The Cosiest and Most Unusual Rentals in Europe this Winter

After a fresh dusting of snow, this four-bedroom chalet in France’s Trois Vallées ski area looks plucked straight from a fairytale, with its wood-panelled exterior and backdrop of pine-carpeted peaks. Sleeping up to 10, the interior is just as inviting with beamed ceilings, button-back sofas and honey-hued bedrooms overlooking the powder. You’re just an eight-minute walk from the nearest ski lift, Les Etablons, so spend all day carving the slopes before returning for a hearty homemade dinner of cheesy tartiflette.

You might not see snow – this is the south of France, after all – but that doesn’t mean this treehouse-style stay north of Aix-en-Provence isn’t cosy, especially in winter months. Built on stilts above the ground and coddled by trees, it feels like a squirrelled-away love nest – and, fittingly, it sleeps two perfectly. Built from light woods and furnished simply with safari-style prints and flashes of foliage, it’s gently inspired by an African lodge. Don’t miss the chance to meet the ostriches nearby.

Ever wondered what it might feel like to sleep in an igloo? These glamping domes, set just outside the centre of Reykjavik, mimic the feeling. Sleeping two or three, their creamy pod-like interiors are warmed by a wood burner and come with views out to a frozen landscape of trees and mountain ridges. You’ll want for nothing: free toiletries, memory-foam beds, a minibar and even Netflix are included – plus a private outdoor hot tub to thaw your limbs after a day exploring Iceland.

Lisbon can do cosy. This one-bedroom apartment in historic Baixa sleeps four and has an intimate feel for a couple or small family with its furry cushions, metallic-gold accents, warm lighting and snug heating for winter months. The charming old apartment building has views out to photogenic rooftops and the water, while an array of restaurants are on your doorstep if you don’t fancy cooking. Wrap up warm; the city gets surprisingly chilly in the evenings – especially with the sea breezes from the Tagus, just at the end of the road.

The bubbling whirlpool bath is enticing enough; but there’s plenty more to love about this Venetian villa stay in winter, from the cosy wood-beamed ceilings and farmhouse-style kitchen tiles to the colourful art (and the crowd-free streets outside). Sleeping up to seven across three bedrooms, it’s an ideal pick for families who want to be within walking distance from Saint Mark’s Basilica or Rialto Bridge. On a blue-sky winter’s day, take your morning coffee to the private balcony for sipping.

Sea views out to the glittering Aegean from a private hot tub… Is there anything else you really need to know? This one-bedroom pad, sleeping up to four, lets you keep warm even on the chilliest of Greek winter days. While Santorini is in its sleepy season, take the opportunity to live like a local and enjoy homemade breakfasts on the terrace or spend lazy afternoons reading in the whitewashed lounge. It feels like it has been built carved right into the cliff face, so it couldn’t be much cosier.

Between its rambling fringed Christmas Market (one of Europe’s best), a romantic castle and steaming thermal baths, historic Budapest come into its own in winter. And this set of apartments – sleeping two, four or six over one or two bedrooms – is the perfect place to escape the seasonal chill. Curl up on the sofa and plan your sightseeing with one of the provided guidebooks; make your own mulled wine in the open-plan kitchen; or visit the onsite health club.

This cute and cosy yellow cottage is just 15 minutes drive from Stockholm but is in its own little countryside haven. Whether you want to work or enjoy the winter sports activities in the vicinity, it’s a lovely little base.

While camping might be the last thing on your mind in the depths of winter, glamping is another thing entirely. A five-star experience in the middle of nature, this 1930s-style Airstream is an incredible place to stay in the middle of the Sierra de las Nieves, in Andalusia, Southern Spain.