to a sparkling Mediterranean coastline, to the culture laden cities of Seville and Granada – there will certainly be something that makes Andalucia a holiday destination to remember.
You won’t be the first to experience its appeal, however. The Tartessians, Phoenicians, Carthagineans, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths and Moors all got there before you. And it’s a good thing they did because Andalucia is literally dripping with architectural jewels courtesy of its previous uninvited guests. The Moorish influence is apparent across the region – not just in the well-known spots such as Granada, but off the beaten track you are likely to stumble across some remnant of Spain’s multicultural past.
And therein lies the key to making the most of Andalucia. To truly experience this land of plenty you need to get off the beaten track. It’s one thing to stay in the safety of a beachfront complex, but it’s another thing altogether to base yourself in the real Andalucia. To experience the authentic flavour of centuries of multicultural culinary mixing, to understand the culture that shaped artists such as Picasso and Velazquez, to taste the wine that us foreigners never get our hands on – you need to look a little further than the glossy holiday brochures.
Fortunately, finding a unique, one-off place to stay in the heart of Andalucia couldn’t be easier nowadays. Whether you’re looking for a mountain hideaway with goats in the garden, an olive farm with local ‘Costa’ wine on tap, or an apartment within the walls of a historic city – there will be something out there to suit your needs. Once you’ve found the spot, then Andalucia will do the rest.
Top three one off places in Andalucia:
Dar Hajra: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=282
One of Andalucia’s most spectacular rental properties, sculpted around a rocky crag in a forest of the Grazalema park. The views are inspirational, the infinity pool amazing, and the house has been decorated with great style. You’ll find no more romantic a hideaway: this is a place to let your spirit soar.
Palacete de Cazulas - http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=317
This exquisite Andalucian country mansion is the perfect place for large family and friends holidays. This jewel of a property dates back to 1492 and is set deep in the heart of the Spanish hinterland in a private, quiet and peaceful setting. With luxurious interiors and beautiful gardens, this is no ordinary holiday rental!
La Molina del Olivar - http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=192
Beautiful 13th century restored olive Millhouse, situated in a peaceful secluded setting nestling among olive groves, with spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and unspoilt countryside. Lovingly restored to retain its unique character and rustic charm,but with all mod cons and a fantastic pool to relax by.
Friday, 20 June 2008
Cyprus - more than meets the eye
Cyprus. The name itself conjures up images of long sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, hills dotted with olive groves and traditional white washed villages. Sadly, more recently it also conjures up images of overcrowded, ugly tourist resorts with cheap restaurants catering to mismatched international tastes….
The problem with Cyprus is that it’s no longer a well-kept secret. This small island receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and, quite simply - it’s got to put them all somewhere. Resorts and complexes abound – catering for family and group holidays from all over Europe. Deals are good and numbers increasing – aided of course by the growing number of low cost airlines and flight options.
For many, the island is becoming a home away from home. Apart from the improved weather and the beautiful scenery, the resorts, by their very nature, seemingly absorb the local culture and create a watered down, international version of it. There’s something lacking in authentic charm.
Fortunately there is a way around it. Increasingly large numbers of visitors are opting for the ‘real’ Cyprus holiday experience and as these discerning travellers are increasing in number, so too are their options. Finding an individual, one-off property to stay in is straightforward nowadays as islanders and foreign property owners realise the growing demand. More and more properties are becoming available to rent and at prices that won’t break the bank. Whether you want to stay in a traditional stone house in a local village or a secluded luxury villa in an olive grove – the options are now at your disposal. You just have to decide which in unique way you’re going to discover the real charms of Cyprus.
For some ideas check out these links:
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=276
Tymarhane - a villa in the mountains, with a horizon infinity pool.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=290
Michele's House - a village house with sea views from the terrace
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=297
Myrto - a stone villa oozing with Cypriot charm
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=172
Sylvia's View - a secluded and rural property with panoramic mountain and ocean views
The problem with Cyprus is that it’s no longer a well-kept secret. This small island receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and, quite simply - it’s got to put them all somewhere. Resorts and complexes abound – catering for family and group holidays from all over Europe. Deals are good and numbers increasing – aided of course by the growing number of low cost airlines and flight options.
For many, the island is becoming a home away from home. Apart from the improved weather and the beautiful scenery, the resorts, by their very nature, seemingly absorb the local culture and create a watered down, international version of it. There’s something lacking in authentic charm.
