7 stylish holiday homes by interior designers

If you’re looking for a truly special holiday, why not opt for a self-catering home that’s been styled by an expert? These seven striking holiday properties have benefited from the expertise of an interior designer, creating living spaces that are as stylish as they are sumptuous, and as practical as they are picturesque.

1. Hillfield Farmhouse

• Sleeps: 10
• Bedrooms: 5
• Bathrooms: 4

Hillfield Farmhouse is a stunning detached holiday home just a few miles from the historic harbour town of Dartmouth. South Devon-based interior designer Henrietta Thorn, whose portfolio includes the refurbishment of Gara Rock and South Sands Hotel, is responsible for the restyling of this impressive property.

Henrietta told us, ‘I really enjoyed working with the history of the building to maintain its character, using traditional materials where possible, but also bringing a contemporary edge to it. It is a property that I would love to live in – it has a lovely feel to it and just works!’

Henrietta continues, ‘I just love the mixture of old and new – it is quirky, I think the combination of furniture (including a distressed oak dresser in the living room that I was tempted to keep!) works perfectly. What I love most about my job is creating something unique which is both striking and inspiring. For instance, the tiles I selected for the bathroom are very unusual, and they evoke very different reactions from everyone… it is just so interesting to watch!’

2. Seagull Cottage

• Sleeps: 8
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 3

Seagull Cottage in Buckley Street, Salcombe is another striking, recently renovated holiday cottage available with Coast & Country Cottages. Styled by the owner, Lizzy Klintworth, a former City Lawyer turned interior designer, this 18th Century fisherman’s cottage has been transformed to create a haven for those in search of a chic, luxury holiday home.

Lizzy said, ‘We really wanted the interior of the house to complement the cottage’s surroundings – with stunning, awe-inspiring views over the Salcombe Estuary from the main living area, it was very important to bring a little of the Salcombe coastline into the design. Hence the nautical theme throughout, with iconic Quba & Co sail cloth cushions, feature portholes and even a life buoy!’

3. St Leonards

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 1

Rebecca Dupere, of Modbury-based company Dupere Designs, styled the beautifully finished property St Leonards in Salcombe. This charming terraced house is situated on Shadycombe Road, just a few steps from Salcombe’s shops, galleries, restaurants and picturesque harbour.

‘St Leonards is close to the sea which obviously influenced the choice of colours and furnishings used,’ said Rebecca. ‘However, we wanted to avoid the interior being too clichéd or an ‘identikit holiday home’ and were careful to ensure St Leonards had its own personality. Specially chosen furniture and accessories were combined to make a welcoming home – it is important to keep this in mind when beginning an interior design project.’

Rebecca finished, ‘As with any project you always end up with favourite items in the house. At St Leonards I absolutely love the vintage lantern in the sitting room fireplace, the model yacht, the cushions on the beds in the twin bedroom (which are beautifully hand embroidered) and the handmade lampshades in the double bedroom, which are simply stunning.’

4. The Old Library

• Sleeps: 5
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2

The uniquely-styled Old Library is situated in the quiet location of Newcomen Road, just a stone’s throw from Dartmouth scenic harbour, shops and restaurants. The two-storey accommodation has been extensively remodelled in conjunction with Cheltenham-based Focus Interior Design.

The centrepiece of its visionary interior is the Captain’s Galley on the first floor, an open-plan living space with a nautical theme ideal for relaxing or entertaining. There’s a well-equipped kitchen and comfortable living room, plus a semi-circle of padded seats around a round table which serves as a stylish dining area.

The Old Library is a true one-of-a-kind for those who are seeking a luxurious holiday base with a difference.

5. Armorel House

• Sleeps: 6
• Bedrooms: 3
• Bathrooms: 2
  

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Armorel House is a light and spacious holiday home on South Ford Road in Dartmouth, a short walk from the town’s shops, cafés, pubs, restaurants, galleries and other attractions.

This property benefits from elegant, yet colourful and contemporary décor throughout its three floors, and was extensively renovated in 2016 to create the ideal home for luxury-loving families or discerning holidaymaking couples.

Beautiful wooden flooring completes the tastefully realised lounge-diner, adorned with a cleverly designed, fitted sideboard/dresser, attractive suite and contemporary, extendable dining table and chairs to seat eight comfortably.

6. Woodwell

• Sleeps: 8
• Bedrooms: 4
• Bathrooms: 4

One of Coast & Country Cottages’ flagship holiday homes, Woodwell is a substantial and sumptuously appointed property, designed by local, award-winning architects to create unbeatable holiday accommodation for family groups or up to four couples.

On the ground floor, you’ll find four individually-styled boutique bedrooms with direct access to the terrace and a magnificent oak and glass staircase which leads up to the first-floor living area.

The spectacular open plan living and dining space has been designed both to maximise sociability and to make the most of the wonderful views of the estuary across towards Mill Bay and East Portlemouth beach. The picture windows draw the eye and add to the sense of space wherever you are in this area, whether that’s preparing meals in the state-of-the-art kitchen, relaxing on the comfortable sofa or sitting on the window seat itself.

7. Blackbird Barn

• Sleeps: 4
• Bedrooms: 2
• Bathrooms: 1

Blackbird Barn is a beautifully furnished stone cottage, restyled by an interior design company in contemporary yet ‘cosy cottage’ style, with calming colours and attention to fine detail throughout. This holiday home is situated just 20 minutes from the surfers’ paradise of Bantham Beach and a stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path (with Hope Cove, South Milton Sands and Bigbury-On-Sea all within walking distance).

The open-plan living space has a large apex ceiling with painted beams and gorgeous oak flooring. There’s a bright, pleasant and well-equipped fitted kitchen with an oak-topped island and two cosy bedrooms for that ‘home from home’ feel.

Looking for more options? Explore all our luxury properties now.