Watch the Easter bunnies from your private hot tub

Still looking for a family holiday for the Easter holidays to suit all moods and ages? Head to a One Off Place in Scotland. A sumptuous manor house in the Scottish Highlands with a circular hot tub room; a Scottish Island hideaway giving true meaning to the phrase ‘getting away from it all’; an apartment in a converted Benedictine monastery on the shores of Loch Ness – all are offering discounts for Easter bookings.

20% discount at Alexander House, Central Scotland
Designed by leading Classical Architect Robert Adam, Alexander House is an exquisite manor house on the doorstep of Gleneagles golf course. The indoor hot tub, covered courtyard swimming pool, croquet lawn, sunken trampoline, tree-house, swings and slides should keep even the grown-ups happy! Sleeps 14 to 20 adults (and lots of little ones) in total luxury in up to 7 en-suite bedrooms.

Available from 9th – 16th April. Normally £4000 at this time, it is now £3200 for the property for one week. For more information see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Scotland/Central-Scotland---Edinburgh/Alexander-House.aspx

20% discount at Kyle’s House, Isle of Harris, Outer Hebrides
This three bedroom holiday house in Scotland is in one of the most breathtakingly beautiful locations in the UK. It 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. Miles and miles of white beaches, mountains and glens and golf on a spectacular course are just some of the endless activities on offer. The great outdoors at its finest.

During the Easter Holidays it is being offered at a 20% discount – normally £600, it is now £480 for the property for one week. For more information see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Scotland/Islands/Kyles-House.aspx

5% discount at Livingstone, Scottish Highlands
In the heart of a beautifully converted Benedictine Abbey, this two bedroom apartment is on the shores of Loch Ness and shares 20 acres of private grounds with the other apartments. The Benedictine Abbey was built in 1876 and is one of the oldest buildings in Fort Augustus, which is just a short walk. With one bedroom overlooking the cloisters and one facing Loch Ness, the Abbey facilities are enough to keep anyone busy – loch-side restaurant, tennis course, outdoor table tennis, croquet lawn, giant chess and children’s adventure play area.

Families can benefit from a 5% discount throughout the Easter holidays (this offer is available for all the monastery apartments). Normally £520 - £585, it is now available for £496 - £556.75. For more information see: http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Scotland/Highlands/Livingstone.aspx

Travel information:

Alexander House - Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee airports are all less than an hour away. Gleneagles train station is 5 minutes by car (5.5 hours from London Kings Cross to Gleneagles).
Kyles House - Daily flights from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness to Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. Stornoway to Kyles House is approximately 58 miles. Car rental is available at the airport. Caledonian MacBrayne operate ferry routes to the island from the Isles of Skye to Tarbert (Mondays to Saturdays), and North Uist to Leverburgh (daily).
Livingstone – 45 minutes from Inverness. Direct daily flights to UK airports and direct rail services to London King’s Cross, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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 http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/ or contact Olly Symonds on Olly@oneoffplaces.co.uk , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

High living and Hedonism - take a Catalan manor house this August through One Off Places

Still looking for a holiday in August and finding that everything’s already booked up? Almiral de la Font is a luxuriously restored masia just south of Barcelona which not only still has availability, but has a six night stay on offer for just 60% of the normal price.

Staying at Almiral is a unique experience: renovated with great care and attention to detail, this beautiful ‘masia’ offers high-tech modern comforts whilst retaining the historic charm and character of the original building.

Outside is a large tiled courtyard with palm and citrus trees and Moroccan lounge providing welcome shade. There are over 300 acres of private grounds with 14 kilometres of tracks in which you will find large areas of vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees. Sea views from 200 meters altitude onto the coastal resorts of Sitges and Vilanova Y La Geltru. There is an 18.6 x 6m solar heated swimming pool, as well as a children’s pool, ample outdoor furniture, a table tennis and basketball net and gated car parking for over 12 cars. And that’s just the outside.

Inside you’ll find four suites, each with two or three bedrooms and four individual double bedrooms. Sleeping up to 24 it comes with its own maid, a surround sound home cinema, wine cellar, banquet room and games room.

If you can’t face cooking, call the cook. If you want some childcare, they can provide a babysitter. If you want to tour the area but can’t be bothered to drive yourself, there’s a chauffeur available. You can even get married here - and they can organise marquees and caterers for you.

Set high on a hillside in the Pinedes wine region, the masia dates back to the 1500’s. It is surrounded by the Garaf National Park and offers dramatic sea or mountain views from every room or terrace. Thirty minutes drive from the allure of the Barcelona city lights and ten minutes drive from the pull of the Sitges beaches.

