Take a look inside the incredible home-swap houses of Bristol

Thought house-swapping was just a thing from the romantic movie The Holiday and never considered it to happen in real life? To be honest, we were with you too.

Although house-swapping isn’t a new phenomenon, it’s something that is proving ever-more popular since Covid-19 and looks set to become the travel trend of 2022.

According to research from award-winning, global home swapping platform Love Home Swap, which has seen a 45% increase in new UK members over the last three months, “the first ten days of 2022 have already seen UK trialists up by 130% and trips agreed by UK members are up more than 140% compared to the start of 2021.”

With people wanting to escape but trying to keep their budgets in-hand, travellers wanting more authentic experiences and better design for their money, as well as people wanting to become part of a community, it’s no surprise that house-swapping is becoming so popular.

Love Home Swap members can choose from a Classic Swap, where they swap houses with someone else (either at the same time or on different dates), or a Points Swap, allowing them to travel without having to match their plans with another member.

And with Bristol becoming known for its hot property market and as something of an interior design and art hotspot, it’s no surprise that there are some of the best options coming out of our city. It turns out that opting for a house-swapping scenario in Bristol means that you can stay in something of an incredibly high standard and as design-focused as a hotel room.

So, as Bristol continues to peak the interest of those wanting to explore its incredible properties, interior design credentials and beautiful spaces, we decided to explore inside some of the homes available to swap with and take a closer peak…

Fancy something design-led, owned and curated by a professional designer themselves?

This Bristol home is a modernised period property close to Clifton Village, home to two furniture and textile designers, and therefore is stocked full with unique art and design pieces. You’ll find a lot of Scandi design throughout the home, with Eames and Ercol rockers either side of the burner in the snug area, a steam bent sofa in linens and sheepskins, and rattan side chairs of the owners’ own design. If you would love to stay somewhere with a high-end hotel feel without the high budget, this is the sort of property you might imagine.

What about something contemporary and Insta-worthy?

In the heart of Clifton Village, you’ll find this family home with a large private garden and all the comfort you could only dream of from an escape away. Think homely comfort mixed with period elegance and this is what you’ll get here, but with all the high-end finishes you might wish for in a holiday home.

Perhaps you like the idea of a complete architect-designed, unique home?

It’s not often you get the opportunity to stay in something that is entirely architect designed, unless you are staying in a hotel or spending a lot of money. This large six-bedroom home is a Victorian property that has recently undergone an extensive modern makeover - think en-suites, arty design and a large garden. Sounds pretty great, hey?

Or something a little more regency and period?

Many people like to ogle at the historic buildings in Bristol and a lot of people want to take a peek inside too - particularly when they’ve undergone beautiful and sympathetic renovations like this one.

Why not opt for something artistic, spacious and perfectly curated?

Perfectly curated, Aubern House in the heart of leafy Redland has all the design and interior flourishes you’d expect from a boutique hotel room.