Lifestyle: Dreamy Retreats and Hideaways for One
Valentine’s Day is all about coupling up, but what about showing yourself some love in one of these enticing spaces best enjoyed alone
This time of the year, you can’t move for romance and suggestions for places to spend time together. But what if, in the words of Greta Garbo, you just want to be alone? Whether you’re happily single, part of a big, noisy – and demanding – family or romantically involved but each attached to your ‘me time’, isn’t it great to get away from everything (and everyone) from time to time? Some say a life is best shared; I say, yes, but not all the time. So in the spirit of showing yourself some romance this Valentine’s Day, here’s all the inspiration you need to go gloriously – and stylishly – solo, even if it’s only for a day…
Create your own reading nook
You might not be able to conjure up quite such a magnificent view but you can still create a bespoke space to lounge and get stuck into a brilliant book. A window seat provides the perfect spot for escapism – even if you’re only looking onto the squirrels in next door’s garden from your top-floor flat. The gift is to have a window the right height, so if your perfect lookout is too high, consider a wide – and, of course, professionally built and very sturdy – shelf to sit on, with a teeny ladder to climb up. Or, for low-down windows, simply drag your favourite chair and comfiest cushions into prime position.
You might not be able to conjure up quite such a magnificent view but you can still create a bespoke space to lounge and get stuck into a brilliant book. A window seat provides the perfect spot for escapism – even if you’re only looking onto the squirrels in next door’s garden from your top-floor flat. The gift is to have a window the right height, so if your perfect lookout is too high, consider a wide – and, of course, professionally built and very sturdy – shelf to sit on, with a teeny ladder to climb up. Or, for low-down windows, simply drag your favourite chair and comfiest cushions into prime position.
Soak your troubles away
This bath could turn even the most hardened shower bunny. Some people like to share their bathroom time, but I just don’t get it. Especially here, when you could lock the door, put on some atmospheric music (the soundtrack to Drive, perhaps?), turn down the lights, lie back and feel as if you have that view all to yourself.
This bath could turn even the most hardened shower bunny. Some people like to share their bathroom time, but I just don’t get it. Especially here, when you could lock the door, put on some atmospheric music (the soundtrack to Drive, perhaps?), turn down the lights, lie back and feel as if you have that view all to yourself.
Contemplate a yogi lair
Yoga lovers – wouldn’t you just love to have this room to do your morning asanas in? Airy, flooded with light, surrounded by nature… Ommm.
Yoga lovers – wouldn’t you just love to have this room to do your morning asanas in? Airy, flooded with light, surrounded by nature… Ommm.
Join the caravan club
Tea for one? Yes please. What a glorious spot in which to wake up and sit, in your pyjamas (who’s to see?), take in the morning country air and enjoy the long grass under your feet, to a backdrop of rustling rabbits, sweet birdsong and a handsome horse neighing gently in the next field. If you have space in your garden, an old caravan is a nice restoration project, too, and could double as a sweet guest room in the summer.
Tea for one? Yes please. What a glorious spot in which to wake up and sit, in your pyjamas (who’s to see?), take in the morning country air and enjoy the long grass under your feet, to a backdrop of rustling rabbits, sweet birdsong and a handsome horse neighing gently in the next field. If you have space in your garden, an old caravan is a nice restoration project, too, and could double as a sweet guest room in the summer.
Relax with a little sowing
They say gardening is therapeutic. Where better to start a peaceful day pottering in your green patch than in this calming shed, where you’ve space for potting plants and tidily storing tools? And all reassuringly out of earshot from the chaos of a busy house. It’s amazing what a little whitewashing can do – it gives this small space a lovely airy feel. To max the soothing atmosphere, paint the floor and ceiling as well as the walls.
They say gardening is therapeutic. Where better to start a peaceful day pottering in your green patch than in this calming shed, where you’ve space for potting plants and tidily storing tools? And all reassuringly out of earshot from the chaos of a busy house. It’s amazing what a little whitewashing can do – it gives this small space a lovely airy feel. To max the soothing atmosphere, paint the floor and ceiling as well as the walls.
Get a little steamy
I don’t know about you, but I prefer to sweat alone. And you’d have to be careful not to get carried away and dehydrate in this spectacular garden sauna in north London – it’d be so hard to leave. I love the British twist to that hot country favourite, the outdoor shower, too. What a clever idea that glass roof is.
I don’t know about you, but I prefer to sweat alone. And you’d have to be careful not to get carried away and dehydrate in this spectacular garden sauna in north London – it’d be so hard to leave. I love the British twist to that hot country favourite, the outdoor shower, too. What a clever idea that glass roof is.
Enjoy a shed for heights
Or how about taking some time out above the shed? Gardening can be backbreaking work, so it’s important to rest…
Or how about taking some time out above the shed? Gardening can be backbreaking work, so it’s important to rest…
Choose a chair egg-specially for you
Escape from sofa hoggers in a snug, egg-shaped seat determinedly designed for one – unless someone else in your household gets to it first.