Available from 8th – 14th August (six nights) at a 40% discount off the usual price.
Normally £15,800 for a week at the property in peak season, it is now £8,100 for six nights.
£337.50 per person (based on 24 sharing).

For more information and pictures see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Catalonia/Almiral-de-la-Font.aspx

Book now to grab a real One Off deal!

*20% discount* at Can Gelat, Mallorca
From £145 per person for one week based on 6 sharing.

Can Gelat is a beautiful restoration of an antique farmhouse. Natural light floods down the exposed stone walls of the double height living room that opens out onto a relaxing private garden and pool. With three bedrooms and comfortably sleeping six people, it is walking distance from Deia, a chic village made up of a main street of boutique shops and A-list restaurants.

What’s the deal? All bookings made by the end of February 2010 will receive a 20% discount off the listed 2010 prices. Usually £1085 for the property for bookings between now and the end of March, it is now £868. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Balearic-Islands/Mallorca/Can-Gelat.aspx

Ballycurrin Lodge, Galway, Ireland
£72.33 per person for one week based on 6 sharing

Wake up on the shores of Lough Corrib and take in the breath-taking views of islands, mountains and lake. Relax and unwind in this tranquil three bedroom oasis, just 25 minutes drive from the heart of Galway City. In the evening enjoy the stunning sunsets and listen to the lapping of the shores. Rowing boat and fishing rods included in the price!

What’s the deal? £434 for the property for one week between now and the end of April 2010. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Ireland/Galway---County-Clare/Ballycurrin-Lodge.aspx

Ecocabin, Shropshire
£92.50 per person for one week based on 4 sharing

Ecocabin is a two bedroom property built from wood, sheep's wool, reeds, lime and clay. Heated by wood pellets and solar energy, it nestles in a secluded valley of the Shropshire Hills. To the North East the ever-changing light rolls over the bleak expanse of the Long Mynd. To the North West the Black Hill rises steeply as an imposing wall of earth. The southerly aspect is open and sunny with inviting views of pretty woods, hills and valleys that lead the eye toward Wales.

What’s the deal? £370 for the property for one week between now and the end of March 2010. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Shropshire/Ecocabin.aspx

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 , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Hop across the Channel for some fabulous half term deals

Just days before half term starts and there is still availability in some of One Off Places’ most child friendly properties in France.

*15% discount* at Maison de Beauport, Brittany, France
£76.50 per person for one week based on 10 sharing (sleeps up to 12).

Maison de Beauport is a magical five bedroom house perched on the edge of a freshwater lake, just a minute’s walk from the sea and the 13th century Abbaye de Beauport. Inside is an eclectic mix of antiques, contemporary furniture and unusual features, whilst outside offers natural beauty and wildlife literally on the doorstep. The house is a five-minute drive from Paimpol harbour with its restaurants, cafes and shops, medieval streets and weekly market. Just over one hour from Dinard airport and 1 ¾ hours from Saint Malo ferry port.

What’s the deal? Usually £900 for the week (15th – 22nd Feb), it is now £765.
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Brittany/Maison-de-Beauport.aspx

*10% discount* at La Vieille Abbaye French Farmhouse, Normandy, France
£70.50 per person for one week based on 10 sharing (sleeps up to 14).

Oodles of space, bags of style, many modern conveniences and practically everything under the sun for children – including an indoor playbarn. Welcome to La Vieille Abbaye French Farmhouse, a unique holiday destination on a working dairy farm in the heart of rural Normandy. In this five bedroom / five bathroom gite (perfect for families sharing) children can experience life on a real dairy farm; watch the milking, meet the cows, feed the calves, ride on a tractor, taste fresh milk....there is a huge indoor play barn with chill-out zone (Playstation, DVD player) and a Pet Paddock where they can meet the furry and feathered folk!

What’s the deal? Usually £783 for the property for the week (13th – 20th February), it is now £705. The owner is also offering to cook and deliver a ‘couples supper’ to the gite on the evening of Sunday 14th February so the parents can celebrate Valentine’s day once the children are in bed! 25 minute drive from Ouistreham (Caen) ferry port. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Normandy/La-Vieille-Abbaye-French-farmhouse.aspx

*10% discount* at Domaine Escudes, Midi-Pyrenees, France
£225 per person for one week based on 12 sharing (sleeps up to 14).

Big lawns and vast cedars, a pool house with a bar, a tennis court in the orchard, and beds for a dozen or more (eight bedrooms). This super house, set in a beautifully tended park on the edge of a hamlet midway between the Atlantic and the Med, has 41 hectares of landscaped park and farmland. There is a tennis court with practice wall and basketball net. Children will love playing under the trees in the park where they have their own adventure play area with trampoline, slides, swings and zip wire, bikes to ride, table football, football goals and badminton. 45km from Toulouse International airport.

