With Valentines Day fast approaching, leave the chocolates and flowers to the amateurs and impress your special someone by whisking them away on a romantic getaway. Belvilla are one of Europe’s leading providers of spectacular holiday homes at affordable prices. Here is a sneak preview of a few on offer, that promise the opportunity to conjure romance without breaking the bank, or any hearts!

The Windmill
A unique and elegantly decorated property, situated in Rutland, Anglia, surrounded by glorious countryside, The Windmill promises to be a truly romantic retreat.  Couples can languish in the master bedroom, which boasts a 4 poster bed with 360 degree views of the surrounding idyllic landscape. If is not too difficult to abandon the intimacy of your room, Rutland’s lake is ideal for romantic strolls and bike rides. Enjoy some tea and scones at the traditional tearooms and pick up an antique at the antique shops in the quintessentially English villages of Stamford, Oakham and Uppingham nearby.

There are numerous pubs nearby offering traditional roasts and gastro delights but if you fancy something decidedly non- English, try Central Restaurant and Choys Chinese restaurant for Chinese cuisine.
Alternatively, for Indian food, The Voujon offers good food within modern surroundings.

For something truly magical, visit the Rutland Water Butterfly Farm & Aquatic Centre at Sykes Lane, Empingham. It’s the largest tropical house in the area and features over 5000 sq ft of jungle paradise where parrots, iguanas and multicolored butterflies are free to roam and fly in the lush vegetation.

If history is more your thing, a visit to the splendid Great Hall of Oakham Castle is highly recommended. The castle is licensed for civil marriages should the Valentine spirit unexpectedly take over!

£125 per night over Valentines for the whole property, is incredibly reasonable for a unique living space as this.

Oast House
The newly converted holiday home is tucked away at the rear owner’s grounds with separate drive and gardens to offer maximum seclusion for you and your partner. The property is located in a peaceful setting on a 500 acre working sheep farm, with the famous 1066 Country Walk crossing the land. Historic Hastings and picturesque Rye as well as the beautiful coast of South England are a mere five miles away. Take a pair of hefty walking shoes as this is the perfect retreat for couples wishing to spend time with one another as they take a stroll down paths less travelled in a secluded and beautiful setting. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can fill up at any of the local pubs in Bislington. Or bring a blanket and lay a picnic, then snuggle together as you laze in the afternoon sun.

Inter-active displays, life size models, dramatic lighting, special effects and a personal audio tour excitingly re-create the life and atmosphere of Tonbridge Castle over 700 years. Set in 500 acres of beautiful parkland, Leeds Castle is full of discovery. A blend of heritage, wonderful grounds and conservation awaits every visitor. Take to the heavens and pop open a bottle of Champagne in the Hi Flyer static air balloon, just one of the many attractions the castle has to offer.

At only £75 per night for the whole property over Valentines, and a welcome package thrown in, this is a great deal.

If you really want to escape from it all, and earn extra brownie points with your partner, pack extra woolies and take a trip to the Scottish Highlands. Belvilla recommends:

Lochiner Lodge -The views of the sea from this chalet are simply breathtaking. After breakfast, take a stroll with your partner along the coast, and you will return with lightness in your step after what an unimaginably peaceful and relaxing holiday experience.
£84 per night

The Bothy in the heart of the Scottish borders is similarly a haven of tranquility, with magnificent views of that will simply take your breath away. If you’re a keen walker, golfer, fisher, The Bothy is ideal. The £62 per night includes flowers, fresh fruit and a complimentary bottle of wine will set the romantic mood for the perfect weekend.

Visit www.belvilla.co.uk for further details  all of these properties.