Once a grain store, the barn adjacent to Janet Shearer's country home has just been converted into a cottage-style apartment, with wooden floors, beamed ceilings, armchairs and a lick of contemporary décor. 

The apartment has just one double en-suite, one twin room, a bathroom and a cosy living area where you can sink into the sofa with a cup of tea. Breakfast made from locally sourced produce (and any other pre-arranged meals) will be served in Janet's 18th century country cottage next door.

The perfect retreat for creative types, this converted Georgian water mill and millers cottage is set in 47 acres of woods and pastureland criss-crossed with streams and ponds. 

Enjoy exclusive use of this characterful cottage, with its roaring log fire for winter months and the bright ambience of a garden room for summer months. As well as picturesque scenery to turn your paintbrushes to, there is also a plethora of wildlife including badgers, herons, ducks, geese, moorhens, deer, pheasants, barn owls and woodpeckers. You can also take a coastal art expedition to the nearby beaches of Saunton Sands and Woolacombe.

Landewednack House is in a spectacular location for artists - on Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, just footsteps away from the UK's most southerly tip. A former rectory perched on the edge of the stunning Church Cove, this luxurious house is steeped in history and heritage. 

Yet its traditional feel is complimented by all mod cons, a beautiful, heated outdoor pool and some of the finest food and wine available in the West Country. Take your canvas to the coast path and enjoy the backdrop of the ocean and cliffs, or relax in the shelter of the grounds and let the sub-tropical gardens inspire you.

Situated at the gateway to England's largest designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you won't be short of landscapes to paint at Mill Hay. 

Experience utter luxury and a tranquil place to stay in the Cotswolds, and unleash your artistic talents whilst you let the stresses and strains of everyday life melt away. Make yourself at home in one of just three unashamedly plush suites, and if you choose the Garden Suite you can enjoy the scenery without leaving your room. The Balcony Room also overlooks the gardens, and the garden hall is the perfect place to draw creative inspiration from the splendour of the gardens without even stepping foot outdoors.

This unique artist's retreat on banks of the Helford River sits close to Frenchman's Creek, where the famed Daphne Du Maurier found much of her literary inspiration. 

Whether you plant your easel in the secret woodland gardens or take a sketchbook to the riverbank, here there is an endless supply of stunning scenery just begging to be committed to canvas. Capture the sunset from the covered veranda or the open deck, or follow the pathways amongst glades of magnolia, camellia and honeysuckle. An eclectically furnished waterfront house, perfect for artists that really want to squirrel themselves away, there is no phone or TV to disturb your creative flow, just nature to inspire you.

Notes: 

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This is a small selection of our Unique Home Stays Country/Coastal retreats. Please see our website for more ideas and accommodation to suit you. We have properties in the UK, USA, Spain, South Africa, Morocco, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, India, Greece, France and the Czech Republic.

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Please contact Unique Home Stays in the event of featuring any of our properties.

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A selection of high-resolution images is available.

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We can organize press trips for select journalists and we work alongside a handful of professional journalists who can provide bespoke write-ups if required.

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Launched in 2001, Unique Home Stays offers the crème de la crème of privately hosted accommodation that offers a unique alternative to run-of-the mill hotels. Having travelled the world, MD Sarah Stanley knew what she expected from top quality accommodation: Intimate and luxury hospitality, pristine homes oozing with character, excellent regional cuisine and comfortable bedrooms with all the trimmings. Today Unique Home Stays offers superior accommodation in over 100 homes scattered over 14 different countries. The properties include castles, priories, rectories, windmills, water mills, townhouses, coastal homes and even a house in the sea.