Fortunately there is a way around it. Increasingly large numbers of visitors are opting for the ‘real’ Cyprus holiday experience and as these discerning travellers are increasing in number, so too are their options. Finding an individual, one-off property to stay in is straightforward nowadays as islanders and foreign property owners realise the growing demand. More and more properties are becoming available to rent and at prices that won’t break the bank. Whether you want to stay in a traditional stone house in a local village or a secluded luxury villa in an olive grove – the options are now at your disposal. You just have to decide which in unique way you’re going to discover the real charms of Cyprus.
For some ideas check out these links:
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=276
Tymarhane - a villa in the mountains, with a horizon infinity pool.
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=290
Michele's House - a village house with sea views from the terrace
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=297
Myrto - a stone villa oozing with Cypriot charm
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=172
Sylvia's View - a secluded and rural property with panoramic mountain and ocean views
Friday, 13 June 2008
Late Availability – Wine, Hot Spas & National Parks
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.
Vino Cottage is set in the beautiful Goricko National Park in North East Slovenia, sleeps six people in three bedrooms, and has availability throughout July and for one week in August. Set within its own vineyard, there are 80 bottles of wine sitting in the cellar of the house waiting to be shared with anyone who books to go this summer.
Less than 4km away is the Terme 3000 Thermal Spa, which features 23 indoor and outdoor naturally heated pools, including children's pools and water slides. Within 30 minutes drive are four other thermal spas. The cottage makes an excellent base for exploring this undiscovered corner of Slovenia, and also for trips into Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Budapest, Vienna and Zagreb are all less than 3 hours drive.
One week in July or August costs £400. The house is available any week in July and for the week starting Saturday 16th August.
For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Tabitha Symonds on Tabitha@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.
Notes for editors:
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=228 for more details of the property.
Ryanair flies daily from London Stansted to Graz airport (approx 1 ¼ hours from property), Maribor in Slovenia (1-1.5 hours), Balaton in Hungary (1-1.5 hours).
Easyjet flies to Ljubljana (2.5 hours).
Vino Cottage is set in the beautiful Goricko National Park in North East Slovenia, sleeps six people in three bedrooms, and has availability throughout July and for one week in August. Set within its own vineyard, there are 80 bottles of wine sitting in the cellar of the house waiting to be shared with anyone who books to go this summer.
Less than 4km away is the Terme 3000 Thermal Spa, which features 23 indoor and outdoor naturally heated pools, including children's pools and water slides. Within 30 minutes drive are four other thermal spas. The cottage makes an excellent base for exploring this undiscovered corner of Slovenia, and also for trips into Austria, Hungary and Croatia. Budapest, Vienna and Zagreb are all less than 3 hours drive.
One week in July or August costs £400. The house is available any week in July and for the week starting Saturday 16th August.
For further information about One Off Places, please visit www.oneoffplaces.co.uk or contact Tabitha Symonds on Tabitha@oneoffplaces.co.uk or tel: 01494 881196. Images available on request.
Notes for editors:
See http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=228 for more details of the property.
Ryanair flies daily from London Stansted to Graz airport (approx 1 ¼ hours from property), Maribor in Slovenia (1-1.5 hours), Balaton in Hungary (1-1.5 hours).
Easyjet flies to Ljubljana (2.5 hours).
Monday, 9 June 2008
My favourite Spanish property
Finca el Tornero de Abajo
This Spanish finca is a recent addition to http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/ and is not only utterly gorgeous, but amazing value as well.
Set in a National Park, this is a stunning property, modelled on an old Spanish ‘cortijo’. Being only a kilometre from Aracena, it is within easy walking distance of the town, yet wonderfully secluded, tucked in around the side of a hill, giving breathtaking views over the Aracena reservoir and away to the far off peaks of the Badajoz province. Just as perfect for 2-4 people, as it is for 6-8.
The house is built on an L-shaped design with towering wooden-beamed ceilings that keep the house cool. In one leg, the huge well-appointed kitchen leads through a wide arch into a beautiful sitting room, off which three French windows open out onto a large balcony. In the south facing leg, along a passage, are the spacious bedrooms, kept cool during the day by the dappled shade of chestnut trees. There are two ensuite bedrooms, one with its own balcony, and two with a shared bathroom / shower. The beds in three of the rooms can be either doubles or two singles. Downstairs there is a large playroom / dormitory with a pool table and DVD player and television screen. There are four sofa beds, two double and two single, and a shower room leading off. On the north side of the house, there is a laundry and a self contained apartment with a ‘Scottish’ double bed, kitchen, seating area and shower room.
Price starts at £700 for one week (bargain when shared between 6-8 people). Find out more by visiting http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/viewPropertyDetails.aspx?ID=291
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