Unusual romantic places in the UK

For more information, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Northern Ireland: Downhill Holiday Home
Situated on the Causeway coast of Northern Ireland (40 minutes from Donegal), this modern coastal cottage is completely self-sufficient - thanks to a windmill generator. The remote house is positioned between two gentle waterfalls, with spectacular views of the sea, cliffs and dunes on Downhill Strand - a delightful, seven-mile long sandy beach. It sleeps up to six and costs from £250 per week.

For more information, visit www.lamb.dog.freeservers.com

Devon: St Michael and All Angels
Here's a chance to appreciate a lovely Victorian village church - by sleeping in it. Local landowner, the Earl of Portsmouth, built the church of Hollocombe's in rural Devon, in 1890. St Michael's still has its bell tower, arched stained glass windows, and ornate stone corbels. Now it's been turned into a home with three bedrooms and a bathroom. It sleeps six and costs from £426 per week.

For more information, visit www.classic.co.uk

Yorkshire: The Pigsty
This Yorkshire oddity was built by an eccentric local squire after he'd been to the Mediterranean in the 1880s. He used timber Doric columns and a neo-classical facade to decorate what must be the world's most ornate pigsty. The property is now in the hands of the Landmark Trust which admits: "We have made it acceptable to a higher breed of inhabitant; and although the living quarters will never be palatial, the view over hills and towards Robin Hood's Bay... is undoubtedly fit for an empress." It sleeps two and costs from £164 for a four-night break.

For more information, visit www.landmarktrust.co.uk