as in refuge
something (as a building) that offers cover from the weather or protection from danger
her cottage in the Lake District served as her bolt-hole whenever the stresses of London became too great
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Recent Examples of bolt-hole
But other bolt-holes stand out for giving the beds themselves extra attention, distinguishing them in some particularly charming or even surreal way (see beds carved out of literal ice).
—
Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
One of the first, exclusive members-only social clubs, Soho House debuted in London in 1995 and quickly became the bolt-hole of choice for celebrities and the deep-pocketed.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
And for those familiar with the region, their bolt-hole of choice was no surprise: Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026
His magical renovation of Villa Mabrouka—the late Yves Saint Laurent's Tangier bolt-hole, with a Slim Aarons–worthy kidney-bean pool just outside the casbah—is as immaculately dressed down as an insouciant white linen shirt.
—Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Kathryn Romeyn, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
One of the first, exclusive members-only social clubs, Soho House debuted in London in 1995 and quickly became the bolt-hole of choice for celebrities and the deep-pocketed.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 28 Feb. 2026
And for those familiar with the region, their bolt-hole of choice was no surprise: Estelle Manor in Oxfordshire.
—Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 6 Feb. 2026
His magical renovation of Villa Mabrouka—the late Yves Saint Laurent's Tangier bolt-hole, with a Slim Aarons–worthy kidney-bean pool just outside the casbah—is as immaculately dressed down as an insouciant white linen shirt.
—Stephanie Rafanelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2023
Around that time, some smaller properties also debuted — boutique charmers like Castello di Vicarello, Borgo Santo Pietro, Villa Fontelunga, and the Val d'Orcia bolt-hole La Bandita Country Hotel.
—Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 14 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bolt-hole
Noun
-
Her skin is now nailed to the ceiling of the refuge office.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
19 Apr. 2026
-
Art was no longer only a private refuge.—
Heide Janssen,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Co-owner Kirsten Dixon lets the lodge and her nearby farm serve a broader community purpose during those months by hosting writing and wellness retreats, Alaska food community events, farmer meetings, and community gatherings.—
Jen Murphy,
Condé Nast Traveler,
22 Apr. 2026
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In a bold hospitality move, owners Claire and David Tuchbant sank $30 million into the property to reopen it this year as a nonprofit retreat available for exclusive buyouts (from CAD$24,306 a night, about $17,800 at today’s exchange rates).—
Laura Dannen Redman,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Volunteer Kathy Smith said the shelter, which was founded 72 years ago, is in desperate need of help.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Their first day included a visit to the Royal Children’s Hospital (which Prince Harry's mom, Princess Diana, also visited in 1985) and a solo engagement for Meghan at a women's shelter.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Little Red Barn Honors Belle’s Legacy In February, the sanctuary shared a tribute to the love Elliot and Belle had shared — one year after their rescue and 10 months after losing Belle to cancer.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
21 Apr. 2026
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The new Rosewood Mandarina is an all-suite sanctuary spread across three distinct ecosystems, from ocean to mountain and flatlands.—
Carole Dixon,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Since its opening in 1912, the hotel has been a haven for Hollywood royalty and actual royalty, too.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
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Boca Raton itself, once considered a retiree’s haven, is finding new life as a younger person’s destination, with a nearby international university and a host of Floridians tired of the buzzy Miami lifestyle.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bolt-hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bolt-hole. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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