15 Of the Best ‘Off-Gridish’ Airbnb’s

Let’s face it; most of us are in need of a getaway. This last year has been a troubled time for all of us, and with travel restrictions easing up many are finally planning their long awaited trips away from home. But if you’re still anxious about travelling abroad, or if you’re simply interested in exploring more of the U.K. this summer, then these 15 picturesque Airbnb’s might be exactly what you’re looking for.  

With their remote, unique, and often beautiful locations, these quirky and personalised places provide a private breath fresh of air from some of the country’s most historic and varied hotspots, providing not only a more socially distant and environmentally friendly holiday destination, but also a much needed local adventure for those of us who have spent a little too much time shut in doors this year. 

If this sounds like the sort of thing you’ve been longing for then take a look at this list of our favourite locations below and you might just find a place to live out some great memories this summer…

Before you read further, have you thought about offsetting your businesses’ products or services with solutions for sustainability? Visit Gone West’s Carbon Footprint Offsetting page to learn all you need to know about the services we offer.

1.Coastal Off-Grid Cabin (Cornwall, England)

With a view across Port Quin Bay towards Pentire head near Polzeath, this fully off grid container cabin offers you total privacy away from any nearby buildings, providing peaceful surroundings, an abundance of natural light, salt air, and sea views. 

Self-contained and fully fitted with a shower and hot running water at every tap and a modern toilet, 12v fridge, lighting and usb charge points, (powered by solar panel), a gas hot water system and hobs for your cooking, the cabin takes the hassle out of you amenities and just lets you relax.

Locally you of course have the coast and Port Quin Harbour, located only a 10min walk away, where various kayaking and coasteering is available, but you also have good food and drinks provided at the nearby longcross hotel just 3/4 mile up the road or Nathan Outlaw’s fish kitchen only 2 miles away for Michelin star cuisine.

Photo: Airbnb, Costal off-grid cabin

2.THE BARN – KIP & NOOK (Manfield, England)

This next location we cannot recommend highly enough. With 4 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2.5 bathrooms and up to 8 guests, the Barn is the perfect place for a group of family and friends to relax in. Amenities include a bespoke kitchen, an Aga cooking facility, a large dining area, a log burning fireplace , beautiful views from a courtyard area… and also a log burning hot tub. 

Photo: Kip and Nook

In addition to all this Kip&Nook has a strong conservation ethic behind their business too, and has partnered with Gone West, planting a tree with us for every one of their bookings: we’ve already planted 2,700 trees on their land surrounding the cabin. 

If you need to relax and are interested in helping in our effort to plant trees as you do so, be sure to  check them out.

3.Hopes & Beams (Summerbridge, England)

Bordered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park and close to the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey, The Farm is located in the heart of Nidderdale, an area of outstanding natural beauty, with its stunning moorland scenery and tapestry of lush green meadows.

This place provides a cozy and rustic setting but is fully fitted with modern facilities like underfloor heating, a fully equipped kitchen-lounge with games, cards and dining area, 1 king size bedroom, a balcony, and a fully fitted bathroom with a bath, shower, sink and wc, with a heated towel rail.  

The surrounding area of over 250 acres of woodlands and fields offers many recognized walks and hikes in the area, as well as some of the best cycling routes in Yorkshire.

Photo: Airbnb, Hopes&Beams

4.Summer House (Roydon,England)

This stunning summer house is open all year round and has beautiful views across the Lea Valley. Very peaceful but still only 5 mins from Broxbourne Station and Harlow Station, and only 5 mins from local shops: The Fish & Eels pub and Riverside Palace Cafe are 5 mins drive at Dobbs Weir along the river, both highly recommended. Great views across the Lee Valley. You can relax in the hot tub while watching the sun set. Or Jump in the warm hot tub and relax in the colder months.

Photo: Airbnb, Summer House 

5.THE CABIN – KIP & NOOK  (Manfield, England)

Another piece from the Kip & Nook collection. This cabin converted-container is nestled within the country landscape with not a person, building or car in sight; creating a secluded experience like no other. The cabin’s quirky features, stripped back living (yes, there’s no wifi) and unmatched scenic views create the perfect setting to just…relax. 

The Cabin’s main living area features a double bed and cozy seating around a wood burning fire. Attached to the container is a second space, containing a gas stove kitchen. Along with a camping toilet. Surrounding the Cabin is a wooden deck, which leads you to your very own wood burning hot tub.

Stay with Kip & Nook and plant a tree with us for your booking.

Photo: Kip and Nook

If you are enjoying this article, why not check out Gone Wests Blog Page to keep up with all our interesting posts and ventures.

6.Old Smock Windmill (Kent, England)

Ever slept in an old mill? Surrounded by the lovely Kent countryside, The Old Smock Mill is a gorgeous four-storey building with eighteen inch brick walls and a white weather boarded tower which stands out on the landscape. The oak exterior staircase leads up onto the beautiful staging where you enter into the Mill. 

Massive beams span each floor carrying the original upright shaft giant spur wheel and sack hoist. Each room has been carefully designed to be in keeping with the rustic aesthetic, but comfort and modern facilities are well catered for. Inside includes a French king size bed. There is an old copper basin sink and taps and a unique pulley system for hanging clothes. Large beams hold the iron giant spur wheel, and a stunning spiral staircase leads to the bathroom.

Photo: Airbnb, Old Smock Windmill

7.Hot Tub Retreat Bromham (Wiltshire, England)

With beautiful views over fields and woodland, in a peaceful and private setting away from any roads, this self-contained accommodation provides a shower room, WC and a small Kitchenette with basic appliances. The Entire accommodation is enclosed with a patio area and Hot tub. All of which is situated away from any roads, with parking immediately adjacent to the accommodation, perfect for those who need a bit of seclusion.

