EUROPE
Robert Browning’s Florence Apartment
Nestled in the heart of Florence, the charming House Guidi harks back to the 15th century, its elegant high-ceiling apartments arising in the early 1800s. July 1847 marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter when Elizabeth and Robert Browning signed a lease for three months—yet they would call this enchanting space home until Elizabeth’s passing in 1861. Recent restorations have aimed to faithfully recreate the Browning family residence, drawing inspiration from a painting commissioned by Robert, along with letters and an inventory of their son Pen’s possessions. The apartment is adorned with art collected by the couple during their travels across Europe, the original drawing-room mirror, and replicas of the brocade curtains vividly described by Elizabeth.
Three nights from £870, sleeps five, landmarktrust.org.uk
An Interwar Hotel in Kraków
Cigar, a small collection of Polish hotels, revitalized its Kraków location in 2021, courtesy of a local design office. The renovation captures the essence of pre-war Kraków, reminiscent of the cafes and restaurants that once thrived between the world wars. Inspired in part by iconic mid-century hotels like Cracovia and Forum, along with the active Kino Kijów cinema, the aesthetic features pale oak paneling, natural stone, and handmade glass and ceramics, all interspersed with local art. Guest rooms come equipped with retro radios and Bauhaus-inspired furnishings, while the sounds of trams clattering by and lively conversations from nearby cafes bring the setting to life.
Doubles from €95 B&B, purohotel.pl
A 1970s Hotel in Sweden
Beetle House opened its doors in 1970, perched atop a hill in Skövde, western Sweden. Entrepreneurs Arne and Maja Sandberg envisioned a sanctuary that seamlessly blended relaxation and recreation, complete with a swimming pool, tennis courts, football pitches, and challenging trails for running, cycling, and even cross-country skiing. Recently refurbished, the hotel now boasts an added spa while retaining its quintessential 70s flair—think plush brown velvet interiors alongside rooms decked out with record players and disco balls, perfect for a private dance party, ideally to ABBA tunes.
Doubles from £110 B&B, billingehus.com
A 17th-Century Palazzo in Sicily
Palazzo Previtera, located at the foothills of Mount Etna in Linguaglossa, embodies over 500 years of Sicilian history. Constructed in 1649, it has been meticulously restored by the descendants of its original owners. The palazzo features a 12-room museum, a library housing rare editions from luminaries like Thomas Aquinas and John Milton, and a restaurant nestled beneath ancient arches. Guests can choose from four inviting rooms and two cottages, with several accommodations situated in the palazzo’s oldest section, where ornate painted ceilings meet original tiled floors and antique furnishings inspired by notable figures such as composer Vincenzo Bellini and eras like 1930s Italian art deco. Members of the Previtera family provide guided tours, enriching the experience with personal anecdotes.
Doubles from about €130 room-only, palazzoprevitera.com
A Swinging 60s Hotel in Prague
The four-star Vintage Design Sax in central Prague offers a nostalgic nod to Mid-century modernity, furnished with iconic pieces from design giants like Verner Panton and Eero Saarinen. With 25 unique rooms—some boasting views of Prague Castle—the hotel’s atmosphere is awash with psychedelic wallpaper and bright, 60s-inspired bedding. Its central atrium serves as a mini art gallery, displaying eye-catching pendant lights, chic chairs, and mirrors. A proud member of LH Hotels, a collection of seven stylish yet budget-friendly locations, this hotel encapsulates the charm of a bygone era.
Doubles from €78 B&B, hotelsax.cz
UK
Georgian Cottages in County Durham
Step back in time with a stay at two freshly opened cottages at the Beamish Museum, nestled just 10 miles south of Newcastle. Potter’s Cottage and Drover’s Rest have been thoughtfully crafted from original farm buildings near the museum’s Georgian-style pub, the Drovers Tavern. Curated by the museum’s team, these cottages showcase period furniture and artworks from the extensive collection, while discreetly integrating modern conveniences. Guests can enjoy stone floors, open fires, wooden beams, opulent four-poster beds, and free-standing baths. The gardens offer picturesque views of a recreated Georgian-era landscape, and stays include admission to the museum where guests can immerse themselves in the history of the period (usually £33pp).
From £357 for two nights (two-night minimum stay), each cottage sleeps two, beamish.org.uk
A Tudor House in Conwy
Gwydir Castle, a fortified Tudor manor near Llanrwst, boasts a rich history tied to the Wynn family, descendants of the kings of Gwynedd. The current owners have dedicated over two decades to restoring this historic gem, which remains a private residence but welcomes visitors to two sumptuous rooms: the King’s Room and the Duke of Beaufort’s Chamber. Each features four-poster beds, antique furnishings, en-suite bathrooms, and views over the lush gardens. Guests are greeted by peacocks elegantly strutting on the lawns and welcomed with tea and shortbread. Breakfast is served by a crackling log fire in the panelled parlor, with all public areas of the castle and its expansive gardens accessible to guests (entry typically £12pp).
Doubles from £140 B&B, gwydircastle.co.uk
A Cool Britannia Home in Dorset
If you’re yearning to relive the vibrant nostalgia of the 1990s, Little Nan’s holiday home in Weymouth is a veritable time capsule celebrating all things kitsch and maximalist. This four-storey, three-bedroom house is a vibrant showcase of bright colors, neon lights, and clashing prints, capturing the spirit of ‘Cool Britannia.’ From a life-size cutout of Peter Andre to whimsical toilet roll dolls, every quirky detail has been lovingly curated. Perched with sea views and just minutes from the harbor and beach, this home promises a delightful getaway. The owner also heads Little Nan’s Bar in Deptford, south-east London, both named in memory of his beloved grandmother Jojo.
From £521 a night accommodating up to eight or £626 a night for ten, littlenans.co.uk
A Victorian Apartment Inside a Medieval Kent Gem
For those eager to straddle two eras, a stay at the Mayor’s Parlour in Dover allows for a unique glimpse into history. This three-bedroom suite, crafted in the Gothic Revival style by William Burges during the 19th century, resides within the historic Maison Dieu, Dover’s 800-year-old town hall. The mayor’s private office has been converted into an elegant dining room, featuring the original round table and lion-headed armchairs. The magistrates’ retiring room now serves as the kitchen, while the upstairs record-keeping rooms have become the bedrooms and bathrooms. Delight in decorative tiles depicting vibrant parrots and butterflies, intricate coffered ceilings, and even a vintage urinal. Guests enjoy exclusive access to a separate entrance while also being free to explore the rest of the medieval Maison Dieu, which proudly reopened following a £10.5 million restoration in May.
From £547 for two nights, sleeps six, landmarktrust.org.uk
A Wartime Airfield Turned B&B in Norfolk
Once a bustling hub for guiding World War II bombers, the Control Tower has transformed into a serene vegetarian B&B. This modernist structure, opened in 1943, now accommodates guests in three double rooms, which once served as the signals room, boardroom, and controller’s restroom, alongside a separate suite featuring a living room and charming garden patio. Each room is artfully designed, showcasing striking pieces of art deco furniture and original photographic artworks. Guests can also enjoy shared access to the former meteorological office, which has now become a cozy living area. With no television in sight, visitors are instead invited to bond over vintage pastimes like puzzle-solving, reading, and strolling through the tranquil gardens.
Doubles from £140 B&B, controltowernorfolk.uk
