Venetia van Kuffeler sources some remote staycation homes with Stay One Degree for those seeking some kind of escape when lockdown is over

Once restrictions ease in the UK, the draw for a change of scenery and an escape from our homes is likely to become very real. With quarantine rules in place, diminished flight routes and less availability for the time being, we are likely to see a rise in interest in travelling closer to home, plus the desire for special get-togethers with friends and family after spending lengthy periods apart. A staycation provides the ultimate solution: we can explore more of what the UK has to offer, all while reducing our carbon footprint.

Stay One Degree connects owners of homes with a member base of luxury travellers seeking special homes and unique experiences. With secluded retreats, magnificent castles and even city sanctuaries, Stay One Degree properties offer something for everyone. All homes are carefully handpicked, likewise all guests are vetted, creating a trusted community of travellers with access to exclusive homes all over the world. Potential guests must simply sign up for the site and they will then be vetted by the Stay One Degree team. Members benefit from this inside access and also enjoy preferential rates, exclusive rewards and personal, local recommendations.

Based around the ‘degree of separation’ concept, Stay One Degree uses technology to connect mutual connections and like-minded members and enable them to rent luxury homes to and from each other within a group of trusted members, reducing that element of risk.

The company was founded in December 2017 by two friends who wanted to connect with trusted guests to rent their own homes, whilst also seeking special homes to rent for their holidays. Starting with just the co-founders’ two homes, today members have access to over 3,000 homes in 50 countries. From Scottish castles to Alpine chalets, Mediterranean villas, bungalows in Bali, eco beach homes and city boltholes, the choice and quality is exceptional. Many properties are exclusive to Stay One Degree, with owners who were previously unwilling to open their homes to strangers but who now feel comfortable renting to fellow members.

Here’s a taste of what is on offer closer to home in the UK:

DORSET

Superbly situated overlooking Dorset’s wild Jurassic Coast, this magnificent ten-bedroom thatched holiday home offers the ideal space for large groups seeking a retreat, as well as spectacular views of picturesque Lulworth Cove. Two spacious terraces look out over the manicured meadow stretching down towards the cove, with the upper terrace easily large enough to host 20 guests. Sleeps 20. From £1,999 per night.

THE COTSWOLDS

Found near the quaint English town of Lechlade-on-Thames, on the southern edge of the Cotswold Hills, this four-bedroom contemporary home with spectacular views of the surrounding lakes offers a truly unique experience. This is the perfect location for a family or group of friends seeking that special getaway, with privacy and tranquillity guaranteed. Sleeps 8. From £1,500 per night.

SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

Enjoy an unforgettable stay in the Scottish Highlands at a magnificent seventeenth century Scottish baronial mansion. Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, surrounded by rolling hills and sweeping countryside, this majestic home is a fine choice for a large group get-together. Surrounded by 18 acres of stunning private grounds, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. Private woodlands and a Victorian walled garden offer perfect tranquillity, whilst the banks of the River Don are just a short walk away. Sleeps 24. From £6,858 per night.

WALES

An off-the-beaten-track hidden gem, this picturesque converted stone barn offers the ultimate Welsh retreat among the green mountains of the Elenydd. Set within a private 80-acre woodland, this is the dream location for those seeking a country getaway where you can enjoy the beauty of Wales. Residents can enjoy al fresco dining all summer long on the large outdoor patio. Sleeps 6. From £240 per night.

SOMERSET

Tucked away in private parkland, this grade II listed ham stone cottage offers the ideal retreat for family or friends seeking a restorative break in the English countryside. A lovely secluded garden is certainly one of its highlights, with bursting flowerbeds, glorious trees, a spacious manicured lawn enclosed by a wild woodland area and a lovely quaint stone terrace. Sleeps 12. From £175 per night.

FOR A PEEK AT THE FABULOUS SELECTION OF HOMES VISIT   WWW.STAYONEDEGREE.COM/EN

TO GET IN TOUCH DIRECTLY PLEASE CONTACT  SALES@STAYONEDEGREE.COM