Photo: Airbnb, Hot Tub Retreat Bromham, Wilts

8.The Sheep Pod (Sodston, Wales)

The Sheep Pod is set on it’s own 3 acre field with views of the Preseli Hills. 1.5 miles from the popular boutique town of Narberth, a short drive to the Preseli Hills and the wonderful Pembrokeshire beaches. The Sheep Pod is set on the far side of a dairy farm, the cows graze the 500 acres of pastures. Guests are welcome to walk around the farm. The pod is self-contained with a double bed, kitchenette and wet room. Outside there is an enclosed patio area where you can unwind in the hot tub, relax and enjoy the views.

Photo: Airbnb, The Sheep Pod

9.The Coach House (Bretforton Manor, England)

The Coach House forms part of Bretforton Manor, a Grade II listed Jacobean Manor House surrounded by stunning gardens. Guests have access to their own private entrance and parking, entrance to 5 acres of grounds- Walled Garden, an indoor swimming pool and a tennis court. The house is perfect for couples looking for a getaway and seeking to explore the Cotswolds. Bretforton is an idyllic village situated 5 miles from Broadway and Chipping Campden and 14 miles from Stratford-Upon-Avon.

There is a fully equipped kitchen, including dishwasher, fridge and freezer and there is also a utility room with a machine and tumble dryer. There is a king size bed in the main bedroom and also a sofa bed in the sitting room. There is also a dressing area to do hair and make up. The bathroom has a bath and shower and there is a second downstairs WC and basin. A beautiful desk is provided on the mezzanine level, as well as space for a travel cot.

Photo: Airbnb, The Coach House, Bretforton Manor

10.Secluded Stargazing Shepherds Hut (Churchstanton, England)

Shepherds hut sits on the Blackdown hills near the Somerset/Devon border overlooking the countryside in a secluded spot. The property provides a wood burning stove in a hut with a fire pit outside. Private parking and bicycles are available to borrow to explore the surrounding areas, with a nearby village with a pub and shop only a mile away. The Hut includes a large shower, toilet and heated towel rail. The kitchen area has a fridge, Belfast sink, and induction hob. The shepherd’s hut is situated within its own small paddock.

Photo: Airbnb, Secluded Stargazing Romantic Shepherds hut

11.Shepherds Hut (Dorset,England)

Shepherds hut offers a cosy location with stunning views of West Dorset. The perfect place to escape & relax, with a king size bed, a fold up table, fully-equipped kitchen with fridge, oven & hob. The bathroom has a shower & flushing toilet. 

A great year round destination, the hut is always warm, with underfloor heating and a wood burner. A welcome hamper of locally sourced milk, butter, fresh bread and biscuits is offered by the owners on your arrival. Plus, Dorset tea and locally roasted coffee is provided.

There is so much to explore nearby, the Jurassic Coast is just a 15 minute drive or trek miles and miles of public footpaths which take you through beautiful countryside.

Photo: Airbnb, Shepherds Hut

12.Remote Cottage (Scottish Borders, Scotland)

A remote cottage in the heart of a working forest. Nestled in a clearing 3.5 miles along a track, this Byre is a great place for those who love trees and are wishing to get away from the hustle of modern life; no wifi, mobile phone signal or TV. A great location hidden midway between the Ettrick and Borthwick valleys ideal for cycling, walking and watching the wildlife. With the Forestry Commission as the only neighbours the owners are trying to create their own 3 acre smallholding. The double bed is set on a mezzanine overlooking the double height living area. The Byre is a self-contained conversion attached to the owner’s home.

Photo: Airbnb, Remote Cottage

13. Secluded Cottage (Maentwrog, Wales)

A really special cottage tucked away amongst 30 acres of privately owned mountain woodland. There are wonderful walks from the front door – in all seasons. A swimming lake and request stop on the railway are all a short walk away. Hafod cottage is a cosy place to relax and enjoy nature. The dining room is light and spacious with comfy armchairs and a sofa, and a large wooden dining table and chairs. Other features include a wood burning stove, fully fitted kitchen, large bathroom and two bedrooms.

 Photo: Airbnb, Secluded Cottage

14. Romantic Treehouse (Baripper, England)

This very unique location is geared towards couples. Hidden in the trees, Treetops is a relaxing and romantic space. Guests have exclusive use of an enclosed and entirely private hot tub area. Guests can also enjoy the balcony, which overlooks a spacious garden area with a large fish pond and gazebo. Enjoying the outdoor space is not solely limited to the daytime as outdoor lighting around the pond and gazebo enables guests to enjoy the beauty of Treetops by night.

 Photo: Airbnb, Romantic Treehouse

15. Luxurious Treehouse (Mayfield, England)

Have you ever had a chance to stay at a treehouse? This might be your chance. Hidden beneath an array of trees this location is in the middle of outstanding natural beauty, but with all the mod cons too. Clad in aromatic cedar wood, beautifully furnished – this is an ideal private, woodland retreat for couples. Can also comfortably cater for 2 children in the loft area accessed by a ladder and hatch. If you’re looking for a secluded location with a truly unique place to sleep this might be for you.

Photo: Airbnb, Luxurious Treehouse

That’s all for now. If you’ve found a location you’re interested in, go to their website for the rest of their info, and make this summer one worth remembering.

To keep up with us on our journey of helping businesses like Kip&Nook offset their service by planting trees, be sure to follow our Instagram and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for updates.