If you are anything like me (a hopeless romantic) and spend your days aspiring to live in a medieval film set, rustic fisherman’s village, victorian townhouse or a Mediterranean finca untouched by time, where you choose to stay whilst traveling isn’t always straightforward.
Romantic visions from books & films cloud your mind when finding somewhere suitably cinematic to reside, often leaving you defeated by the reality of Air BnB or booking.com has to offer. But fear not, amongst the thousands of lackluster listings online, there are hidden gems waiting to be found.
After countless hours scrolling in search of these treasures for our own adventures, we have compiled a charming collection of properties that we have stayed at and are willing to share for your enjoyment.
Disclaimer: The images below are often styled and our own props sometimes feature (yes, we travel with plates and tablecloths) So make sure you do your own due diligence with the links below. Helpful notes have been provided to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your cinematic escape.
Location : Florence
Notes : A stunning, high-ceilinged apartment with lots of original character set within a gated courtyard and just a 10-minute walk from the Duomo. Make sure to pack earplugs because unfortunately, the windows too are original and rather on the thin side.
Location : Florence
Notes : Another old-world charmer, this building was once the residence of the Belfiore family–sworn protectors of the Medicis. It’s closeby to the Boboli gardens and even closer to the delightful Piazza della Passera, a tiny square packed with restaurants, bars and a gelateria.
Location : Sitges
Notes : Features a beautiful rooftop for those warm evenings drinking sangria with friends, also walking distance to the beach. Ideal weekend escape from Barcelona material.
Location : Mallorca
Notes : You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more stunning panoramic of the Med. The property is incredibly charming inside and out, with extra points awarded for the plateware and terrace. Warning – there is no Wifi and the driveway is not for the fainthearted–it’s tight, steep, and prone to scrape the undercarriage of your car unless you’re in a 4X4.
Location : Mallorca
Notes : This old farmer’s cottage is wonderfully rustic from the outside but a little dated within. Located on the edge of a remote village, the villa is a perfect escape from the world, suited for sunny days lounging by the pool and barbecues in the evening. Also comes with a friendly feline friend, not listed but welcome nonetheless.
Location : Mallorca
Notes : La Residencia’s setting is nothing short of sublime–surrounded by mountains and overlooking the Mediterranean. Impeccable service as can be expected at a five-star hotel, without any of the stuffiness. Absolute luxury – but you pay for it.
Location : Casa Privata, Positano
Notes : Ca’ P’a is situated in Praiano, a little town between Amalfi and Positano, on one of the most beautiful coasts in the world – the Amalfi Coast. Set within this inspiring vantage point of surrounding valleys, the extensive grounds at Ca’ P’a include tranquil lawns, organic fruit and vegetable garden while enjoying a fabulous view of the Mediterranean sea.
Location : Edinburgh
Notes : Full marks go this extremely well-located and well-equipped hideaway on the Royal Mile. Every consideration is more charming than the last, from the locally sourced breakfast materials, to the chilled Prosecco glasses in the freezer (and prosecco in the fridge), to the cubby-hole bedroom hidden within the bookshelf.
Location : Lincolnshire
Notes : This super cosy cabin-by-the-lake is a true respite from the world. Watch the resident swans parading around the lake from the porch, before retreating inside to fire up the log burner and read a book. The lack of a kitchen makes a couple of nights the ideal length, although a BBQ is on hand and a delightful breakfast hamper is delivered each morning to the door by the hosts.
Location : La Divine Comédie, Avignon.
The former abode of the Cardinal, La Divine Comedie offers you the chance to step back in time, living life as it was once enjoyed by the city’s cloaked and feathered elite.
The Provençal mansion, complete with a magnificent secret garden and some very friendly, four legged-friends sits in the centre of the medieval walled city of Avignon. Hidden behind a vast gate, down one of the myriads of honeycomb-coloured alleyways.
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