What’s the deal? Usually £3,000 for the week, it is now £2,700. Shorter breaks available by arrangement. For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Midi-Pyrenees/Domaine-Escudes.aspx

Travel information:
La Vieille Abbaye French Farmhouse – a family of four can travel from with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to Caen for £150 each way.
Maison de Beauport – a family of four can travel with Brittany Ferries from Portsmouth to St Malo for £180 each way.
Domaine Escudes – a family of four can travel with British Airways from London to Toulouse airport for £670.
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 , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Do you need a half term getaway? Kids will LOVE these One Off Places...

Half term week is fast approaching and if you fancy a week away with the family, there are some super child friendly One Off Places still available. Here’s a selection:

*10% discount* at La Vieille Abbaye French Farmhouse, Normandy, France
Oodles of space, bags of style, many modern conveniences and practically everything under the sun for children – including an indoor playbarn. Welcome to La Vieille Abbaye French Farmhouse, a unique holiday destination on a working dairy farm in the heart of rural Normandy. In this five bedroom / five bathroom gite (perfect for families sharing) children can experience life on a real dairy farm; watch the milking, meet the cows, feed the calves, ride on a tractor, taste fresh milk....there is a huge indoor play barn with chill-out zone (Playstation, DVD player) and a Pet Paddock where they can meet the furry and feathered folk!

What’s the deal? Usually £783 for the property for the week (13th – 20th February), it is now £705. The owner is also offering to cook and deliver a ‘couples supper’ to the gite on the evening of Sunday 14th February so the parents can celebrate Valentine’s day once the children are in bed! 25 minute drive from Ouistreham (Caen) ferry port.
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Normandy/La-Vieille-Abbaye-French-farmhouse.aspx

*20% discount* at Ynys Pandy, Snowdonia, North Wales
Set in 14 hectares, within walking distance of the mountains of Snowdonia, this four bedroom farmhouse is a real home from home. Be busy doing nothing or be nothing but busy: mountains or beach, castles or theatres, all are within easy reach. There are indoor climbing walls and a ski slope in the vicinity. Endless beaches as little as ten minutes drive, and wonderful coastal walks. If the weather really is against you and you can't go out, don't despair. Light the wood-burning stove and toast marshmallows, snuggle up on the sofa and read a book from our bookshelves, watch a DVD, or immerse yourself in our puzzles and games.....

What’s the deal? Usually £523 for the week (13th – 20th February), it is now £419. Short breaks also available – 4 nights for £335 or 3 nights for £272.
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Wales/North-Wales/Ynys-Pandy.aspx

*15% discount* at Maison de Beauport, Brittany, France
Maison de Beauport is a magical five bedroom house perched on the edge of a freshwater lake, just a minute’s walk from the sea and the 13th century Abbaye de Beauport. Inside is an eclectic mix of antiques, contemporary furniture and unusual features, whilst outside offers natural beauty and wildlife literally on the doorstep. The house is a five-minute drive from Paimpol harbour with its restaurants, cafes and shops, medieval streets and weekly market. Just over one hour from Dinard airport and 1 ¾ hours from Saint Malo ferry port.

What’s the deal? Usually £900 for the week (15th – 22nd Feb), it is now £765.
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/Brittany/Maison-de-Beauport.aspx

*£100 off* at Coal Yeat Cottages, Coniston, Cumbria
If your wish is luxury lakes without the tourists, chic to champion over chintz, local knowledge without the insularity, friendliness without over familiarity then all will be fulfilled at Coal Yeat. Imaginatively arranged using contemporary open plan design three bedroom Coal Yeat Cottages, with their breathtaking outlook over the much loved Lakeland fells, are ideal for families or couples holidaying together. Children get run of the 25 acres of private pasture land within the Coal Yeat estate. The Lake District is one huge playground offering it all from climbing sand dunes at the glorious golden sand beaches of Roan Head to climbing the mountains – perfect for a half term break!

What’s the deal? Usually £695 for the week (12th – 19th February), it is now £595.
For more information see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Cumbria/Coal-Yeat-Cottage.aspx

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 , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

Get some wind in your holiday sails - One Off Places launches its windmill collection

Windmills are just the latest addition to One Off Places’ collection of chalets and chateaux, ranches and riads, mansions and millhouses, tipis, villas, yurts.....If you fancy a holiday house with a bit of character, then this collection of windmills is a good place to start.

