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DREAM ESCAPES

From historic castles to windmills and tents crawling with spiders: The UK’s ten most ‘wish-listed’ Airbnb properties

An historic castle in Cumbria, an old windmill in Kent and a bell tent with a pizza oven all feature in Airbnb's top ten most lusted over properties in the UK

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Staying in a hotel is so last century - UK holidaymakers are now more interested in sleeping half-way up a tree, in the dungeon of a 12th century castle or floating along a canal in a narrow boat.

The UK had a record-breaking number visitors - around 6 million -  since July 2016, and many of those are now looking for a quirky home-stay instead of a faceless hotel

These are the top ten most wish-listed properties on Airbnb in the UK
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These are the top ten most wish-listed properties on Airbnb in the UK

There are plenty to choose from too - holiday rental company Airbnb has revealed their top ten most lusted over properties in the UK, and they aren't your standard two-up two-down.

From an historic English castle in Cumbria, which topped the list, to an old windmill in Kent, the public loves to holiday in unusual, quirky British places.

So if you're looking for an autumn break with a difference, check out the top ten most wish-listed properties on Airbnb in the UK...

Historic Castle, Cumbria

Built in 1841 as a Victorian gentlemen's folly, Auguil Castle is now a family home with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere
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Built in 1841 as a Victorian gentlemen's folly, Augill Castle is now a family home with a relaxed and friendly atmosphereCredit: Airbnb

Who doesn't want to be treated like royalty?

At you can play a King or Queen at the UK's number one most wish-listed Airbnb property for just £170 per night.

Complete with turrets, gothic windows, stained glass and tudor panneling, guests have 15 opulent rooms to choose - including a bar.

Old Smock Windmill, Kent

Romantic: Old Smock Windmill in rural Kent
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Romantic: The Old Smock Windmill in rural Kent offers a secluded - and unusual - getaway for couples looking for some time away from every day lifeCredit: Airbnb

If you've ever had a craving to sleep in a windmill, the beautifully restored four-storey in Kent is calling.

With original upright shaft, giant spur wheel and sack hoist, it's an unusual, but romantic place to stay.

Sleeps two: Inside Old Smock Windmill
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Sleeps two: Inside the Old Smock Windmill is cosy and luxurious, with just the right blend of original detail and modern touchesCredit: Airbnb

To get that full country feeling, guests also receive a basket of the owners' organic chicken eggs on arrival.

The second most wish listed Airbnb property in the UK will set you back £175 per night.

Tree Sparrow House, Cornwall

Do you dream of spending the night up a tree? Try Tree Sparrow House in Cornwall
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Do you dream of spending the night up a tree? Try Tree Sparrow House in CornwallCredit: Airbnb

For anyone charmed by Enid Blyton's Magic Faraway Tree, is a must.

Perched in an ash tree, wooden property has views over Falmouth Bay and the orchards of Tregaminion.

Magical: Inside Tree Sparrow house
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Magical: Inside Tree Sparrow house guests will find a curious mix of woodland magic and homely comfortCredit: Airbnb

The secluded lodgings offer a magical getaway for two people, for just £100 per person per night.
Fall asleep to the rustling of leaves and wake to the birds - this is the perfect place for holidaymakers looking to, ahem, branch out.

Classical Apartment, Edinburgh

Something more traditional? This classical apartment in Edinburgh is a popular choice
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Something more traditional? This classical apartment in Edinburgh is a popular choiceCredit: Airbnb

On the fourth floor of an 18th Century townhouse with views on to the historic Royal Mile, is the fourth most-lusted after property on Airbnb.

This is the perfect one-bed apartment to have as a base while you explore the city, and retains the unique character of the Old Town, but with all the mod cons.

Oak panelled walls and parquet flooring, mixed with family portraits, antiques and works of art make this flat stand out from the rest.

Yours for £110 per night.

The Gatehouse, Eyemouth, Scotland

Quirky: You can even stay in the gatehouse to Ayton Castle in Berwickshire
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Quirky: You and one other can stay in the gatehouse to Ayton Castle in BerwickshireCredit: Airbnb

At number five, another unusual choice: in Berwickshire has a snug bedroom located about the arch, reached by a tone spiral staircase.

Decidedly smaller than the castle just up the drive, it combines the comfort of a cottage with the beauty of a castle.

Sleeping just two, couples can enjoy cosy nights in with a log burner, looking out at the grand castle grounds for £102 per night.

Stylish House, London

Capital calling: This chic London apartment is in high demand
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Capital calling: This chic London apartment is in high demandCredit: Airbnb

Within walking distance of the River Thames and a smattering of traditional English pubs, theatres and restaurants - it's easy to see why this London pad is so popular.

The in Baron's Court is close to central London gems such as Piccadilly Circus, Knightsbridge and Hyde Park and has direct links to Heathrow.

A steal at £65 per night - this is just for a room in the property though.

Dairsie Castle, Fife, Scotland

Dairsie Castle has been the location of secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges, and safe haven for escapee monarchs
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Dairsie Castle has been the location of secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges and safe haven for escapee monarchsCredit: Airbnb

Want to spend the night in a dungeon? It seems that many people do.

Restored Dairsie, in Fife, is at number 7 on the most-wished list.

First sited in the 12th Century, Dairsie has been the location of secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges, and safe haven for escapee monarchs (James VI and I in 1583).

Choose to stay in the dungeon, or one of five other bedrooms, indulge in a feast in the great hall and admire your kingdom from the castle's gallery.

Thirteen guests can stay for £550 per night.

Ambers Bell Tent, Norfolk

Get back to nature: Stay in a bell tent in the Mannington Hall and Gardens, Norfolk
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Get back to nature: Stay in a bell tent in the Mannington Hall and Gardens, NorfolkCredit: Airbnb

For some, getting back to nature is their dream weekend away.

These large in the beautiful setting of Mannington Hall and Gardens, in North Norfolk offer the ultimate glamping experience.

They have nine tents on a 2.5 acre field with field shelter, sauna and pizza oven, and one in its own private meadow.

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But for the £95 per night price tag, you'll need to be comfortable with sharing the accommodation with some tiny room mates.

According to the listing: "Throughout the year, your tent, although cosy and dry, may also become home for the short term to some of our other residents such as insects, spiders, frogs, mice etc."

"Please remember they were here first and be kind to them."

Jessie, Narrowboat, London

Canal dreams: Is staying on a long boat your dream UK getaway?
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Canal dreams: Is staying on a long boat your ideal UK getaway?Credit: Airbnb

 

moored in the heart of Little Venice on the north bank of Browning's island in London.

And a stay in her compact but comfortable cabin is perfect for anyone looking to see the capital from a different point of view.

But according to the listing: "Living on board is not quite like a conventional house and needs an understanding and patience with the obvious limitations in space and supply of resources.

"It may therefore not be for everyone".

If this floats your boat, it costs £150 per night.

Jack Sparrow House, Cornwall

Jack Sparrow House comprises of one, comfortable room with a mezzanine double bed and seating/kitchen area
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Jack Sparrow House comprises of one, comfortable room with a mezzanine double bed and seating/kitchen areaCredit: Airbnb

For anyone wanting the quirkiness of a treehouse without any of the height, is for you.

This brightly-coloured fairy-tale cabin overlooks Falmouth Bay and is the perfect base for day trips in and around the Lizard Peninsula.

Built by artist Jonathan Melville Smith, you can stay in it for £105 a night.

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