Fancy a holiday? Of course you do. I’m guessing you deserve one. If the idea of something period grabs you, do check out our pick of the best retro holiday lets in the UK.
1. 1950s midcentury modern property in Bridlington, East Yorkshire
Fancy a trip back to the 1950s? If you do, take the road to the east coast of Yorkshire, there’s one of the best retro holiday lets around there.
That’s where you will find this midcentury gem. A wonderful house with butterfly roof, feature glazing and staircase plus an interior that has been updated, but remains very much in the spirit of the original era. Some great views too, along with plenty of space and as it is Bridlington, the chance to spot David Hockney around town too.
Able to fit in five guests, this one is on Airbnb for £100 per night.
2. 1970s Gilbert and Hobson-designed Cheam modernist property in Ventnor, Isle of Wight
This is a rather interesting one, dating back to 1970 and originally designed as a bespoke retirement home for two people.
Now it’s a place to retire for a holiday, with the house now in the ownership of the National Trust, which is currently offering it as a rental. The renovated property has wonderful sea views, a renovated interior that maintains that hip 1970s vibe, along with modern conveniences, such as a TV, DVD player, washing machine and a microwave.
It caters for four people and is priced again from £100 per night. See the National Trust website for the full breakdown.
3. 1960s Vista Point property by Patrick Gwynne in Angmering, West Sussex
I remember this one going up for sale in 2013, but thankfully the new owner decided to offer it as a holiday rental. So we can all potentially enjoy it.
It’s a rather amazing place too. The house dates back to the 1960s, the work of one of the leading modernist architects of the era (this is grade II-listed) and designed for the architect’s quantity surveyor as a summer house.
The house takes full advantage of the seafront site, with amazing views from the main accommodation on the upper floor. The finish is a mix of the 1960s and the modern era (check out the kitchen for the former) and of course, you get that pool and the pool room and studio too. This is where I want to spend my entire summer each and every year.
If you want to book in, Vista Point has its own website.
4. 1960s Peter Aldington-designed Anderton House in Goodleigh, Devon
Back in 1969, Peter Adlington designed this for the Anderton family. It was picked up by the Landmark Trust back in 2000, which updated and renovated the property, offering it more recently as a holiday let.
A grade II* listed house, it’s a design that intends to blur the line between the outside and inside space. The walls of glass bring in that countryside each and every day while the high ceilings enhance that feeling of space. So many lovely little touches too, not least with the built-in fixtures and fittings and of course, the period furnishings.
Note that there are modern conveniences here too, from a microwave and dishwasher through to the option of a Waitrose food delivery to the house and if you are looking to maximise occupation, the house fits up to five people. As for the price, that’s from £459 for four nights.
More on this at the Landmark Trust site.
5. The 1940s Control Tower near Walsingham, Norfolk
I’ve been pondering booking into The Control Tower for an age. I think this year should really be the year to actually get it sorted.
Essentially this was part of a disused airfield, with the building dating from the 1940s and offering all the charm of that period. The current owners bought it with the idea of setting it up as both a home and a B&B, adding in some art deco style along the way. Job done on that last point looking at the photos.
So much charm in this building and in all the rooms, which are double rooms of various sizes, plus access to a large living room (or your own living room if you let the larger of the suites). As well as the period space, you get the kind of little touches you only get from a boutique B&B, like local biscuits and toiletries for example. Go on, give yourself a weekend treat, prices are from £110 per night and more details are on the website.
If you want more retro holiday lets and more, do check out the travel section of the Retro To Go site.
