Retreats, hideaways, escape spaces – call them what you will, such havens offer us a personal, private and peaceful place to nest, nurture and take time out.

These spaces offer the chance to create a completely unique interior. Be it a simple garden room, a homely shepherd’s hut, a yoga-lover’s cabin, a fishing lodge or summer house, a treehouse, a circus wagon, a purpose-designed garden smart pod or even a canal boat, the glorious retreats showcased here will provide inspiration for creating your very own place for escape or somewhere to enjoy favourite activities. Author Sara Bird reveals the essential elements of a soulful hideaway, from building materials to decorative details, and then explores 14 remarkable retreats in three chapters: Close to Home, On the Water and In the Wild. These are spaces designed for rest, relaxation, play and daydreaming either alone or en famille, as well as for their effects on our mental and physical wellbeing.

There’s a gorgeous new interiors book on the block! – Dee Campling

The perfect book to welcome the weekend… Each page is a feast for the eyes. – Jane Day, Tea with Ruby

Full of wonderful inspiration, a perfect book for curling up on the sofa with. – Jane Griffiths

I absolutely love a retreat from the modern world. If this is your idea of heaven too then you’ll love this new book… – The Old Potato Store

Sara Bird is a stylist, art director, writer, and speaker, producing photography shoots, features and workshops for the interiors industry. She was previously Decorating Editor for Ideal Home and is Contributing Editor for Country Homes & Interiors. Dan Duchars is a respected interiors and lifestyle photographer who brings many years’ experience as well as a fresh eye to every project. Together, Sara and Dan are content creators The CONTENTed Nest, devising and producing inspiring images and stories for a number of prestigious clients.