Finding somewhere a bit different or quirky to live?

Eliza_2

At the moment I rent an isolated country cottage where I have been for over 10 years. Although I have a formal AST, I also have an informal arrangement with the landlord that in return for low rent, I will undertake repairs, for example, to a broken boiler or a new front door. I have installed a kitchen, floor coverings etc. (all diy!) In that time however he has fixed the roof and replaced some windows. It's an arrangement that has worked really well and I've had the best of both worlds, a rental which I have been able to make my own but not pay for the really big stuff.

However I now have itchy feet and wish to move on. I'd love to find somewhere that I can arrange something similar. Failing that, I'd like to rent somewhere unusual. I've loved George Clarke's small spaces programmes but all the quirky places seem to go as holiday cottages. I am interested in renting a National Trust property and am keeping my eye on those. (I see someone else on here is also looking at those too). English Heritage don't have rental properties unfortunately (holiday lets again!) but can anyone else suggest how to find any other properties to let that might be a bit unusual? I've started to get a list of large estates/privately owned country houses together as many of those have farm cottages etc which might be available to rent. Or maybe even a static caravan somewhere interesting.

Anywhere between southern Midlands and southern Scotland would be fine. Any bright ideas, however off the wall, would be really helpful. Thank you.

Liz

moneyistooshorttomention

There is a "tenant from hell" thread by Bupe on here right now.

Don't know what their house is basically like, whether its bog-standard or quirky.

Could you both maybe solve each others dilemma?

kinger101

Eliza wrote: »

Or maybe even a static caravan somewhere interesting.
Liz

I'd be careful with this. Static caravans often have very poor insulation, and are not suitable for the winter.

Pete9501

Liz, how about a canal boat in Lancashire?

http://pub45.bravenet.com/classified/show.php?usernum=3856361505&category=5174

paddyrg

Try Camelot Properties - somewhat short term maybe, but often very unusual accommodation at great prices.

dlmcr

http://www.chatsworth.org/properties-for-sale-and-let

pineapple

I'm in the same boat OP. Selling my property which is down an unadopted lane and moving to rented (for a while at least) and not sure if I can cope with living on a road again! What has worked for me in the past is checking out holiday cottages to rent and asking if they will let one at an ordinary rent. In one case I took a property as a winter let 'between seasons' - but came back later longer term.
Good luck.
Ps This site lists opportunities (not always overly communal)
http://www.diggersanddreamers.org.uk/index.php?one=dat&two=exi&fld=super_region&val=North%20of%20England&status=existing%20community&tit=Existing%20communities%20in%20the%20North%20of%20England

If you google 'property guardian' there are also companies (including Camelot) which let vacant properties on a caretaking basis. Lots of caveats but worth a look.
I've even taken to looking at ads in mags like The Lady' for possible rentals with housekeeper or care duties.