Top six literary lodgings
Fancy sleeping where your favourite writers lived, worked or holidayed? Simon Whaley suggests six of the UK’s best literary stays
Nationwide
1 VIRGINIA WOOLF Monk’s House Garden Studio, Sussex
When not exploring the waters of the River Ouse, or the rolling South Downs, guests of this one-bedroomed garden studio in the grounds of Woolf’s country retreat can wander through the sensuous gardens, just yards from the author’s writing room. 0344 800 2070 nationaltrustholidays.org.uk
2 ROALD DAHL The Cabin, Pembrokeshire
Sandwiched between Tenby Harbour and Carmarthen Bay, The Cabin’s first-floor selfcatering apartment is where Dahl holidayed every Easter for 16 years as a child. Whether you’re exploring the charming Pembrokeshire Coast Path or spotting sea life from the living room window, every moment here will offer you your very own tale of the unexpected. 01437 772 764 thecabintenby.co.uk
3 SEAMUS HEANEY Laurel Villa, County Londonderry
Immerse yourself in the Northern Ireland landscape that influenced some of this Nobel laureate’s early work. Just five miles from the new Seamus Heaney Home-Place, Laurel Villa is Ireland’s only poetry guest house, with a rare collection of first editions and an exhibition dedicated to the poet who visited and gave readings here. 02879 301 459 laurel-villa.com
4 GAVIN MAXWELL Gavin Maxwell House, Isle of Skye
This is where the otter-loving author of Ring of Bright Water lived his final months. Accessed through a gate in the bridge, this former lighthouse keeper’s cottage is perfect for spotting basking sharks and seabirds. 01228 406 731 scottish-cottages.co.uk
5 JOHN RUSKIN The Lodge, Lake District
Brantwood was the home of thinker, writer, painter and social reformer Ruskin, and this small flat in the main house has the same lake views that inspired his imagination. What better place for creative contemplation than between the shores of Coniston Water and Grizedale Forest? 01539 441 396 www.brantwood.org.uk
6 AGATHA CHRISTIE Greenway, Devon
The Queen of Crime had murder in mind when holidaying at Greenway on the banks of Devon’s River Dart. It’s the setting for Dead Man’s Folly, among others, so it would be criminal not to explore the Dart Estuary and seductive South Devon coastline on your stay. 0344 800 2070 nationaltrustholidays.org.uk