{"id":17865,"date":"2026-04-21T13:14:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:14:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/?p=17865"},"modified":"2026-04-21T13:14:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T13:14:20","slug":"vrbo-announces-2026-holiday-homes-of-the-year","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/vrbo-announces-2026-holiday-homes-of-the-year\/","title":{"rendered":"Vrbo announces 2026 top Holiday Homes of the Year"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Today,<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Vrbo\u00ae\u00a0announced the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vrbo.com\/en-gb\/\/holiday-homes-of-the-year?brandcid=VRBO-UK.COMMS.PR.VROTY26.VACATIONRENTAL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2026\u00a0Holiday Homes\u00a0of the Year<\/a>,\u00a0a collection of standout homes recognized for exceptional guest reviews, trusted hosts,\u00a0and\u00a0sought-after\u00a0amenities.\u00a0The list features properties across\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u00a0and internationally, including\u00a0family\u2011friendly homes, large group getaways, luxury\u00a0retreats, unique architectural escapes, and nature\u2011forward destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Program Background and Highlights<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now in its fifth year, the annual list recognizes properties that exemplify exceptional quality, reliability, and&nbsp;Vrbo&#8217;s&nbsp;high standards&nbsp;for stays&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;can trust. In fact, several of the homes have earned more than 100 perfect 10\/10 guest ratings, reflecting the positive experiences guests can expect every time they book a Vrbo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This&nbsp;edition features an impressive variety of accommodation styles in the UK&#8217;s most coveted destinations, including Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire,&nbsp;Highlands&nbsp;or North Yorkshire.&nbsp;UK travelers who want to travel internationally&nbsp;can also find properties in&nbsp;Faro, Portugal;&nbsp;Andalusia, Spain;&nbsp;Cabo San Lucas, Mexico;&nbsp;Mykonos, Greece;&nbsp;or Tuscany, Italy.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Travellers&nbsp;can explore previous years\u2019&nbsp;standout&nbsp;homes and stay updated on future collections by visiting&nbsp;Vrbo\u2019s&nbsp;Holiday Homes of the Year&nbsp;hub.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UK\u00a02026\u00a0Holiday Homes\u00a0of the Year\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vrbo.com\/en-gb\/p10708054?dateless=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The View<\/strong><\/a><strong>,\u00a0Downderry, Cornwall, England:<\/strong>\u00a0&#8220;The View,&#8221; a luxurious\u00a0five\u2011bedroom\u00a0beachfront house on Cornwall\u2019s Cornish Riviera in\u00a0Downderry, offers\u00a0a direct\u00a0beach access, sweeping 180\u00b0 sea views from most rooms and\u00a0an\u00a0hot tub. Family- and pet-friendly, the property sleeps up to 10 and features a stylish sitting room with original artwork, a log burner and vinyl player, plus a kitchen\/dining area with panoramic ocean views and ample\u00a0off\u2011street\u00a0parking\u2014delivering the perfect blend of luxury, comfort and coastal beauty for a Cornish getaway.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"file:\/\/\/C:\/Users\/vezponda\/Desktop\/-%09https:\/www.vrbo.com\/en-gb\/p11336746%3fdateless=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Barberry Farm Cottage,<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0Dittisham, Devon, England:<\/strong>\u00a0Barberry Farm Cottage marries rustic charm with modern sophistication in a redesigned four\u2011bedroom retreat for eight. The impressive open\u2011plan living space, with floor\u2011to\u2011ceiling windows on two sides, frames a meadow garden,\u00a0pond\u00a0and stream, while interiors feature muted earthy tones, timber\u2011clad walls, a navy\u2011paneled snug with wood\u2011burning stove and a social kitchen island. Multiple terraces,\u00a0a pergola\u2011shaded\u00a0patio\u00a0and landscaped grounds complete this idyllic countryside escape.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"file:\/\/\/C:\/Users\/vezponda\/Desktop\/-%09https:\/www.vrbo.com\/en-gb\/p10867643%3fdateless=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Rushay<\/strong><\/a><strong>, Bridport, Dorset, England:\u00a0<\/strong>Rushay\u00a0is a magnificent 1906 Arts &amp; Crafts country house for up to 20 guests, just a 20\u2011minute walk from Charmouth\u2019s\u00a0fossil\u2011rich\u00a0Jurassic Coast. The estate includes a\u00a0six\u2011bedroom\u00a0main house with\u00a0log\u2011fired\u00a0sitting rooms and a\u00a0chef\u2011worthy\u00a0Aga kitchen, plus a renovated\u00a0three\u2011bedroom\u00a0cottage, and outdoor amenities such as a private tennis court, sweeping lawns, a wildflower croquet lawn with spring orchids and a\u00a0west\u2011facing\u00a0terrace with an Argentinian asado BBQ. Blending historic charm with modern comforts,\u00a0Rushay\u00a0offers fossil hunting,\u00a0hill\u2011fort\u00a0exploration, local\u00a0dining\u00a0and versatile reception spaces\u2014an idyllic Dorset backdrop for celebrations and country escapes.