Romance and far reaching views in the Vendee region of France
La Rochelle, Poitou-Charentes, France
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/France/poitou-charentes/Moulin85.aspx
A lovingly renovated 19th century windmill... an ideal setting for a romantic honeymoon or special occasion. Set just outside a small village, the only noise comes from church bells and the sound of the sheep and cows in the surrounding fields. Accommodating two, it is arranged over four floors. The bedroom is at the top, with a beautiful view across the countryside.
From £400 per week (low season) to £500 (high season). Short breaks by arrangement.

Holiday in the Azores and get a windmill in your garden
Azores, Portugal
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Portugal/Azores/Casa-do-Moinho-.aspx
Where else do you get a windmill in your garden? In the Azores, the two bedroom house next to the windmill is situated on a large property with fantastic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the neighbouring islands. A great place for a peaceful and relaxing holiday, with the opportunity to hike and take trips to the beach and surrounding area. The windmill itself has been renovated and you are welcome to use it for reading, writing, or just gazing at the views. If you have children, they might even want to sleep in it!
From £406 per week (Jan-Mar) to £531 per week (Apr – Oct). Minimum stay three nights.

Sleep on the 7th floor of a grade 2 windmill in Norfolk
Downham Market, Norfolk
http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Norfolk/The-Old-Mill.aspx
A totally unique holiday rental, this Grade II windmill has been completely renovated to provide a stunning holiday home. Standing imposingly within its large garden the Mill offers 360 degree views stretching up to 20 miles from the 7th floor. The garden has heated pool and large BBQ area. With seven bedrooms, it’s a great spot for a group holiday. The ground floor of the Mill tower is presented as a stunning formal dining room and a glass walkway connects the house to the mill tower on the first floor.
From £1352 per week (low season) to £2990 per week (high season). Short breaks available out of peak season from £350 per night.

Locations for other windmills in the pipeline include Santorini, Gozo and Provence.

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 , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.

New Year retreats for 2 - cosy up in a cave or escape to a former wine shed with One Off Places

25% discount on a week’s stay in a rural Portuguese cottage
A nineteenth century farm house set in the beautiful Minho area, the one bedroom Lagar cottage is the former wine making shed. This is where you can discover the true character of Portugal. Aside from the occasional car or church bells, the only noises are you are likely to hear are those of the local sheep and cows! Set in the beautiful Minho area, midway between the towns of Ponte de Lima and Paredes de Coura, the farmhouse is in a rural area. However, it is also well placed for sightseeing, with Spanish Galicia to the north, the Atlantic beaches to the west, the historic cities of Porto and Braga to the south and the national park of Peneda-Geres to the east.

Normally £342, it is now £252 per week (for the whole property), a discount of £90. Valid until 31st March 2010.
Getting there: Fly to Porto from where it’s a one hour drive.

For more information, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Portugal/Northern-Portugal/Lagar-Cottage.aspx

Special offer for all winter bookings in an Andalucian cave dwelling
Enjoying the great outdoors needn't be limited to the summer months – why not try snuggling up in a cave dwelling in front of a wood burning stove? Set in the ‘Lake District of Spain’, the site is in a rugged and unspoilt area, but just 4km from the market town of Baza and just one hour from the historic city of Granada. The rustic cave dwelling is typical of this troglodyte area of Andalucia. The cave is light and airy with an en-suite shower room, double bed and wood burner for cosy winter evenings. And if you fancy getting even further into the great outdoors, there are beautifully crafted North American tipis on site as well!

Special offer price of £50 per night for two people. Valid until 31st March 2010. Included in this price is a winter warming breakfast.
Getting there: Fly to Granada from where it’s a one hour drive.

For more information, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/Spain/Andalucia/Altiplano-Tipis.aspx

Just £32.50 per person per night in Yorkshire’s most original holiday accommodation
A unique holiday experience, this cosy, well equipped one bedroom cabin stands in the corner of a wildflower meadow, overlooking a delightful pond and is built entirely of locally grown wheat straw (and a great deal of love and care). The curvy, clay plastered walls, oak beams and deep, oak windowsills give the cabin the feel of an old country cottage. It is wonderfully warm and cosy in the winter months. Simply relax in the natural surroundings or explore the quiet lanes and paths on foot or with the bicycles that are provided for guests to use. And if that wasn’t incentive enough, the owner will ensure there’s a freshly baked cake awaiting your arrival.

Price: £75 per night (based on two sharing), or £245 for one week. Valid until 6th March 2010.
Getting there: North Howden train station is just one mile away (2 hours train journey from Kings Cross).

For more information, see http://www.oneoffplaces.co.uk/Europe/England/Yorkshire/Straw-Bale-Cabin.aspx


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 , mobile 07725 199244 or tel: 01494 881196. Further images available on request. Press trips may be available for selected properties.