Unusual & Quirky Holiday Cottages

Find unusual and quirky holiday cottages across the UK, from former windmills, lighthouses and railway buildings to distinctive conversions and historic homes. Every property in this collection should have a clearly described feature that sets it apart—whether that is its architecture, original purpose, setting or design. Explore the listings, then check the individual property details for practical information such as layout, access, parking and pet rules.

The Treehouse, Somerset
Halse
Somerset
England
  • Sleeps 6
  • Bedrooms 2

Sleep among the canopy is The Treehouse, a luxurious rural cottage in Halse, Somerset, which boasts beautiful views, a swimming pool and a hot tub. The wooden-clad cottage includes a fireplace and promises 5-star eco-friendly comfort, access to the countryside, and miles of sandy beaches.

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  • Active Holidays
  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Cottages with Hot Tubs
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Eco Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Holiday Cottages With a Pool
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
A double bed with pillows, scatter cushions, bedside tables an lamps.
The Studio, East Ruston
East Ruston
Norfolk
England
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Studio is a one-bedroom North Norfolk holiday cottage in East Ruston. It offers a delightful and stylish opportunity for couples to relax and enjoy a peaceful (and cosy) holiday in all seasons, exploring the Norfolk Broads and nearby beaches along the coast. From an EV charger to underfloor heating, you'll find that The Studio is comfortably equipped for all you'll need during your stay, including some eco-friendly features.

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  • Active Holidays
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cottages with Car Chargers
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Eco Cottages
  • Independent Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
  • Walking Holidays

What makes a holiday cottage quirky?

A quirky cottage is more than an attractive old building or a cottage with colourful décor. Look for a specific, documented feature: perhaps a former ticket office, a converted water tower, a lighthouse stay, a windmill or a railway carriage. The listing should make clear why the property belongs here.

If you are looking forLook forCheck before booking
A historic conversionA former mill, ticket office, tower or other repurposed buildingStairs, original layout and any access restrictions
Unusual architectureA lighthouse, tower, circular building or non-standard layoutFloor plans, headroom and external access
A memorable settingA heritage site, coastal landmark or distinctive rural locationPrivacy, nearby visitors, other properties and parking
A design-led stayA clearly described themed or characterful interiorPhotos, room layout and the exact features provided

Things to check before you book

Older and converted properties can have steep stairs, split levels, compact rooms or unusual access arrangements. If you are travelling with children, a dog, or anyone with limited mobility, read the full property description and ask the owner or agent about anything important to your stay.

Frequently asked questions

It should have a verified architectural, historic, original-use, setting or design feature that makes it materially different from a standard cottage.

Some are, but suitability varies. Check bedrooms, outside space, stairs, water features and any property-specific safety notes before booking.

Use the dog-friendly cottages collection, then confirm the individual property’s pet policy, charges and any garden restrictions.

Not always. Converted and historic buildings may have steps, narrow doorways or split-level layouts. Check the property details before booking.

You may also like small cottages, large holiday cottages, coastal holiday cottages, remote holiday cottages and short breaks.