SCOTLAND is blessed with fabulous hotels, but for family getaways it’s often easier (and cheaper) to book a self-catering option.
And we’re lucky because there are so many options to chose from, from glamping pods to stately houses.
But you’ll be hard pushed to find somewhere more stunning and original than Kilmartin Castle on the dramatic west coast in Argyll.
So it’s no wonder the 16th century fairytale castle has been named Scotland’s Holiday Home of the Year by online vacation accommodation giant Vrbo.
Now in its fourth year, the Holiday Homes of the Year highlights the most spectacular, private holiday homes, selected from the more than two million properties worldwide on the Vrbo platform.
They range from idyllic rural escapes to captivating coastal retreats and quirky renovations and represent a variety of popular UK destinations.
Vrbo chose the winners based on strict criteria which includes having a 4.9 or higher star rating, number of guest reviews, Premier Host status, and standout amenities and spaces for spending time together with family and friends.
Kilmartin Castle was the only Scottish property to make the list, one of only seven from the whole of the UK.
Originally built in 1550 during the legendary reign of Mary Queen of Scots for a former bishop, Kilmartin Castle held a rich and colourful history before being abandoned for nearly 200 years.
This magnificent castle has been carefully restored by owners Stef Burgon and husband Simon hunt as a luxury private guest house that sleeps up to 10 guests in five magnificent rooms.
There are plenty of castle hotels and hotels that are made to look like castles, but Kilmartin Castle is the real deal.
The walls and floors proudly display their original aged patina; inside, a curated collection of antique furniture, original artworks, and fascinating objects creates an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
The grand hall is the perfect place to snuggle up by the roaring fire and watch a movie while sipping on a fine whisky or glass of wine.
Outside, guests can enjoy the landscaped gardens and its amenities including an orchard, sunken fire pit, and an outdoor kitchen equipped with everything needed for alfresco dining – including a Kamado Joe BBQ and pizza oven.
Guests at Kilmartin can also enjoy the castle’s own organic fruits, herbs, and vegetables, and take a refreshing dip in the wild swimming pond.
Kilmartin Castle is in Argyll’s ancient Kilmartin Glen, and is surrounded by standing stones, hill forts, and burial cairns. The glen was recently named the fourth best place to go in the world by the New York Times.
They recommended staying at Kilmartin Castle when visiting, adding: “For full immersion into the Scotland of yore, stay at the moody 16th-century Kilmartin Castle.”
The castle is just 29 from Oban and six miles from the Crinan Canal and can be rented out from £110pp a night.
Another stunning property to be named in the awards is Smithycroft in Chard, Somerset.
Nested in the heart of the countryside in the charming village of Combe St Nicholas, it’s a beautiful cottage with traditional thatched roof and stone walls.
The idyllic cottage has three bedrooms and the enclosed garden is perfect for enjoying summer evening drinks. Sleeps six and costs from £52pp per night.
Enjoy fabulous coastal grandeur with a stay at The Natterjack Manor House in Morecambe, Lancashire.
The contemporary home has vast living spaces, perfect for socialising and entertaining and outside it boasts a boutique garden, hot tub and an outdoor kitchen with BBQ, stone pizza oven, fire pit, and gazebo.
It also has an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage room, and gym for a dose of relaxation and wellness. Sleeps 14 and costs from £105pp per night.
If you crave a luxurious beachfront escape then head to Downs Cottage in Deal, Kent, the perfect escape for families.
Set right on the shore, it boasts white-wood interiors and maritime-themed decor.
Kids can enjoy long summer days playing on the beach outside, while parents can unwind in the sauna. Sleeps 11 and costs from £66pp per night.
Escape to the country in style with a stay at The Cosh in Moreton-in-Marsh, waking up to the gentle sounds of the Cotswolds countryside.
The stunning converted Dutch barn is dog-friendly and boasts an open-plan living space with bi-fold glass doors leading to a garden and charming shepherd’s hut.
Upstairs, the family room leads onto a vast balcony with sweeping views of the Cotswolds. Sleeps 12 and costs from £39pp per night.
You can’t get more secluded than a home on its own private island. Hermitage House is an elegant Victorian manor home hidden among pine trees on Caton in the glorious Lake District.
It sleeps up to 24 and has a games room, and even a casino and comes with large outdoor terrace perfect for a summer dinner party and has cracking views of charming Otter island. Costs from £82pp per night.
Quarry House in Kingsbridge, Devon, has breathtaking coastal views fro the spacious living areas with floor-to-ceiling windows.
The gardens house a Shepherd’s Hut, a tranquil haven to unwind with a drink and soak in the spectacular views across the South Hams and towards the Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary. Sleeps eight and costs from £49pp per night.
Larry Plawsky, General Manager of Vrbo, said: “Every year, Vrbo Holiday Homes of the Year inspire travellers to book their next family holiday, and the 2025 collection is no different
“The holiday homes on this year’s list reflect the places with amazing guest ratings, experienced and dedicated hosts, and stunning spaces that offer the most requested amenities on Vrbo from private pools to fully equipped entertainment rooms.”
This year’s Holiday Homes of the Year are among the fastest-booked rentals in the country.
Travellers who book the Holiday Homes of the Year can take advantage of Vrbo’s free rewards program, which includes earning OneKeyCash
that can be used toward future eligible stays**.
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