Wednesday 27 January 2010

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.

Wednesday 20 January 2010

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.

Friday 8 January 2010

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.