BA - The Club - Avios-earning holiday homes for a sensational stay

The classic castle

Where? Scotland, UK
There are many impressive piles in the Scottish Highlands, but few that nail the brief like this romantic, sprawling castle – from the mountain and river views, right down to the tartan carpet in the wood-panelled games room. With eight bedrooms accommodating up to 19 people, there’s a whole lot of building for hire here – and a lot of detail to take in. Mounted moose heads above grand stone fireplaces; vast parlours bedecked in oil paintings and Persian rugs; spiral staircases and brass dinner gongs, and elegant antique furniture in every room. It may be less than 40 minutes from Inverness, but it’s a world away in old-fashioned wonderment.
Top review: “The castle was spectacular, steeped in history and appointed with such great furnishings. It’s warm and cosy and a true old castle with art and beauty surrounding it.”

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The beachside bolthole

Where? Dorset, UK
When it comes to underrated UK coastlines, the Jurassic Coast is high on the list. But not only is this corner of the country loaded with swathes of fossil-spotted beaches, sleepy villages and historic landmarks, it also has this: a magnificent barn conversion, just ten minutes from the nearest beach. There’s half an acre of lush garden to roam outside, while inside the open fireplaces and roll-top baths are destined to win hearts.
Top review: “According to my kids, we should buy this property and live there forever. Loved it, would go back in a heartbeat. Three-minute walk to a lovely pub and about a ten-minute walk to the beach, maybe less.”

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The city townhouse

Where? London, UK
London’s Maida Vale is one of the capital’s most underrated neighbourhoods. Quiet tree-lined streets, rows of handsome redbrick houses and cute, independent shops all lie within walking distance of Regent’s Park, Notting Hill and that famous Abbey Road crossing. And here, you won’t find a more spacious place to stay than this three-bedroom Edwardian townhouse apartment, complete with a vast marble-tiled bathroom, light and airy kitchen and sitting room worthy of a period drama, with its parquet floor, crystal chandelier and crown moulding.
Top review: “Just can't say how much we enjoyed staying here. The owner sent us a book with all of the relevant information about the townhouse and the neighbourhood (market, restaurants, etc). It was just like we expected and close enough to the Tube that we could be downtown in 20 minutes. Loved it!”

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The cool barn conversion

Where? Norwich, UK
This modest but immaculate converted barn, just a 20-minute drive from the centre of Norwich, is the perfect spot for a space-seeking couple. It has all the mod-cons for a comfortable stay in the country, from TV and Wi-Fi, to a fully equipped modern kitchen (including dishwasher), and has been finished to a hotel standard. Outside the front door, a flagstone terrace with table and chairs beckons for a sunny morning coffee, while the Norfolk Broads, with their meandering waterways, lie just beyond the village’s limits.
Top review: “A wonderful barn within a beautiful part of Norfolk. A perfect base for exploring the area from countryside, Broads to the Norfolk seaside.”

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The country manor

Where? Swansea, UK
What are your ‘must-haves’ for that iconic country house getaway? A pretty old building in a secluded location? Generously proportioned rooms with plenty of period detail? A lush, sprawling garden you can get lost in? Well then this charming house in southwest Wales, just an hour from Swansea, ticks all the boxes. Sleeping up to ten in five gorgeous bedrooms (some with en suite bathrooms and scene-stealing garden views), it has everything you need for a romantic countryside escape, including a large country kitchen with Aga cooker.
Top review: “A privilege to stay in this Arts and Crafts period house full of eclectic art and décor, and to enjoy the imaginatively sculpted garden full of secret areas and massive plants.”

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