Late-Summer Countryside Retreats in Europe
Top Picks
There’s something magical about the late-summer countryside. The light softens, the air cools, and the landscapes take on a golden glow, inviting us to pause, wander, and reconnect. For those yearning to escape the fast pace of everyday life, rural retreats offer more than a change of scenery — they promise space, stillness, and soul.
From the rolling vineyards of Piedmont to the windswept moors of Yorkshire, we’ve gathered a collection of escapes that embody the spirit of slow living. Each hotel celebrates its landscape, blending thoughtful design with heartfelt hospitality, and reminding us that sometimes the most luxurious thing of all is silence.
Whether you’re craving a Tuscan farmhouse, a lakeside sanctuary, or a contemporary English country house, here are our favourite rural hideaways for a late-summer escape!
Villa La Madonna
Rolling vineyards, mid-century design, and the scent of Barbera in the air — Villa La Madonna is the very definition of dolce far niente. Set in the untouched Bormida Valley, this hideaway embodies the slow rhythm of rural life. Rustic-chic interiors, a pool framed by vines, and a kitchen rooted in honest flavours invite guests to sip, savour, and simply be. A soulful escape for romantics, aesthetes, and lovers of the slow life.
Locanda al Colle
Perched between olive groves and the Tuscan coast, Locanda al Colle feels like staying with a dear friend — one with impeccable taste and a house filled with art, antiques, and warm hospitality. Its eclectic design reflects both heritage and creativity, with each room telling its own story. The terrace overlooks rolling hills down to the sea, and evenings often unfold with communal dining, laughter, and local wine. It’s Tuscany, but more personal, more soulful.
Cowley Manor Experimental
Bold, playful, and unapologetically stylish, Cowley Manor Experimental reimagines the traditional English country house. Set amid 55 acres of lakes, gardens, and woodlands in the Cotswolds, it blends heritage with a contemporary creative spirit. Inside, vibrant design, eclectic details and the Experimental Group’s signature flair transform this manor into a countryside playground. Outside, the rolling hills await — ready to be explored, or admired from the comfort of a sunlit terrace.
Saltmoore
On the edge of North Yorkshire’s wild moors and rugged coastline lies Saltmoore — a sanctuary of relaxation, elegance, and understated luxury. With a brasserie, spa, and Victorian-inspired interiors, it perfectly balances the raw beauty of the landscape with soft sophistication. Days can be spent wandering windswept trails, then returning to the comfort of fireside warmth. A retreat for those who crave both wild adventure and indulgent repose.
Yeotown Devon
For those seeking more than just a countryside escape, Yeotown is a sanctuary for body and mind. Tucked into the rolling hills of North Devon, it has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s leading wellness retreats. Guests are guided through transformative programmes of yoga, mindfulness, wild walks and nourishing cuisine — all designed to restore balance and vitality. More than a stay, Yeotown is an invitation to reset your rhythm in nature’s embrace.
Susafa
Set within a 200-year-old farmhouse in the rolling Sicilian hills, Susafa is a heartfelt celebration of rural life. This working estate invites guests to reconnect with nature through seasonal cuisine, immersive workshops, and the gentle rhythms of the countryside. From lazy afternoons by the pool to long, lingering dinners under the stars, Susafa captures the timeless spirit of Sicily—authentic, generous, and utterly restorative.
Casale Sterpeti
A lovingly restored stone farmhouse in the Tuscan Maremma, Casale Sterpeti offers rural luxury at its most authentic. Minimalist interiors highlight the natural textures of stone and wood, while sweeping views over olive groves and fields stretch endlessly to the horizon. Here, silence is part of the design. Slow mornings, homemade flavours, and the gentle cadence of country life make this a retreat that feels timeless, grounding, and quietly unforgettable.
Poggio delle Molare
A rustic gem hidden in Lazio’s verdant hills, Poggio delle Molare embodies rural simplicity with quiet sophistication. Surrounded by vineyards, forests and timeless countryside stillness, it’s a retreat that feels rooted in tradition yet refined in spirit. This is the Italy of long walks, slow evenings, and the comforting rhythm of the land — perfect for travellers seeking authenticity and serenity in equal measure.
Instants d’Absolu – Ecolodge & Spa
Hidden in the wild heart of Auvergne, Instants d’Absolu offers an eco-conscious sanctuary where nature reigns supreme. Perched beside a shimmering volcanic lake and surrounded by untamed landscapes, this ecolodge invites guests to disconnect, breathe deeply, and embrace the art of slow living. With a spa inspired by nature, locally sourced cuisine, and a philosophy rooted in sustainability, it’s a soulful retreat for those seeking stillness and authenticity.
