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Secluded cabin vs coastal cottage

The Ice House, Wester Ross

Published 30th March 2026

A remote country cabin, or a little cottage by the sea - which one do you need right now?

A cabin stay is all about slowing things down. Think lazy mornings with a coffee and afternoons with a good book. Swap traffic jams and meetings for the sound of birdsong and the crackle of the fire.

If you need a few days off-grid peace and quiet - and to come home still smelling of wood-smoke - this one's for you.

Or maybe a cottage by the sea is more your style. A seaside stay brings the drama of wild cliff-top views, pounding surf and blustery beaches. It's all about huge skies, windswept hair and salty sea air.

If you want to feel restored, refreshed and re-energised, you need a coastal escape.

So will you disappear to the woods, or head to the sea?

Jump to

10 of the best cottages by the sea
10 of the best remote cabins

10 of the best cottages by the sea

From the coves of Cornwall to the rugged cliffs of northern Scotland - here are some of the UK's best coastal cottages. See our full collection of cottages by the sea.

Eilean Sionnach Lighthouse Cottage

Isleornsay - Sleat

Sleeps 8

Extraordinary four bedroom coastal home off Skye, with access to a private beach and four bedrooms, on its own island.

Beach Cottage

Anderby Creek - Lincolnshire

Sleeps 2

Beautiful beachfront hideaway at Anderby Creek with sand dune views, log burner and veranda overlooking the sea.

Ice House

Laide - Wester Ross

Sleeps 4

Super stylish home right on the coast in North West Scotland offering incredible, dramatic views and wonderful access to beautiful beaches.

4 Coastguard Cottages

Porthgwarra - Cornwall

Sleeps 6

Beautiful Cornish cottage tucked away on the Gwennap Headland in Cornwall offering a fabulous seaside retreat and stunning coastal views.

Portamaggie Cottage

Portpatrick - Dumfries and Galloway

Sleeps 2

Traditional stone cottage with hot tub just yards from a beautiful beach on the stunning coastline in Dumfries and Galloway.

Girl Annie

Sennen - Cornwall

Sleeps 4

A romantic, cosy Cornish cottage that's perfect for a family for four, with easy access to the beach and great views.

No 9 The Dairy

Llanfaethlu - Isle of Anglesey

Sleeps 4

Charming coastal stay in Anglesey offering groups of up to four guests a comfy and cosy stay in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Galatea

Whitby Lighthouse - Yorkshire

Sleeps 5

Breathe in the fresh sea air at this holiday cottage at a lighthouse, with spectacular views and easy access to the beach below.

Coastguards Cottage

Rye - East Sussex

Sleeps 8

Charming seaside cottage with a contemporary interior just 20 metres from Camber Sands beach, perfect for groups of friends and family.

Ower Quay

Wareham - Dorset

Sleeps 12

This beautiful cottage overlooks Poole Harbour in Dorset and offers an abundance of opulent comfort and old-world charm.

10 of the best remote cabins

Secret hideaways, bringing a touch of luxury - and often a hot tub - to the woods. Take a look at 10 of our favourite UK cabins. And see our full cabin collection.

Ecotone Cabins

Ullapool - Ross-Shire

2 - 4 per cabin

Two beautifully built eco-cabins in the northwest Scottish Highlands, just a short drive from Ullapool and offering arresting views over Loch Broom.

Foragers Cabin

Welshpool - Powys

2 +1 child

Secluded woodland cabin in rural Wales with a private sauna, wood-fired hot tub and slow living in the trees.

The A Frame

Hereford - Herefordshire

Sleeps 2

Modern A Frame in the Herefordshire countryside offering couples a romantic retreat with a hot tub and amazing scenic views.

Cottlass

Ivybridge - Devon

Sleeps 2

Charming cabin with stunning views and a hot tub, perfect for a romantic break in the Devon countryside.

Woodcock Cabin

Cwymystwyth - Ceredigion

Sleeps 2

Situated on 38 acres of private land in the Cambrian Mountains is this cosy off-grid cabin, complete with wood-fired hot tub and stargazing net

The Lambing Shed

Taunton - Somerset

Sleeps 2

Atmospheric woodland cabin in Somerset orchards with a wood-fired bath under the apple trees.

Hurkle Durkle Hut

Preston - Northumberland

Sleeps 2

Rustic A-frame hideaway in the Northumberland woods offering couples a truly relaxing break in a fabulous setting with a wood-fired hot tub.

The Black Rhadley Cabin

Pennerley - Shropshire

Sleeps 2

Striking, modern, Scandi-inspired cabin with a wood-fired outdoor bath tucked away in a peaceful Shropshire wood.

The Quist

Hereford - Herefordshire

Sleeps 4

Luxurious treetop cabin for four with woodfired hot tub, located on a secluded hilltop in an 800-acre private estate in Herefordshire.

What are the main differences between a secluded cabin and a coastal cottage for a holiday?

A secluded cabin typically offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by nature, often nestled in forests or mountains, ideal for those seeking peace and privacy. A coastal cottage provides proximity to beaches and ocean views, perfect for guests who enjoy seaside activities and maritime charm.

Which is better for families, a secluded cabin or a coastal cottage?

Both are suitable for families but offer different experiences. A secluded cabin offers adventure with hiking and wildlife nearby, while a coastal cottage provides beach fun and water sports. Consider your family’s preferences when choosing.

Are there pet-friendly options among Coolstays’ secluded cabins and coastal cottages?

Yes, many of Coolstays' properties welcome pets. Specific listings detail pet policies, so you can find both secluded cabins and coastal cottages that accommodate furry friends.

How do I book a unique property like a secluded cabin or coastal cottage through Coolstays?

Visit Coolstays.com to browse our curated selection of extraordinary stays. Use filters to narrow options by location, features, or group size. Once you've chosen your perfect getaway, follow the booking instructions provided on the listing page.

What activities can I expect near a secluded cabin booked through Coolstays?

Activities near secluded cabins often include hiking trails, birdwatching, fishing spots, and sometimes skiing in winter months. Each listing on Coolstays provides detailed information about nearby attractions.

Is it more expensive to stay in a coastal cottage compared to a secluded cabin?

Prices vary based on location, amenities, and season. Coastal cottages might command higher rates due to their desirable beach locations. Use Coolstays’ search tools to compare prices across various properties.

Can couples find romantic escapes at both secluded cabins and coastal cottages on Coolstays?

Absolutely. Both options offer romantic settings—cabins provide intimate woodland seclusion while cottages offer stunning sea vistas. Many listings feature amenities like hot tubs or fireplaces perfect for couple retreats.

What should larger groups consider when choosing between a secluded cabin or coastal cottage on Coolstays?

Larger groups should assess space requirements and available activities. Secluded cabins may offer expansive grounds for outdoor events; coastal cottages provide communal spaces with easy access to beach outings.

How far in advance should I book my stay at one of these unique properties with Coolstays?

Booking well in advance is recommended due to high demand for unique properties like these. Aim for several months ahead especially during peak seasons or holidays to secure your desired dates.

Do both types of accommodations provide eco-friendly options through Coolstays?

Yes, many of our listings prioritise sustainability with features such as solar power or eco-friendly construction materials. Our platform highlights these aspects so you can choose accommodations that align with your environmental values.