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Autumn Break: 5 Unusual Holiday Homes in Europe: "

Before winter comes raging in, I’m going to make the best out of the beautiful autumn weather. With mild temperatures and balmy sunshine, autumn is considered one of the best times to travel in Europe. For those looking to unwind and spend time with your loved one or family, holiday homes might be right up your alley. Ever tried staying in a cave or a windmill? Whether you’re looking to chill by the beach or hole up in the countryside, these quirky, unusual holiday homes in Europe will surely spice up your vacation.

A Trullo in Puglia, Italy

A trullo is a circular stone building roofed with a conical construction of dry stone masonry, unique to the region of Puglia in southeastern Italy. Some trullos in the area are as old as 300 years, with history seeping through their roots. Many holiday homes in Puglia have been converted from trullos, furnished with a luxury, ethnic touch and charming country style. One property worth visiting is the charming Trullo Bellissimo, restored to its full glory and made up of 3 separate buildings that can accommodate up to 4 persons. Puglia has a deep-rooted culinary tradition, composed mostly of simple dishes, made with local products – be sure to sample some local flavors while vacationing here.

A Windmill in Santorini, the Greek Islands

In one of the most magnificent places in the world, the magical Santorini island is made up of a juxtaposition of white-and-blue domes, narrow alleyways and charming windmills – all set against the backdrop of the dark blue Aegean Sea. Its ideal location makes for the perfect base for island hopping in Greece. Approaching the island by boat, you’ll catch a glimpse of the cute clusters of white-washed towns built on the slopes of the crater. Staying in one of the windmill holiday homes is quite an extraordinary experience – sleep in the romantic ambiance of a simplistic cone-shaped room, looking out into the sea with the mill right at your window’s edge. The Green Windmill Villa is especially atmospheric, with plenty of outdoor dining space and a bean-shaped pool for lounging.

Flickr Photo by Christopher Chan

A Former water tower in London, UK

For urban travelers seeking modern, plush furnishing in a historically-enchanting building, a former water tower in London would definitely do the trick. The London Water Tower in Greenwich, built in the late 1800s, has been stylishly converted into an 8-story contemporary building, overlooking the city’s skyline and River Thames. The red-brick building itself is a sheer architectural wonder, having been featured in several magazines and UK national papers. With 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open plan living area, 2 kitchens, a lift in the Tower and a moat around it you might not even use the 8 TV screens or WiFi.

A castle in the Dordogne, France

Castle hotels in Europe are quite a popular holiday home option, but few does it quite as well as the Chateau Lalinde in Southwest France. Poised on the edge of the Dordogne River, you can look out of your room window and watch the river stream below your feet. The 12th Century Chateau is located at the center of the most historical and picturesque region of France. Perfect for both the romantic at heart and outdoor lovers, the castle B&B promises plenty to do: hiking, painting holidays, cycling, canoeing, wine tasting or lounging at its private infinity pool. Visit world heritage sites such as the Lascaux caves, discover the best of French culinary products , music festivals and arts and crafts fairs, summer street parties and dancing in village squares .

Old commercial barge in Languedoc

You would think that sleeping on a barge is something you’d do at sea. But these days, especially in Europe, many old commercial barges have been converted into luxurious tourist accommodation. The barge Lodela was built in the 1930s, and used to sail in Belgium and Northern France. Restored in 2005, the barge is now an unusual and original form of tourist accommodation. It provides a remarkable level of comfort in an extremely pleasant setting. The barge is now docked at Languedoc-Rousillon, France, a region that offers a plethora of things to see and do: Carcassonne and its famous medieval city, UNESCO World Heritage sites and the Cathar chateaux. For obvious safety reasons, the barge is not recommended for families with children under 7 years of age or if children cannot swim yet.