The most stylish UK vacation homes you can rent for the summer

As restrictions continue to lift on both sides of the Atlantic, our thoughts are inevitably turning towards summer and the long-awaited sun-drenched days we will spend on vacation. 

While we choose a home for its location, the interiors are equally as important. So, to ensure you spend your hazy summer days in a beautiful vacation home, we've rounded up a selection of Livingetc-approved properties that are celebrated for their wholly aesthetic home decor and quintessentially British charm. 

1. Eclectic Country home in Petworth, West Sussex

For an ultra-stylish and unusually sci-fi-inspired summer sanctuary, look no further than this strikingly playful modern country home near the South Downs National Park in West Sussex. This color-kissed estate was previously home to the esteemed architect Adam Richards who designed a juxtaposition between the Ancient Roman-esque exteriors and vibrant contemporary interiors. 

This self-catering home, which is now available to rent through uniquehomestays.com, includes an art-filled living room and breezy bedrooms. 

The home also won the Royal Institute of British Architects' South East' Building of the Year' and Wallpaper magazine's Best New House one year later. 

2. Contemporary Cottage Conversion in The Cotswolds 

The Cotswolds is renowned for its nostalgic aesthetic, but this Cottage Conversion near Cheltenham combines the area's traditional aura with exquisitely modern home decor. The curated blend between classic and contemporary flows throughout the sleek open-plan living spaces and architecturally admired features – including a statement glass roof and natural stone corridors. 

This RIBA National Award-winning maze is currently listed with uniquehomestays.com.

3. Playful Georgian mansion in Chiddingfold, Surrey 

While this gloriously Georgian estate may look traditional for its exterior, you will be surprised what lies beyond its glossy black door. 

Yes, the country mansion is a fun-filled utopia – complete with a state-of-the-art bowling alley and a games room, and a plush cinema room. However, when the film finishes, the Hollywood-inspired atmosphere doesn't need to end, as the property features a grand Romanesque pool that was created by film set designers. The home, which is only a short hop from London, is available this summer via uniquehomestays.com. 

4. Scandi-cool townhouse in Kensington, London 

Who says a vacation home needs to be in the country? If you're visiting the UK, London should be the first destination of your itinerary. To ensure your accommodation is as stylish as the city it stands in, book this iconic architect-designed Livingetc house in West London's Kensington Olympia. 

The property, which is designed by Michaelis Boyd – the same designer behind Soho Farmhouse and The Electric Cinema is a whimsical haven that includes a firefighter's pole in the kitchen and a slide down the stairs if you're after that type of thing in a vacation home. 

Plus, the fun flows out into the garden, which includes a blue-tiled swimming pool – the perfect summer evening destination as the sun sets over the capital. The eight-bedroom, four-bathroom home is currently available for rent through onefinestay.com. 

5. Elegant windmill conversion in Kent 

Old Smock, a mysterious four-story luxurious converted windmill, offers everything you need from a vacation home – with its quaint interiors and alluring location near High Weald, a certified Area of Natural Beauty in Kent – it certainly ticks every box. The property, which is available on Airbnb, combines the sophistication of a luxe townhouse with the rural charisma of a countryside retreat. With its original wooden features, cozy furnishings, and a free-standing therapeutic tub, we imagine this property won't stay available for long.

Guidance on local travel restrictions can be found online – whether you are traveling from across the UK or further afield –have a safe and thoroughly stylish summer. Now, we just need to decide if we're prioritizing the city or the country, or if we'll find time for both...