Check out the secrets of a home that’s cool for cats
Escape from sofa hoggers in a snug, egg-shaped seat determinedly designed for one – unless someone else in your household gets to it first.
Check out the secrets of a home that’s cool for cats
Make space to create
If you’re a creative soul, but find your sewing, knitting or crafting takes place on the kitchen table or in front of the TV, this dedicated space for making will have you sighing with envy.
Just imagine, no need to tidy half-finished projects away at the end of the day, your choice of radio station playing, and no distractions apart from daydreaming – and fuelling new ideas of course – while you gaze out of the window. It’s so tranquil even the cat wants to get in on the act.
Could you carve out a creation station in a quiet corner at home?
If you’re a creative soul, but find your sewing, knitting or crafting takes place on the kitchen table or in front of the TV, this dedicated space for making will have you sighing with envy.
Just imagine, no need to tidy half-finished projects away at the end of the day, your choice of radio station playing, and no distractions apart from daydreaming – and fuelling new ideas of course – while you gaze out of the window. It’s so tranquil even the cat wants to get in on the act.
Could you carve out a creation station in a quiet corner at home?
Support your library
What a pleasing place to get lost in a good book. It’s a great use of a narrow landing, too, and adding the little reading post by the window – with a view as well as somewhere for your cuppa – turns what could be just a bookshelf into a miniature library. It’d be perfect for storing all those books you’ve always meant to read – in such a peaceful, contemplative space, you’ll be more likely to pick one out and open it.
What a pleasing place to get lost in a good book. It’s a great use of a narrow landing, too, and adding the little reading post by the window – with a view as well as somewhere for your cuppa – turns what could be just a bookshelf into a miniature library. It’d be perfect for storing all those books you’ve always meant to read – in such a peaceful, contemplative space, you’ll be more likely to pick one out and open it.
Look after your art
The light in this glazed studio is perfect for illuminating an artist’s canvas, and the leafy garden outside is a tranquil backdrop that would boost creative focus. You could invite visitors to sit and chat while you work, but it might feel a bit cramped. Best not, then…
The light in this glazed studio is perfect for illuminating an artist’s canvas, and the leafy garden outside is a tranquil backdrop that would boost creative focus. You could invite visitors to sit and chat while you work, but it might feel a bit cramped. Best not, then…
Shop then drop
Oh walk-in wardrobe, how I covet thee. And what a generous beauty this one is. It’s more like an upscale vintage store than a functional storage area, the period features – cornicing, bare boards and fireplace – make it a welcoming, attractive space.
If you have the luxury of a spare room to give over to clothes, this also shows how complex, built-in arrangements aren’t required if you’re happy with on-show storage. All you need is a few shelves for bags, shoes and folded things, some simple hanging rails and, of course, a perch on which to sit with a glass of wine after a hard day’s shopping to admire your acquisitions.
No room for a walk-in wardrobe? Try these 12 easy ways to hack yours instead
Oh walk-in wardrobe, how I covet thee. And what a generous beauty this one is. It’s more like an upscale vintage store than a functional storage area, the period features – cornicing, bare boards and fireplace – make it a welcoming, attractive space.
If you have the luxury of a spare room to give over to clothes, this also shows how complex, built-in arrangements aren’t required if you’re happy with on-show storage. All you need is a few shelves for bags, shoes and folded things, some simple hanging rails and, of course, a perch on which to sit with a glass of wine after a hard day’s shopping to admire your acquisitions.
No room for a walk-in wardrobe? Try these 12 easy ways to hack yours instead
Retreat to the shed
All you need is an outsize shed, all your favourite books and a comfy chair and you have your own garden reading retreat. OK, so it’s a bit more than a shed, but if you have a garage you’ve always dreamed of converting, let this inspire your plans. The full-size folding doors are a nice touch to connect this room even more to the garden.
TELL US…
Do you have a special spot in or around your home where you love to spend time alone? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
All you need is an outsize shed, all your favourite books and a comfy chair and you have your own garden reading retreat. OK, so it’s a bit more than a shed, but if you have a garage you’ve always dreamed of converting, let this inspire your plans. The full-size folding doors are a nice touch to connect this room even more to the garden.
TELL US…
Do you have a special spot in or around your home where you love to spend time alone? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments below.
Stressful day? An hour out here would restore peace to even the most frazzled mind. A gentle swing is so soporific, you might even find you drift off, blissfully undisturbed except, perhaps, by a cool, light mountain breeze.
Even if you don’t live in quite such a stunning location as this, perhaps you could find space to suspend a hanging chair from a sturdy tree branch in a sheltered spot in the garden? You can also find self-contained hanging chairs with a frame that would work perfectly on a patio or balcony.
Explore more ideas for hanging chairs in your home