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Forest Witch Cottage - on the trail of sorcery, spells and witchcraft in spooky woods. Haunted or not? Spooky places where the supernatural lurks. On Whidbey Island in Washington, off the coast of Seattle in the USA. In the narrow lanes and dark forests of the Wychwood in the Cotswolds in the UK. High in the Craigorm Mountains in Scotland, find some tales of witches, enchantment and magic. In Ballyboley Forest in Northern Island, uncover the mysteries and stories. Find witchy cottages in forests in Germany and France.
Find tips for historic or flat out spooky cottages to rent while you visit these fascinating corners of witchcraft.
Explore Whidbey Island, where the movie 'Practical Magic' was filmed. This movie was released in 1999. The beautiful house where the witches lived in the story is not on the island, it was a set made only for the film. But we won't let that get in the way of a good story. I have found a few good witchy cottages for you to visit.
Whidbey Island is off the coast of Washington, about 2 hours from Seattle by car and ferry. Explore the main street of Coupeville, where scenes from the film were set.
Penn Cove Cabin in the Woods - Whidbey Island - Washington - USA
Some enchantment is in the air here in the forest. This 1 bedroom home has 1 bathroom, a full kitchen and BBQ, porch, parking and plenty of privacy. Two extra guests can stay in the charming loft. Located just 9 km or 8 miles from Coupeville.
'I really loved how private and quiet it was. It was so cute and comfortable. Would love to go back and stay longer.'
Westside Waterview - Greenbank - Whidbey Island - Washington - USA
This 4 bedroom home has 1 bathroom, wraparound decks, hot tub, full kitchen and waterside views. A little bit of an enchanted vibe with the turret providing some magic, perhaps? Enjoy the fireplace and sauna. Located 20 km or 12 miles from Coupeville at Smugglers Cove.
'Slice of paradise on Whidbey Island. Stunning views, privacy, and regular visits by local fauna (bald eagles, chipmunk, deer) made this the ideal home for a family get-together. Expansive wraparound porch, and proximity to the Pantry Cafe were an added bonus! We look forward to future gatherings at this Smugglers Cove gem.'
The Goldilocks House -
Greenbank - Whidbey Island - Washington - USA
Goldilocks has good taste. Just right. No dark witches here, just pure bliss. 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, spacious kitchen, sea views, fireplace, BBQ, patios and seaside deck. A luxurious sanctuary. Located 20 km or 12 miles from Coupeville.
'This was an amazing home! From the meandering drive into the forested private road, the home was spectacular. The home took full advantage of the of the Incredible views everywhere. The views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound, the peaceful surroundings Including the bald eagles, and the abundant wildlife right outside the door. The host was very helpful and accommodating. This home was definitely a highlight of our trip.'
The Wychwood Forest - these woodlands once covered about 200 square km and were inhabited by the 'Hwicce' people. This tribe lent their name to the
earlier Old English name for the forest, 'Huiccewudu', which means ‘wood of a
tribe called the Hwicce’.
Everybody says it has nothing to do with witches, but why ruin a good story? So much of the wood has been destroyed, and the ancient knowledge with it. Today the forest is about 26 square km and many hikes are available. The heart is an ancient woodland, now under conservation and restoration.
There is a story of haunting in Wychwood Forest, it came from the suspicious death of a young woman in 1560. She returned in spirit form to warn her husband of his impending death. No surprise, he died within a few days. Other supernatural sightings have included a horse-drawn carriage with ghostly crying children. Haven or haunted? You decide.
There are many villages named from ancient times for their location in this wood, today you can still visit Ascott-Under-Wychwood, Shipton-Under-Wychwood, Milton-Under-Wychwood, the Wychwood Forest and the Wychwood Wild Gardens.
Find your forest witch cottage
close to the forest in the hamlets and villages nearby.
Gardner's Cottage - Shipton Under Wychwood - Cotswolds - UK
This delightful honey-stone cottage has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, private parking, a fireplace and a beautiful relaxing garden. Just 9 km or 5 miles to Wychwood Forest. A perfect place to be home whilst you explore the Cotswolds.
'Lovely, well-equipped house with amazing garden in a great location.'
