A 17th-century Cornwall home shows how character and story drive a luxury holiday rental business

Sarah Stanley, founder of the holiday rental company Unique Homestays, has turned her own 17th-century home in Newquay, Cornwall, into a living advertisement for the power of architectural charm and narrative. The property, which the Financial Times describes as a retreat where "history is the luxury," practises exactly what Stanley preaches through her business, which specialises in letting distinctive, character-filled properties.

Unique Homestays has built a reputation by selecting homes with strong stories and architectural integrity rather than merely modern amenities. The company, according to the Financial Times, "harnesses the power of character, story and architectural charm" to attract discerning travellers who want more than a standard rental. Stanley's own home serves as a model for the kind of immersive, historically rich experience the brand offers its clients.

"History is the luxury in Sarah Stanley’s 17th-century Cornwall retreat"

The Financial Times notes that the house's appeal lies not in contemporary luxury finishes but in its centuries-old fabric and the sense of continuity it provides. Stanley has carefully preserved original features while making the space comfortable for modern living, a balance that Unique Homestays seeks in every property it lists. The approach has resonated with a clientele increasingly drawn to authenticity.

For Stanley, the home is both a personal sanctuary and a professional showcase. The Financial Times reports that the property demonstrates how "the founder’s Newquay home practises what she preaches," embedding the company's philosophy into her daily life. By living in a property that exemplifies the brand's values, Stanley offers a tangible example of the kind of experience Unique Homestays promises its guests.

The business model relies on the premise that a home's history and architecture are themselves forms of luxury, often more valuable than new amenities. As the Financial Times reports, Stanley's retreat proves that a 17th-century building with a compelling story can command the same attention and premium as any modern design hotel, as long as it is curated with care and respect for its past.