Family trekking, cycling with a toddler, training across Turkey
The Guardian
The Guardian / Great Escapes

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Good evening, many of us have experienced that sinking feeling when you think you’ve bought your ‘ideal’ home, but on closer inspection realise that there’s a little more remodelling and remedial work than you anticipated. It’s called buyer’s remorse. Few of us - if any - have walked away with the keys to a property that is not only ‘on the point of collapse’, but is also in a different location to where we thought we were buying. Such was the case with Cal Hunter and Claire Segeren, who believed they were bidding on an apartment in Glasgow, but ended up buying a dilapidated Victorian villa in Dunoon, 35 miles away. Something to do with fast-talking auctioneers and mixed up lot numbers. But Cal and Claire’s story has a happy ending, albeit after four-and-a-half years of back-breaking restoration work. The project was so daunting in fact that it spawned a warts-and-all DIY documentary and they garnered more than 300,000 Instagram followers. But now the couple have opened up their property to holidaymakers. Our writer and his daughters were the first through the door, and this week we offer you a glimpse inside the Scottish ruin turned shore-front refuge on the Firth of Clyde.

Andy Pietrasik
Head of Travel

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Story of the week

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The couple who bought a crumbling Scottish villa – by accident – and turned it into a holiday let Read more

 

Our travel picks of the week

1

Walking | Can you really take kids on a 630-mile hike? Walking the South West Coast Path Read more

2

Cycling | Pews, picnics and pedalling: Cycling through Herefordshire Read more  

3

Rail travel | On the midnight express train across Turkey Read more  

 

Featured trip

Highlights of Turkey

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Explore the ancient heritage and natural wonders of Turkey from the Roman city of Ephesus to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia.

 

In other news

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My cultural day out on the Sussex Art Shuttle.

Read more

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This week's favourite trips

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Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion
The perfect choice for lovers of French wine, this tour is packed with tastings and visits exploring the region’s rich heritage.

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Sicily food adventure
Combine exploring the delicious cuisine, including a cookery class and tastings, with the chance to see many of the island’s historic highlights.

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Georgia
Discover the legendary beauty, historic sights and mouth-watering cuisine of this fascinating lesser known gem.

 

Sustainable travel

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‘The place was so relaxing I almost missed my train’: readers’ favourite European railway hotels

Read more

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Deal of the week

Iceland and the northern lights - save up to 10%

See the highlights of Reykjavik and go in search of the aurora borealis on this classic tour with lots of optional tours to choose from.

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Image of the week

Five great adventures in Georgia

 
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