Concierge Service
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn't stop there. Our Concierge Service means you'll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Heritage Collection
Historical Holidays with Oliver's Travels
Our Heritage Collection
We’re really showing off when it comes to our Heritage Collection. These holiday homes are truly unique, with some dating back hundreds of years and all of them boasting true historic value. From fairytale French chateaux to Elizabethan gatehouses and listed buildings, our experts have really pulled the boat out when it comes to finding these extraordinary places.
These old timers are full of character, like an eccentric elderly member of the family who has loads of stories, a fair few quirks, and is unlike anyone else you know; these properties have plenty of their own tales to tell, whether they’ve housed royalty in the past or been used as a hideaway in battle, and you’ll find so much character, from their original features to their antique furnishings.
If you’re looking for historical holidays that are totally out-of-the-ordinary, then you’ve come to the right place. These homes could be the perfect setting for a family celebration, an event or even just for a summer getaway with a twist.
Heritage Collection
What is a 'heritage' property?
What really makes our Heritage Collection stand out from the rest is their ability to make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. From the imposing, grand exteriors and the Victorian walled gardens, to the quintessentially British and old-school manor houses.
Original features can be found throughout our heritage holiday homes, and some may not have been refurbed in over 100 years – so the interiors are truly authentic.
These nine properties below are our bestsellers – the ‘top of the props’ as we like to call them. Cheesy, but we like it.
Villa Sartino, Tuscany
Set in the picturesque Tuscan hills, this manor house is the idyllic Italian retreat. In the second world war, partisans were hiding in the hills around the house, and there’s a neighbouring medieval castle that was used during the war. Enjoy overlooking the 70-acres of meadows and woodlands from the infinity pool or the dining loggia.
St Peter's Court, Somerset
This Grade II listed Tudor-style home is in the heart of the town of Portishead, right next to a 12th-Century church and conservation area, so it’s the ideal historic holiday. The house has struck the perfect fusion of medieval features and stylish furnishings… a real gem!
Palazzo Navaro, Italian Lakes
This 17th-Century mansion in Lake Orta exudes luxury, and went under a total refurbishment in 2012 – the super stylish interiors remain sympathetic to the original features of the property, and will make you feel like an A-Lister. It boasts a romantic courtyard, library and even an indoor spa with a steam bath and waterfall opening out to the garden.
Château de Jaques, Champagne
This grand Monument Historique is set in 10-hectares of private gardens and woods, and has been wonderfully preserved by the owner. The château dates back to the 17th-Century, with its medieval tower, chapel and pigeonnier however the foundations of a medieval castle on which it was built dates back to 1425!
Maison Sebastien, Provence
This rustic hilltop château in Provence has a rich history, and dates back to the 14th-Century, when it used to be a watchtower (which offers panoramic views of the Luberon National Park) with a medieval courtyard, where baptisms took place during the French Revolution. There’s even an old magnanerie that was used to produce silk in the late 1800’s, and mulberry trees that have been there since the Romans.
Colleton Hall, Devon
This Grade II listed holiday home is a rural country escape that dates back to Elizabethan times, and harnesses a rich history. The home has been upgraded over the years, but the décor has remained sympathetic to the original Georgian features, helping it to keep a lot of its original character.
Château Bourgogne, Burgundy
This 13th-Century castle is steeped in history, and feels like an enchanting oasis with its 400-year-old chestnut tree, garden terraces and swimming pool. Inside, the sensitive restorations highlight the original beauty and charm of this château.
Villa Vinci, Tuscany
This 18th-Century hilltop estate is set in the heart of the Chianti wine region, with a private pool surrounded by olive groves. With elegant and grand interiors and antique furnishings, you can live the lifestyle of the original noble families who inhabited the property.
Emley Woodhouse, Yorkshire
This Yorkshire country home is a Grade II listed classical Georgian property, with gorgeous gardens and sweeping vistas over the moorlands. Lovingly decorated with chic interiors, the home is modern and accentuates the original features.
Historical fun in our chateaux & castles
You can’t help but say ‘wow’ when you see our collection of chateaux and castles. They look like they’ve been plucked straight out of a fairytale and plonked in the real world!
Lavishly decorated, and bursting with charm, we’re totally obsessed with them. From medieval Scottish castles in the countryside to beautiful chateaux dotted around France, there’s no better option for a memorable celebration, be it a wedding or a birthday. Or if you’re feeling a bit fancy, just a great holiday that everyone will remember.
So without further ado, here our our favourites. Or if you want to dig a bit deeper, we have a whole hub dedicated to our Chateaux and Castles Collection.
Free Concierge Service
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn't stop there. Our Concierge Service means you'll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Castelli di Napoleone, Umbria
This striking 11th-Century estate comprises of an impressive main castle, octaganol tower, tower building and separate castle used for events. The stunning estate boasts a picturesque setting in 1500-acres of parkland, nature reserves, lakes, and rivers. The grand exteriors and lavish interiors still manage to offer a cosy and homely ambience, with plenty of historic charm to boot!
Château Camelot, Midi-Pyrenees
Bursting with character and charm, this impressive château boasts beautiful views of the Lot Valley, and is only 4km from a lovely local village. Live like royalty in the unique tower bedroom, enjoy a tipple in the wine cellar, lounge in the sun on the garden terraces or go for swim while enjoying the countryside views.