The Barn - Finstock - near Chipping Norton - Cotswolds - UK
Just a short stroll to Wychwood Forest, this restored barn is located on a quiet lane way near Finstock village. With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this 4-star property welcomes 4 guests in comfort. With a full kitchen and privacy, this unique and inviting 17th Century stone barn with split level living is located in the Cotswolds. 18 km or 11 miles from Chipping Norton village.
'This is a beautiful little cottage surrounded by lovely gardens. The welcome basket of treats and fruit was a nice touch. The kitchen was well stocked with cookware, cooking utensils, dishes and cutlery. Having some basic groceries was especially appreciated as we arrived late and grocery stores were a bit of a distance away and may have been closed. We also enjoyed the use of the BBQ. The cottage was nice and clean when we arrived. Shopping is available in the town of Witney an about 11 minutes drive away. In all, we enjoyed our stay.'
Apple Store Cottage - Charlbury - Cotswolds - UK
Not spooky at all, but well placed to explore Wychwood Forest, dells and streams and the villages of the Cotswolds. A gorgeous cosy cottage with 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom ideal for couples. Such a romantic cottage, with a beautiful garden. Charlbury is just 5 km or 3 miles from Wychwood Forest.
'A 5 star experience. Beautiful place. The cottage is very spacious and comfortable. Fully equipped. The attention they have put in every detail makes the difference. A place we will definitely try to return to.'
Hexenhaus am Waldrand - Annweiler am Trifels - Rhineland-Palatinate - Germany
What an exceptionally enchanting design for a cottage. Beautifully imagined and created. Now available as a holiday home on a wooded property with a villa which is also available for rental. 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, outdoor seating, kitchenette, breakfast offered. Relax in the gardens. Free parking. Waldrand means 'the edge of the woods' and this cottage sits in woods at the edge of the small historic village of Annweiler. Explore the region the Rhineland, 12 km west of Landau and close to the French border.
'Enchanting. Very good, you felt sent back to your youth. The attention to detail. High quality and clean.'
Mas del Flor - La Féerique - Villelongue-dels-Monts near Perpignan - France
The Mas del Flor is a beautiful B&B villa close to Perpignan with lovely gardens offering sweet, whimsical cottages. These enchanting cottages have 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, suiting couples, and each has their own small porch. Enjoy the terrace, garden and pool and home-cooked breakfasts. A magical retreat. 30 km or 14 miles from Perpignan and close to the Spanish border. Stories are told of the witches from the mountains who lived in caves and came to visit the villages in winter...
'La Féerique' is the Fairytale cottage.
'Haven of peace of an exceptional charm. The calm, the beauty of the garden, the decoration, the kindness of the owners.'
Forest Witch Cottage
- in the dark Forest of Rothiemurchus, in the Scottish Highlands near Inverness, lies the grave of a previous Clan Shaw Chief, Seath Mor, from the 14th Century. The spirit of the chief challenges those who wander too deep into the forest. So the legend goes, you must stand up to him or be forever haunted. Just to add to the quivering shakes, there are said to be goblins, elves and otherworldly creatures in the forest at night.
Find your forest witch cottage nearby for a holiday in the highlands.
Arden House - Kingussie - Highlands - Scotland
This spacious historic home has 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms for 10 guests, lovely gardens a fully-equipped kitchen and a fireplace. Just 20 km or 13 miles to the Forest of
Rothiemurchus. Haunted or haven? You decide.
'Outstanding property in a fabulous location. The house was beautiful and very well proportioned. Each room had an en-suite bathroom which was great for our family of 6 adults and 4 children.'
Rathmhor - Kingussie - Highlands - Scotland
Welcoming 8 guests in 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms this historic home sits in the Cairngorms National Park just 17 km or 10 miles from Rothiemurchus Forest.
'Simply magical. It is exactly as it says here: It's a "lovingly restored traditional stone house." We immediately felt at home. It's truly lovingly furnished. A wonderful blend of traditional and modern/practical. The amenities are outstanding. The kitchen is truly excellently equipped. Sitting by the fireplace in the living room is very cozy. Local whiskey tastes even better there. I'd also like to mention that everything was super clean and in good condition. There are even plenty of games and books available. The location is ideal. There's a supermarket in town or a 15-minute drive to Aviemore. Many attractions can be reached in a maximum of 2 hours by car. The forest and mountains are also worth seeing, just 1 km behind the house.'
