26 September 2024
I just came back from the most relaxing and low-stimulus vacation I’ve ever had: two weeks at Douarenn in Brittany, a holiday home surrounded by no less than a hectare of private land. A place where you can unwind, admire the most beautiful starry sky (including the Milky Way), and where the clean air you breathe gives you an instant boost of renewed energy.
Of course, there are more places like this in Europe, and I’m happy to share them with you. So here they are: 10 x refuges of calm, meaning: places with enough space (you’re not looking into your neighbors’ windows), they are located in or near nature, there’s no television, the house is aesthetically pleasing, and you can even bring your kids. Let’s explore!
The fresh flowers come straight out of the garden, you hear the birds singing and the house just breaths silence. Douarenn is a perfect place to escape the busy life and see the stars, go on a walk through the nearby forest or take your surfboard and go surfing on a 40-minute drive away.
In the heart of Thy National Park, the largest national park of Denmark you’ll find Vipp Cold Hawaii, a former fisherman’s cottage without a television, but with a kitchen that invites you to go offline and try new recipes. And if you love surfing? This area isn’t called Cold Hawaii for nothing. The wind conditions are much like Hawaii and there are no less than 31 surf spots to try.
Find more tips in Denmark here
La Petite Maison Noir is a holiday home in the middle of a forest in the Dordogne. The house is located nearby the famous UNESCO World Heritage site ‘Grotte de Lascaux’ and many typical French villages. You can take your kids, be inspired by the interior and of course there’s no tv.
There’s more to Greece than the typical holiday hotels proves this Farmhouse on the Hill surrounded by olive trees in a secluded part of the island of Zakynthos. But if you want the beach is only a 15-minute drive away.
You don’t have to travel far to be in stillness. Raus has several sustainable design cabins near Berlin. This one is designed by Danish architect Sigurd Larsen where you can stay with a small family or a group of friends.
Find more tips in Germany here
The sounds of birds is the only thing you hear at Boshuisje XL. We’ve stayed here for a weekend, but it felt like we were away for two weeks. Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek did the interior and you have enough space to sleep, cook and play some board games on the sturdy table.
Find more tips in The Netherlands here
Casa Roverella is a beautifully designed three bedroom villa in the heart of Puglia. Imagine going to a local market, buying fresh ingredients and start making something delicious in this kitchen – although they also have an outdoor kitchen if you prefer.
Stay at La Caseta, a warm minimalistic family country house in between Barcelona and Valencia and start exploring one of the largest wetlands in the western Mediterranean region. People who love to hike, cycle and do some bird-watching will love the area. Although there are also sandy beaches and authentic villages nearby.
Find more recommendations in Spain here
Casa no Tempo is a farm stay where the first living people you’ll see are a 20-minute drive over the 580 hectares property away. The surrounding nature is incredibly beautiful, especially during sunrise. The house has enough space for a family, you’ll be treated to a delicious breakfast every morning and there’s a pool in front of the house.
Find more recommendations in Portugal here
Escape to the Scottish Highlands in a hunting lodge that used to belong to the Royal Family. Gairnshiel Lodge is now in hands of a Belgian family so they know a thing or two on how to create an aesthetically pleasing environment.
Find more recommendations in the United Kingdom
Credits: All Petite Passport, except for image 3 (provided by Vipp), 4 (by Cécile Perrinet), 5 (provided by Welcome Beyond), 6 (by Noel Richter), 8 (by Alex Reyto), 9 (by Wam Ornelas), and 11 (by Nathalie van Reeth and Maarten van Meerbeeck)