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"file:\/\/\/C:\/Users\/vezponda\/Desktop\/-%09https:\/www.vrbo.com\/en-gb\/p8259869%3fdateless=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Cotswold House<\/strong><\/a><strong>, North Nibley, Gloucestershire, England:\u00a0<\/strong>Cotswold House is a stylish\u00a0six\u2011bedroom\u00a0luxury property in North Nibley for up to 17 guests, blending vintage charm with modern convenience. It offers two\u00a0wood\u2011burner\u00a0sitting rooms, a\u00a0well\u2011equipped\u00a0kitchen with range oven and twin refrigerators, an exciting games room, and a private garden with a relaxing hot tub\u2014styled with carefully selected vintage furnishings and a refined Farrow &amp; Ball palette. Ideally\u00a0located\u00a0for easy access from London, Bristol and Birmingham, this\u00a0child\u2011friendly\u00a0retreat is perfect for family gatherings,\u00a0celebrations\u00a0and countryside escapes.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"file:\/\/\/C:\/Users\/vezponda\/Desktop\/-%09https:\/www.vrbo.com\/en-gb\/p8773884%3fdateless=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>The Lighthouse,<\/strong><\/a><strong>\u00a0Gairloch, The Highlands, Scotland:\u00a0<\/strong>The Lighthouse is a luxury retreat in the Scottish Highlands, offering spectacular\u00a0south\u2011facing\u00a0sea views to the Torridon mountains and a larch\u2011\u00a0and\u00a0Douglas\u2011fir\u00a0exterior beneath a zinc roof that blends with the landscape. Inside, British craftsmanship and natural materials define a\u00a0first\u2011floor\u00a0open\u2011plan\u00a0living space with\u00a0floor\u2011to\u2011ceiling\u00a0windows opening onto a balcony and dining deck. Overlooking Gairloch pier with coastal paths to a nearby beach, the property is ideal for peaceful getaways, family adventures or outdoor pursuits such as golf, fishing and whale watching.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"file:\/\/\/C:\/Users\/vezponda\/Desktop\/-%09https:\/www.vrbo.com\/en-gb\/p10956257%3fdateless=true\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Oughtershaw\u00a0Hall<\/strong><\/a><strong>, Skipton, North Yorkshire, England<\/strong>:\u00a0Oughtershaw\u00a0Hall, an elegant former shooting lodge dating from the 1850s, sleeps 16 across eight distinctive bedrooms and sits amid tranquil woodlands with sweeping valley views. Modern comforts include a heated indoor pool, an\u00a0eight\u2011seater\u00a0sauna and a games room, while\u00a0stone\u2011flagged\u00a0passages lead to four fireside seating areas and a vast kitchen with an impressive dining table for convivial gatherings. Outside, romantic gardens along\u00a0Oughtershaw\u00a0Beck and a patio with Yorkshire\u00a0vistas\u00a0complete the experience.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This year\u2019s global honorees also include exceptional homes across\u00a0US, Germany,\u00a0Mexico, US, France,\u00a0Italy,\u00a0Greece\u00a0and Spain, ranging from beachfront villas and lakefront escapes to countryside retreats, architectural standouts,\u00a0and\u00a0nature forward\u00a0stays near coastlines, forests,\u00a0and iconic outdoor attractions.\u00a0See the full list of international homes\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.vrbo.com\/en-gb\/holiday-homes-of-the-year?brandcid=VRBO-UK.COMMS.PR.VROTY26.VACATIONRENTAL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What Vrbo Says About This Year\u2019s Collection<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe&nbsp;Holiday Homes&nbsp;of the Year&nbsp;showcase&nbsp;the finest&nbsp;holiday homes&nbsp;on&nbsp;Vrbo. New this year, every property on the list has earned the \u2018Loved by Guests\u2019 badge&nbsp;<strong>\u2014<\/strong>&nbsp;a recognition reserved only for the top 10% of homes in a destination based on real guest reviews,\u201d said Larry&nbsp;Plawsky, Senior Vice&nbsp;President&nbsp;and General Manager at Vrbo. \u201cThis list should inspire&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;to take their next group getaway and demonstrates how easy it is to find a trusted, high-quality vacation rental every time they plan a trip.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis year\u2019s list reflects just how far&nbsp;traveller&nbsp;expectations have evolved and how our partners continue to rise to the occasion,\u201d said Tim Rosolio, Vice President of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Vrbo. \u201cFrom unique design and standout amenities to the small, thoughtful touches that build trust, these homes deliver the kind of exceptional experiences that today\u2019s&nbsp;travellers&nbsp;don\u2019t&nbsp;just appreciate, they expect.&nbsp;We\u2019re&nbsp;proud to celebrate hosts who are setting a new standard for quality and helping shape the future of&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;homes.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Vrbo\u2019s\u00a0Holiday Home\u00a0of the Year\u00a0Selection Criteria\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Loved by Guests:<\/strong>\u00a0Homes recognized within\u00a0the top 10% of properties in a destination based on verified guest reviews\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Premier Host Quality:<\/strong>\u00a0Properties managed by\u00a0reliable\u00a0hosts with a proven record of\u00a0great hospitality, including a 99% booking acceptance rate and zero host cancellations\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Exceptional Ratings &amp; Reviews:<\/strong>\u00a0Minimum of 15 exceptional\u00a0guest\u00a0ratings and verified positive reviews\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Desirable Locations:<\/strong>\u00a0Properties in highly searched\u00a0leisure\u00a0\u2014\u00a0often steps from oceans, lakes,\u00a0or mountains\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Great for Groups<\/strong>: Spacious layouts\u00a0with\u00a0private pools, hot tubs, large kitchens, game rooms,\u00a0and multiple gathering\u00a0areas ideal for families and multi\u2011generational groups\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Distinctive \u201cWow\u201d Factor:<\/strong>\u00a0Properties offering memorable features or standout design\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What\u00a0is\u00a0Vrbo\u2019s\u00a0Holiday Home of the Year?