In 11 acres of private gardens there's plenty of scope for country pursuits without even leaving the grounds of your exclusive manor house. Here you can take part in clay pigeon shooting and archery with your champagne flute and next gourmet feast at your fingertips. 

But to really make the most of the Herefordshire countryside on the doorstep, try the likes of kayaking, horse riding, walking, orienteering, mountain boarding and go-karting. Take to the skies with light aircraft lessons or a helicopter ride, or for something more traditional stick to a trusty round of golf.

Bang smack on the Welsh coast and the edge of Snowdonia National Park, Tremadog House is a haven for hikers and coastal adventurers, and autumn and winter are the some of the best times to experience the wild romance of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which it stands. 

Fuel up with a full Welsh breakfast prepared with locally sourced ingredients, hit the mountains or the beaches for a day of adventures, and come back to an elegant home where you can relax in comfort and style. And if you can't resist the top-notch Welsh country cooking on offer you can pre-arrange a mouth-watering dinner to satiate a well-earned appetite.

Nestled between the fairways of one of the finest championship golf courses in the south of England, this house party lodge is any golfer's dream come true. Enjoy complimentary golf and use of the Academy course, and lessons can be arranged for any level of golfer. 

Away from the golf course, this 19th Century manor is a domain of decadent luxuries, where a butler, housekeeper and private chef are on hand to ensure you enjoy a special stay. Tea, sandwiches and cakes will served by the open fire and exquisite dinners served in the grand dining room are created from the finest local ingredients available.

The ultimate retreat in the Scottish countryside, this handsome Georgian mansion stands in a 1000-acre estate in the heart of a picturesque landscape just begging to be explored. 

Wrap up and feel the wind in your sails on a boat trip around Bass Rock, don your walking boots and explore the Lammermuir Hills, and take a shot at the classic pursuit of clay pigeon shooting. With no less than eleven golf courses nearby there's nowhere better for a cheeky round (or eleven), which leaves little time to plant yourself by the log fire, indulge in extravagant banquets and retire to your lavish chambers bedecked in antiques and fine furnishings.

This swanky lakeside property offers a location and lifestyle that weekends were made for: The Weekend Club was designed for active hedonists. 

Included in the rental of your plush Bond-style pad is a gamut of activities including windsurfing, tennis, volleyball, boules, croquet, golf and use of a gymnasium and sauna. And that's not all. For a little bit extra you can cast a line and catch some trout for dinner, try your hand at clay pigeon shooting, have a go at water-skiing and saddle up for some horse-riding. So by the time you get back to chill out you'll be in need of the walk-in power showers, flat screen TVs and five star comforts.

Winter on the horizon brings with it thoughts of escaping to Australia. And this five star eco-design beach house located near the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef is just the sort of dream holiday house that springs to mind. 

In a gob-smacking location on the coast of Queensland, Alinghi is an exotic, state-of-the-art hideaway with surfing, snorkelling, swimming with sea turtles, and diving on the doorstep. A catamaran ride will take you to the wonders of the Barrier Reef, and just a peep from any room will treat you to a beach sunrise and stunning oceanic view. Who said summer was over?

Guarantee an Indian summer and some gentle exercise that will take you close to nature in an exotic location. Whilst the UK turns to winter activities, South India is hotting-up for the summer, making it a prime time to enjoy the lush, watery landscapes of Kerala. 

Paddle your way into a warm and fascinating culture on an adventure along the backwaters in a dugout canoe, and return to a traditional family home where you will learn the secrets of Keralan cuisine.

Enjoy Mediterranean warmth and flair, a private sandy beach, stunning sea views and range of water sports on the doorstep. Why on earth were you thinking of staying in the UK with this Cretan gem just a short flight away? 

Lap up the serenity from your sea-front suite and take a dip in the azure waters of Mirabello Bay whenever you fancy a scuba diving or water-skiing session. Stave off the winter blues by feeling summer-fit and sun-kissed - you can even opt for a personalised fitness programme in the Poseidon Health Club. This is truly the epitome of luxury and relaxation with a healthy does of exercise thrown in.

Set in the sleepy French village of Charly, this chateau swaps the hectic pace of modern life for the steady indulgence of good food and the great outdoors. 

You might just want to come here to feast on sumptuous homegrown produce, or to sink into a roll top bath with a glass of fine wine in hand, but you'd be foolish to miss out on exploring the picturesque gems of the area. There are bicycles on which to enjoy a two-wheeled adventure, or you can discover the surrounding Loire Valley by horse back or kayak. As well as fishing lakes there are five golf courses within spitting distance, and if you still need to work up an appetite for the next slice of Roquefort tart you can always head to the in-house gymnasium.

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.

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

A selection of high-resolution images is available.

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.