Northern Ireland - 40 km or 25 miles outside
Belfast in County Antrim lies the Ballyboley Forest, said to be haunted. A sense of fear and uneasiness - ghostly figures - tales of murmurs in the mossy gnarled tree trunks - all of this has spooked visitors to this forest for centuries. Strange whispers have been heard, mists arising unusually, and a sense of being watched. Visit if you dare.
Forest Witch Cottage
- there are no cottages in the Ballyboley Forest but these nearby accommodations will put you close to the forest, and to The Dark Hedges, for some paranormal perambulations and peregrinations.
The Dark Hedges
are an avenue of beech trees along Bregagh Road located between Armoy
village and Stranocum village in County Antrim. Planted over a century
ago, the tree branches sweep over the road creating an eerie, bewitching
atmosphere.
Ballycally Castle in Ballycally is rumoured
to be haunted. Great! It has now been renovated as an upmarket hotel.
Yes, you can sleep there if you dare.
Stone Flax Mill – Connor - Antrim - Northern Ireland - UK
You will be close to the forest with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathroomsin this historic restored mill. Welcoming 6 guests with a full kitchen, terrace and gardens, in the village of Connor in Ballymena. 19 km or 12 miles to Ballyboley Forest.
'The Stone Flax Mill is well worth a visit. Everything about this house was simply stunning! Would highly recommend. Good location too, makes the beautiful Northern Irish coast very accessible. Everything you could possibly need is in the house and they even provided some basic food items to keep us going.'
Coachman's House - Stranocum - Northern Ireland
This historic home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms sleeping 6 people in comfort. The building was previously the coachman's home for Stranocum Hall. This cottage is part of Stranocum Hall but is self-contained. Located 60 km or 38 miles from Ballyboley Forest and 2 km or 1.2 miles from The Dark Hedges.
'Great character and location to explore the Antrim Coast. This 1850’s Coachman’s Cottage on the Stranocum Hall property was a wonderful mix of history and modern. The hosts have added a lot of wonderful extras to make your stay enjoyable! Great spot to have access to all aspects of the Antrim Coast. You are 20 mins from everything! We would highly recommend this property and the amazing hosts!'
Ballygally Castle - Ballygally - Antrim - Northern Ireland
Dating from 1652, this castle has stories to tell. Sleep in the older part of the castle if you dare, as it is rumoured to be haunted. Or choose a lovely room in the new part of the hotel,overlooking the sea. A lovely location on the coast. Just 14 km or 9 miles from Balleyboley Forest, and 70 km or 43 miles from The Dark Hedges.
'Exceptional. Location was brilliant. Our room had a sea view. Very relaxing atmosphere. Food was excellent. Staff all very professional and friendly.'
Old Schoolhouse - Galgorm - Antrim - Northern Ireland
This restored schoolhouse is 26 km or 16 miles from the Ballyboley Forest and looks very witchy. Just 35 km or 21 miles from The Dark Hedges. A wonderfully authentic historic experience, this 3 bedroom home welcomes 7 guests with 1 bathroom, a lovely kitchen and beautiful gardens.
'Exceptional. A beautiful and unique place to stay! Gorgeous architecture and grounds. Very clean and well cared for property. Host Sam was very helpful and provided detailed instructions and great information. Highly recommended'
Travel tips to find you forest witch cottage on your supernatural sightseeing tour.
In the USA - to get to Whidbey Island
In the UK - to get to the Cotswolds
In Germany - to arrive at Annweiler am Trifels
In France - to get to Perpignan
In the UK
Arrange your hire car for your journey, choose from petrol, electric or hybrid vehicles.
By Katia Luz, sharing my fairytale bush cottage, discovering enchanting, charming, whimsical cottages, cabins and cosy little places to inspire your dreams. Contact Me. About Me.
I trust you have enjoyed the magic of My Fairytale Cottage. Bon Voyage!
I'm Katia Luz, sharing my bushland cottage. Discover enchanting, charming, whimsical cabins and cosy places to inspire your dreams. Bon Voyage!
About Me.