Three beautiful new UK stays from Sand & Stone Escapes

Sand & Stone Escapes has just added these three new and exclusive self-catering properties to its collection – spanning the Scottish Highlands, rural Wales, and the quintessential English Cotswolds

Hafod Gwyllt – Cwmystwyth, Wales

Best for: Switching off, dark skies, wild swimming, and off-grid adventures

Hafod Gwyllt, meaning ‘wild summer dwelling’, is a truly secluded two-bedroom retreat set high above the Ystwyth Valley, with unspoilt views across the Cambrian Mountains. Hidden within 40 acres of the historic Hafod Estate, with just three Welsh ponies for company, there are moorlands, quiet beaches, and wild swimming spots to explore. Back at the cottage, soak in the wood-fired hot tub, gather around the Kadai fire pit and BBQ, or stargaze beneath some of the UK's darkest skies, and there are binoculars on hand for wildlife spotting. The owners can also arrange memorable experiences, with dark skies photography sessions, foraging for wild fungi, or spending time with the local potters who create the handmade crockery used in the cottage.

From £216 per night (3 nights min) | Sleeps 4 | www.sandandstoneescapes.com/property/hafod-gwyllt/

The Nest – Oban, Scotland

Best for: Romantic escapes, whisky tasting, and island-hopping adventures

A beautifully restored hayloft hidden in Scotland's West Highlands, The Nest is a romantic retreat for two, surrounded by private woodland inhabited by tawny owls, pine martens, deer, and red squirrels. Named after the barn owls that have nested on its roof for decades, the cosy, open-plan space features a log burner, projector, vinyl collection for cosy evenings by the fire, and a freestanding bathtub beneath a skylight for stargazing. Just five minutes from the harbour town of Oban, days can be spent lingering over fresh seafood, discovering one of Scotland's oldest whisky distilleries, or hopping on a ferry to the Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona.

From £250 per night (2 nights min) | Sleeps 2 | www.sandandstoneescapes.com/property/the-nest/‍ ‍

The Little Cottage – The Cotswolds

Best for: Cosy Cotswolds weekends with great pubs, antiques, and countryside walks

Tucked behind wildflowers and lavender on Kingham’s village green, The Little Cottage is a beautifully restored Cotswolds retreat for two, blending centuries-old character with carefully curated interiors inspired by the owners’ many travels, through their work on major feature films. Just a short walk from much-loved pubs, The Wild Rabbit and The Plough, and minutes from Daylesford Organic, it’s perfectly placed for a quintessential Cotswolds escape. Inside, expect a hand-built oak kitchen with an electric AGA, a cosy living room with log burner, and a private terrace overlooking the green.

From £295 per night (3 nights min) | Sleeps 2 | www.sandandstoneescapes.com/property/little-cottage/