When I go on holiday for a UK break, I want somewhere nicer than my own home. It needs to be stylish, cosy and have lots of space for me to relax in. These are not difficult things to ask for are they? I also imagine many of you would like the same when you go away. A home away from home but a bit nicer so you’re actually sort of sad when you leave to go back to your own home and want to book to come back again! If it’s Instagram-worthy that’s also a plus point, of course.

In December, my husband Steve and I were thinking about booking a holiday home for a week’s relaxation prior to Christmas. So I set about trying to find somewhere nice to stay, ideally in Yorkshire or The Lakes. You notice I use the word ‘I’ - as much as I love Steve, I don’t trust him to book accommodation that I would be happy with (sorry Steve).

You would not believe HOW HARD it was to find somewhere I wanted to stay in. I am fussy but I’m not unrealistic and I’m willing to compromise on things if somewhere largely fits the bill.

During my search, I’d often find a lovely looking house but it would be decorated really awfully inside and I’m sorry, but that’s not what I’m looking for when I go on holiday. I’m not expecting to find somewhere with the exact interior taste as me (I realise not everyone loves pineapples!) but is it that hard to find a house with nice furniture, a good colour scheme and a bit of personality? It appeared it was quite hard to find, but in my searching (seriously, I think I looked at every cottage on the internet as I expanded my search parameters to way beyond the two areas above!) I did find some gems.

Because I realize some of you might also have the same problems when looking for a UK break, I thought I’d share with you the most stylish holiday homes I found. You better get your diary at the ready as you’ll want to book some of these!

Also in my searching, I’ve very much decided there is a gap in the market for an interior styling agency solely for holiday homes, to make them more attractive and therefore more bookable. So, I’ll see you soon on Dragon’s Den. Don’t be stealing my idea!

YORKSHIRE:

New York Public Library

Richmond - sleeps 8, from £247 per night - This super cool house has been on my travel list for a while and I will get a weekend booked in soon! It is stunning inside with an open plan kitchen/living space and the outdoor space isn't bad either with a hot tub, pizza oven and tree house. I also love the fact it has New York in the name!

Town Street Barn

Brassington - sleeps 2, from £484 for 7 nights - This looks like a cosy bolthole and I love that it has a cinema room! It's perfect for a romantic break with the freestanding bath in the bedroom and a log burner to cosy up in front of.

Sunnybeck Cottage

Giggleswick - Sleeps 4, from £525 for 3 nights - Not only do I love the name of where this cottage is located, but I also love the attention to detail in the decor and how it seems there is something to look at everywhere you turn. Including some pretty Abigail Ahern details! I'd like to wake up to those beautiful views too.

The Potting Shed

Goathland Village - Sleeps 2, from £495 for 3 nights - I imagine this gorgeous little hideaway is similar to the lodges you can stay in at Soho Farmhouse. Cosy and stylish, it has incredible views to wake up to each morning. You can also choose to dine in the main farmhouse for a reasonable cost if you can't be bothered to cook, which sounds like such a treat.

THE LAKES:

Edenhall Estate

Penrith - Sleeps 4-6, from £170 per night - I am booked to stay here in July and I cannot wait! Gorgeous views, stylish interiors and a hot tub - what more could you ask for. Look out for the review following my stay.

Summer Hill House, Garden Apartment No.2

Spark Bridge - Sleeps 2, from £369 for three nights - this property has a really sleek interior style and I it looks really spacious for an apartment, nestled in gorgeous private grounds with picturesque views. A perfect place to relax!

Lake District Love Shack

Cunsey: Sleeps 2, from £480 for 3 nights - This feels like something out of a film and it is very romantic hideaway that is impeccably designed. Situated in its own woodland with views of Lake Windermere, this cabin is somewhere to head to for some complete relaxation.

Peasecroft

Conison - Sleeps 2, Price on request - This is a very cute cabin and it is definitely somewhere to head to for a couples retreat. I love the fact you have to climb the ladder to bed and sitting in those sheepskin endorned chairs looking at the sunset must be pretty special.

ELSEWHERE:

Yarrow Cottage

Churchill, THE COTSWOLDS - Sleeps 4, from £200 per night - I've actually stayed in this cottage and it was one of the best UK weekend breaks I've had! It's in a lovely village with a great pub in walking distance and is extremely cosy. It has such a snug TV seat in the lounge to binge Netflix on and the bath is wow factor good!

West Barn 35A

North Creake, NORFOLK - Sleeps 2, from £420 for 3 nights - The downstairs of this house is open plan with bi-fold doors onto a small courtyard and I love the mixture of retro touches with modern styling. I'd love to sink into those hammock chairs with a glass of wine and the venture upstairs for a soak in the freestanding bath before retiring to that uber cool bedroom.

Kaleidoscope House

Snettisham, NORFOLK - Sleeps 18, price on request - I almost booked this house for a hen do and I am still waiting for an excuse to book it for a long weekend! It's incredibly styled and has it's own nightclub space - I actually want to move in!

Kingsbridge House

Kingsbridge, DEVON - Sleeps 6, from £730 per week - This house features some amazing interior design and I would actually quite like it as my permanent holiday home. It's also near some fantastic beaches and I'd just like to point out there is a very Instagram-worthy blue house next door!

Farningham Coach House

Farningham, KENT - Sleeps 3 (2 adults and on child), price on request - There is a sort of retro lodge feel to this place and I like it - the kitchen/lounge area reminds me of Johnny's lodge in Dirty Dancing! It looks like a great spot to hide away and relax (especially in that hanging basket chair) and there is a pizza oven to enjoy al fresco evenings in the private courtyard.

The Cowshed Barn

Chester - Sleeps 2, 3 nights from £550 - this is a barnlette with everything in a small space but done with comfort in mind and lots of lovely details throughout. I love that it has a cabin attached with an outdoor double-ended bath and eating area - perfect for romantic evenings in!

Purple Poppy Cottage

Burton Joyce, NOTTINGHAM - Sleeps 5, from £495 for 2 nights - I love the character of this cottage and the mix of modern and retro styling with the use of lots of colour. It has bags of personality and lots of details to feast your eyes on.