Despite their seemingly modest beginnings, bed nooks and box beds have evolved into a luxurious trend that invites travelers to experience comfort in compact spaces. While it may seem odd to book a lavish getaway into a sleeping arrangement that might echo the confines of childhood sleepovers, these cozy alcoves have been embraced by adults for centuries, dating back to the medieval era.
Throughout Europe, up until the 20th century, these charming, cabin-like compartments were utilized by traveling nobility in ‘bed carriages’ on long journeys across land and sea. Farmers also crafted these insulated beds within their barns, seeking warmth and safety from livestock during the night. Over time, these functional spaces have transformed, adorned with intricate wood carvings, hand-painted designs, luxurious drapery, and sumptuous linens to create a cocooning atmosphere.
Contemporary designers, such as Hám Interiors, are now reimagining these cozy retreats to maximize compact living spaces while ensuring an aesthetically pleasing design. Embracing the comforting cottagecore trend, bed nooks are experiencing a resurgence in both residential homes and newly established boutique hotels like The Six Bells. Social media is abuzz with stunning images of the Inn Keeper Suite’s bed nook at this whimsical Hudson Valley hotel, which draws inspiration from Tyrolean aesthetics and the enchanting elegance of the Austrian Alps. Merging the rustic Bavarian charm with the picturesque allure of the English countryside, The Six Bells masterfully encapsulates the nostalgic essence of hidden nooks.
If your nostalgic side craves a whimsical retreat this autumn, we’ve curated a list of the coziest boltholes across the UK. Ideal for unwinding after adventurous days spent exploring the stunning Cornish coast or the breathtaking Scottish Highlands, these nooks invite you to draw the curtains and escape from the world into a sanctuary of comfort.
The Net Loft, Atlanta Trevone, Cornwall
Photo: John Hersey
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