Dreamy Retreats and Hideaways for One

This time of the year, you can’t get away from talk of romance and suggestions for places to spend time together. But what if, in the words of Greta Garbo, you just want to be alone? Whether you’re happily single, part of a big and noisy family, or romantically involved, isn’t it great to get away from everything (and everyone) from time to time? Some say a life is best shared; I say, yes, but not all the time. So in the spirit of showing yourself some romance this Valentine’s Day, here’s all the inspiration you need to go gloriously — and stylishly — solo, even if only for a day.

Find a place to hang out. Stressful day? An hour out here would restore peace to the most frazzled mind. A gentle swing is so soporific, you might even find that you drift off, blissfully undisturbed except perhaps by a cool, light mountain breeze. Even if you don’t live in quite such a stunning location as this, perhaps you could find space to suspend a hanging chair from a sturdy tree branch in a sheltered spot in the garden. You can also find self-contained hanging chairs with frames for a patio or balcony.


Cozy up in a window nook. You might not be able to conjure up quite such a magnificent view, but you can still create a custom lounge space. A window seat provides the perfect spot for escapism — even if you’re only looking at the squirrels in next door’s garden from your top-floor flat. The gift is to have a window the right height, so if your perfect lookout is too high, consider a wide — and, of course, sturdily built — shelf to sit on, with a teeny ladder to climb up. For low-down windows, simply drag your favorite chair and comfiest cushions into prime position.


Soak your troubles away. This bath could relax even the most tense person. Some people like to share their bathroom time, but I just don’t get it. Especially here, when you could lock the door, put on some atmospheric music (the soundtrack to Drive, perhaps?), turn down the lights, lie back and feel as if you have that view all to yourself.


Contemplate a yogi lair. Yoga lovers, wouldn’t you just love to have this room for your morning asanas? Airy, flooded with light, surrounded by nature … ommm.


Join the trailer club. Tea for one? Yes, please. What a glorious spot in which to take in the country air and enjoy the long grass under your feet with the soundtrack of rustling rabbits, birdsong and a handsome horse braying gently in the next field. If you have space in your garden, an old trailer makes a nice restoration project too, and could double as a guest room in the summer.


Relax with a little sowing. They say gardening is therapeutic. Where better to start a relaxing day puttering in your green patch than in a peaceful garden shed, where you have space for potting plants and tidily storing tools? And all reassuringly out of earshot from the chaos of a busy house. It’s amazing what a little whitewashing can do — it has given this small space a lovely, airy feel. To maximize the soothing atmosphere, paint the floor and ceiling as well as the walls.


Get steamy. I don’t know about you, but I prefer to sweat alone. And this spectacular garden sauna would be hard to leave. I love the twist on the country favorite, the outdoor shower, too. What a clever idea that glass roof is.


Enjoy the heights. Or how about taking some time out on a rooftop? Gardening can be backbreaking work, so it’s important to rest.


Choose a chair egg-specially for you. Escape from sofa hoggers in a snug, egg-shaped seat designed for one — unless someone else in your household gets to it first.


Make space to create. If you’re a creative soul but find that your sewing, knitting or crafting takes place on the kitchen table or in front of the TV, consider setting up a dedicated space for making. No need to tidy up half-finished projects at the end of the day, and you’ll have no distractions apart from daydreaming — and thinking up new ideas, of course — while you gaze out the window. This creation station is so tranquil, even the cat wants to get in on the act.


Support your library. What a pleasing place to get lost in a good book. It’s a great use of a narrow landing too, and the little reading post by the window — with a view as well as somewhere for a cuppa — has turned what could have been just a bookshelf into a miniature library. Something like this would be perfect for storing all those books you’ve always meant to read. In such a peaceful, contemplative space, you’d be more likely to pick one out and open it.


Look after your art. The light in this glass-lined studio is perfect for illuminating an artist’s canvas, and the leafy garden outside is a tranquil backdrop that would boost creative focus. You could invite visitors to sit and chat while you work, but it might feel a bit cramped. Best not, then …


Shop, then drop. Oh, walk-in wardrobe, how I covet thee. And what a generous beauty this one is. With the period features — cornicing, bare boards and fireplace — it’s more like an upscale vintage store than a functional storage area.

If you have the luxury of a spare room to give over to clothes, consider how this also shows that complex arrangements aren’t required if you’re happy with open storage. All you need is a few shelves for bags, shoes and folded things; some simple hanging rails; and, of course, a perch on which to sit with a glass of wine after a hard day’s shopping to admire your acquisitions.


Get lost in a good book. For your own garden reading retreat, all you’d need is a shed, patio or porch corner — it needn’t be as grand as this space — your favorite books and a comfy chair.

Tell us: Do you have a special spot in or around your home where you love to spend time alone? Share your thoughts and photos in the Comments.

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