Château Chamborigaud, Languedoc
This enchanting Languedoc castle looks like it’s been plucked straight from a fairytale, with its stunning towers and turrets. Built in 1575 and set in the Cevennes mountains, it’s the epitome of ‘magical’ with beautiful interiors to match.
Château Lignol, Brittany
Originally a hunting lodge for the Princes of Rohan, this 14th-Century mini-castle is tucked away in rural Brittany. Adorned with quirky, artistic furnishings and shabby-chic vibes, this is a real gem in Northern France. Perfect for an intimate wedding or family getaway!
County Meath Castle, Ireland
This 500-year-old Norman keep is situated on the shores of Lough Sheelin. Completed in 1537 by the 12th Baron of Delvin – and apparently haunted by his daughter – this castle makes for a magical holiday. Go for a spot of fishing at the lake, or snuggle up with a book by the open fire.
Château Noble, Midi-Pyrenees
This magical chateau is nestled in the heart of 18-hectares of private grounds, which includes a swimming pool, vineyard, orchard, two romantic pigeonniers, and woodland trails. Founded 400-years-ago by a Lord, this property has been lovingly restored with lavish, antique furnishings that pay homage to its heritage.
Penn Castle, Dorset
Sea views from the bay windows of a castle? What a dream! This neo-Gothic castle on the Isle of Portland boasts unrivalled Jurassic Coast views. Inside you’ll find grand, elegant interiors and a heated indoor pool in the orangery!
The Fortalice, Highlands
Step back in time while staying in the heart of the Highlands. This castle is steeped in history, and was actually destroyed by the Duke of Argyll in 1640 before being rebuilt. Lavish, medieval furnishings make this a truly unique getaway, with a Great Hall for dining and a chapel at its heart!
Villa Colli Euganei, Venice & Veneto
This 16th-Century Renaissance estate is completely captivating, sitting in the heart of vineyards and woodlands, only an hours’ drive to Venice. Originally a hunting lodge created by a Renaissance architect, and was restored by a Parisian interior designer, giving it a uniquely opulent style.
Historic manor houses
There’s something about manor houses that seem to give off that quintessentially British vibe (maybe it’s the period dramas we’ve spent hours bingeing on Netflix?), and the manor houses in our Heritage Collection really do look the part – in the heart of the countryside, as pretty as a postcard.
We don’t just offer manor houses in the UK either, we’ve got an impressive collection of manoirs that are dotted across France, giving off that same period drama look, and making us feel like we could be part of a Jane Austen story. Often the perfect base to explore the surrounding countryside, our manor houses offer a kind of classic holiday of bygone eras.
Check out our top nine manor houses below.
Free Concierge Service
Once you book a holiday, the service doesn't stop there. Our Concierge Service means you'll be in good hands to arrange in-house chefs, fridge stocking, housekeeping, and so much more, to make your stay truly extraordinary.
Manoir du Vin, Midi-Pyrenees
Located in the Golden Triangle of Tarn, this original Maison de Maitre boasts captivating views of vineyards, sunflower fields and rolling countryside from its garden terraces and infinity pool. The historic pigeonnier has been converted to a bar, gym and Turkish hammam!
Loch Lomond Manor, Loch Lomond
A National Monuments House, this impressive holiday home pays homage to Edwardian Scotland, with plenty of charm and quirkiness. Some of the furnishings and art dates all the way back to the 19th-Century, and makes for interesting exploration!
Cotswold Manor, Cotswolds
Part of the Cotswold Manor Estate, this manor house boasts original features, beams and medieval furnishings. Spend cosy nights by the log fire, or movie nights in the secret cinema room after a day of garden exploring and walking the Cotswold Way!
Boarzell, Sussex
This grand manor house in the Sussex countryside is adorned with antique furnishings against period features, giving it a regal feel. Back in the day this was a boys prep school (1938-1974) and even housed Canadian troops in the war!
Manoir des Chasseurs, Burgundy
In the heart of the Parc Naturel Regional du Morvan, this 18th-Century manoir is a picture of classical French living. Originally built as a hunting lodge, this home held on to its original character while being sensitively restored – now the perfect fusion of historic and contemporary.
Manoir Des Arts, Loire Valley
Established 470 years ago, this old manor house has been beautifully maintained to retain its character and grace. It has been decorated with gorgeous antiques, artwork and china to fill it with a sense of warmth and rustic elegance.
Tarbert Country Manor, Argyll
On the shores of West Loch Tarbert, this 19th-Century baronial mansion is nestled in its own gardens and woods – with a private pebble beach! Lovingly refurbed and beautifully decorated around its original features, you can snuggle down in the cinema room, or even have a friendly pool tournament: modern activities in historic surroundings!
Manoir Gascon, Midi-Pyrenees
Experience the romance of the South of France in this beautifully furnished 17th-Century Gascon manor house in rural Armagnac. Set in 17-acres of lavender-dotted gardens and woodlands, with a swimming pool, charming courtyard and pigeonnier, it’s the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Dimora Di Vico, Umbria
Only an hour away from the historic powerhouse city, Rome, this magnificent eco holiday home has been in the same family since the 19th Century but dates back even further. Lovingly decorated with antique furnishings, the original features stand out against the homely interiors and the gorgeous gardens, terraces and swimming pool overlook the surrounding parkland.
