Arty Hideaways By The Sea

THE LIME TREE
Fort William, Highlands

WHY HERE? Once home to a clergyman in the 19th century, this Scottish manse has morphed into an art gallery that offers popular and ultra-comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation. An Ealdhain Gallery – Gaelic for ‘the place for creativity’ – is both the working studio of Highland landscape artist David Wilson and a contemporary exhibition space displaying the works of famed artists such as David Hockney and Andy Goldsworthy. After emerging from your stylish and characterful room, which boasts breathtaking loch views, you can enjoy breakfast next to the gallery and ponder artistic licence over your morning croissant and cup of coffee.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Perched on the edge of Loch Linnhe, The Lime Tree is within walking distance of several sandy beaches.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Based on two sharing, prices start at £100 per room per night, including breakfast.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01397 701806 or visit limetreefortwilliam.co.uk.

THE ARTIST’S COTTAGE
Near Kilcrohane, County Cork

WHY HERE? Owned by a family of artists and designers, the seascape paintings that hang from Laharandota’s walls capture the dramatic tones of a changeable Irish sea, which dances just metres below the private pool belonging to this rustic hillside cottage. The kitchen’s flagstone floors are warmed by an oil-fired Rayburn stove, and there are easels and basic art materials on hand for impromptu art attacks. Within an hour’s drive, art-lovers can peruse 10 local arts and craft galleries, while the iconic Sheep’s Head Way walking route passes the cottage doorstep, for times when only a windswept hike will do.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? The secluded shores of Barleyclove Beach are a two-mile walk from the cottage.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices for a week’s stay start from £410. Sleeps five.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 07734 663589 or visit theartistscottage.com.

BROOMHILL ART HOTEL
Muddiford, Devon
Photo: Giles Penny

WHY HERE? Dutch couple Aniet and Rinus Van de Sande founded this hotel because of their passion for collecting paintings and sculpture. Seventeen years on, their back garden has mushroomed into a 10-acre wonderland of contemporary sculpture. Weave through a giant red stiletto, weathered statues and ornamental figureheads, while weighing up a purchase – the garden doubles as a shop window for emerging artists. Inside, artwork adorns the walls of six light and airy bedrooms. Team a sleepover with dinner in Broomhill’s award-winning restaurant Terra Madre; monthly live music nights play out in the art gallery, where jazz is served up with plates of tasty tapas.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? The golden sands of Woolacombe Beach are a 15-minute drive away.
WHAT DOES IT COST? A weekend stay, including a three-course meal, breakfast and access to the gardens, starts from £265, based on two people sharing.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01271 850262 or visit broomhillart.co.uk.

WEST DOWN HOUSE HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Bradworthy, Devon
Photo: Richard Brookes-Ensor

WHY HERE? From more than 100 sculptures in the woody gardens to art classes in the Drawing Room, West Down House is ideal for art-lovers. Run by husband and wife Richard and Dawn, accommodation includes the Butler’s Pantry, a cosy cottage boasting rustic roof beams and a traditional inglenook fireplace. It also has a patio perfect for alfresco dining, which looks out over a small garden leading into the grounds of the main manor house. Try wandering the five-acre sculpture gardens and pick an installation to take home with you before putting pencil to paper at an on-site art class run by Dawn.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Take a short drive to the National Trust-owned beach Sandymouth, Bude which has great waves for surfing. Explore its idyllic rockpools and waterfalls before indulging in an ice-cream at the local café. The fishing village of Clovelly is also nearby.
WHAT DOES IT COST? The Butler’s Pantry costs from £265 per week. Sleeps two.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01409 241400 or visit westdownhouse.co.uk.

SOUTH BEACH COURT
Tenby, Pembrokeshire

WHY HERE? Standing proudly in the home of one of Pembrokeshire’s most thriving art scenes, this former hotel at the end of Tenby’s esplanade offers spectacular views across South Beach towards the monastic island of Caldey. Take an easel and five of your most art-loving friends and revel in this bolthole-cum-gallery; in almost every one of the rooms you’ll find watercolour paintings by local artist Annie Hill, famed for her depictions of nearby St Julian’s Chapel (known as the Little Church by the Sea) and South Beach itself.
WHERE’S THE NEAREST BEACH? Step out of one of Annie’s paintings and on to the real thing – South Beach, a mile-and-a-half of Blue Flag sand, backed by dunes, is just seconds away from the front door.
WHAT DOES IT COST? Prices for a week at South Beach Court start from £655.
HOW DO I BOOK? Call 01834 844565 or visit fbmholidays.co.uk.

Interested in more places to stay by the sea? Try these dog-friendly rentals, campervan breaks, or restaurants with rooms. Keep up to date with our latest finds in the magazine.