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Holiday Homes&nbsp;of the Year is&nbsp;Vrbo\u2019s&nbsp;annual list highlighting&nbsp;top-rated&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;homes known for exceptional reviews, reliable hosts,&nbsp;and amenities that make them ideal for families, groups,&nbsp;and memorable getaways.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What\u2019s\u00a0the difference between Premier Host and Loved by Guests?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Premier Host<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Highlights\u00a0hosts\u00a0with a strong record of reliability, including:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consistently high booking acceptance rates\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No host\u2011initiated cancellations\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>9.2 or above overall guest rating\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Loved by Guests<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognizes homes that deliver exceptional guest experiences, based on:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ranking in the top 10% of properties within their destination\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>9.4 or above overall guest rating.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>How are the homes selected?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Homes are chosen based on verified guest ratings, host reliability, standout amenities, suitability for families and groups, and locations in popular leisure destinations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What types of amenities do these homes offer?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular&nbsp;features include&nbsp;private pools, hot tubs, game rooms, spacious kitchens, outdoor living&nbsp;spaces, direct beach or lake access, mountain or ski proximity,&nbsp;and unique architectural elements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Where are the 2026\u00a0Holiday Homes\u00a0of the Year\u00a0located?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2026 list includes standout homes across the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;in destinations such as&nbsp;Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, the&nbsp;Highlands&nbsp;or North Yorkshire, along with international homes across Mexico,&nbsp;US,&nbsp;Spain, France,&nbsp;Portugal,&nbsp;Greece&nbsp;and Italy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The 2026 list includes standout homes across the\u00a0UK\u00a0and\u00a0internationally.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>UK&nbsp;highlights:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cornwall\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Devon\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dorset\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gloucestershire\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Highlands\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>North Yorkshire<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>International highlights:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Portugal\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Spain\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mexico\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>US\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>France\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Greece\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Italy\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Are these homes good for family or group travel?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Many homes offer multibedroom layouts, multiple gathering&nbsp;spaces&nbsp;and amenities ideal for families, multigenerational trips,&nbsp;and group getaways.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>How can travelers book these homes?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All&nbsp;Holiday Homes&nbsp;of the Year properties can be viewed and booked directly on Vrbo.&nbsp;See the full list&nbsp;here.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Today,\u00a0Vrbo\u00ae\u00a0announced the\u00a02026\u00a0Holiday Homes\u00a0of the Year,\u00a0a collection of standout homes recognized for exceptional guest reviews, trusted hosts,\u00a0and\u00a0sought-after\u00a0amenities.\u00a0The list features properties across\u00a0the\u00a0UK\u00a0and&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":17864,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[149],"tags":[],"companies":[95],"locations":[88],"class_list":["post-17865","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","companies-vrbo","locations-london","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17865","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17865"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17865\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17866,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17865\/revisions\/17866"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/17864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17865"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=17865"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=17865"},{"taxonomy":"companies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/companies?post=17865"},{"taxonomy":"locations","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.expedia.co.uk\/newsroom\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/locations?post=17865"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}