Stylish Holiday Homes: October Picks

by Shabana Adam | 15 October 2012

Which is your favourite holiday home?

Gaffer’s Cottage, Higgovale, Cape Town, South Africa

This gorgeous, recently renovated Cape Town cottage features bright sunny rooms with high ceilings, stylish interiors and a veranda and courtyard for al fresco dining. For the chilly winter months there’s a fireplace and underfloor heating to keep things cosy. It’s located in the suburb of Higgovale just a few minutes’ walk from trendy Kloof Street, with its many shops, restaurants, bars and delis, and within easy reach of the city centre beaches and shops. Camp's Bay, Clifton beaches and the V&A Waterfront are all within a short drive and Table Mountain's cable car is less than five minutes away.

Sleeps up to four (two bedrooms), from £523 per week. For more information or to book, click here.

Crosslake, Wellingtonbridge, County Wexford, Ireland

This beautiful house features stylish yet homely interiors with oak floors and exposed stone walls. There’s a large garden with sea views and the house is located at the end of a deserted lane which leads onto a small beach where you can spot seals, puffins and the occasional dolphin. There’s plenty to discover in the area including the John Kennedy Arboretum Park, Dunbrody Abbey and Country House Hotel, the Hook Peninsular, fishing ports and Wexham Tower. Local fisherman can supply freshly cooked lobster, crabs and oysters, and the local farmer´s daughter is available for babysitting.

Sleeps up to eight (six bedrooms), from £360 per week. For more information or to book, click here.

Castelo 08, Castelo, Lisbon, Portugal

Quirky apartment located in the Castelo area of Portugal’s buzzy capital. It’s stylish, well equipped and there are table and chairs in the courtyard, perfect for breakfast on sunny days. Castelo is one of the city’s oldest quarters, with narrow alleys and antique and book shops galore.

Sleeps up to four (two bedrooms), from £455 per week. For more information or to book, click here.

Aslan Apartment, Galata, Istanbul, Turkey

Located on the third floor of a grand 19th century building next to the Galata Tower, this elegant city apartment features high ceilings, exposed floorboards, panelled doors and original ornate white plaster ceilings. There are views over the lively pedestrianised square below and Sishane metro station is less than two minutes’ walk away. Istanbul is fast becoming one of our most popular city destinations and the Galata is a bohemian district that attracts a lively mix of artists, writers and intellectuals.

Sleeps up to seven (three bedrooms), from £1,078 per week. For more information or to book, click here.

The Crow’s Nest, Rye, Sussex

This split-level holiday apartment is located on an atmospheric cobbled street in the heart of the lovely Sussex seaside town of Rye. Recently renovated, the interiors are stylish and the location makes it the perfect base for a family visiting the area. There’s lots to do and see in Rye, including shops, restaurants and cafés plus discovering the great beaches nearby. What’s more the chic little interiors shop located on the ground floor of the building offers a 10% discount to all guests. What’s not to like?

Sleeps up to four (two bedrooms), from £390 per week. For more information or to book, click here.

Windmill Villa, Santorini, Aegean Islands, Greece

This unique windmill home set in stunning surroundings features a private pool, a terrace, a flower garden, with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and nearby vineyards. Inside the rooms are spacious and the décor is simple yet charming. The windmill is located in a peaceful part on the north-east coast of the beautiful island of Santorini, just 700 metres from the nearest beach, with restaurants and shops within a 10 minute drive.

Sleeps up to five (two bedrooms), from £1,568 per week. For more information or to book, click here.

Old St John’s Church, Gamblesby, Penrith, Cumbria

Phil and Joanne bought this Grade II listed Victorian Gothic church two years ago and tastefully restored it, retaining many of the original features like pews and beams and incorporating them into the stylish new interiors. The challenging restoration process was even documented on C4’s ‘Restoration Man’. Now it’s a peaceful holiday retreat in the North Pennine village of Gamblesby set in the backdrop of the Eden Valley. Penrith is the main town of the North Lakes on the boundary of the Lake District National Park with plenty to see and do in the area.

Sleeps up to eight (three bedrooms), from £505 per week. For more information or to book, click here.

Alpine Star Penthouse, Zermatt, Valais, Switzerland

Slick, stylish and luxurious penthouse located on the second and third floors of a chalet. The floor to ceiling windows offer spectacular views of the Matterhorn and there’s a separate wellness area with large relaxation bath and a Bio Sauna, which can be accessed from the communal area or privately from the master bedroom. There’s a 360 degree open fire in the lounge, and a full service chef and host are available on request at extra cost.

Sleeps up to six (three bedrooms), from £7,360 per week. For more information or to book, click here.