12 Holiday Cottages Sleeping 18

Cailean House, a handsome Scottish villa, sits high above Aberfeldy in the Tay Valley, with commanding views of the Scottish landscape as it sweeps towards the Highlands.

This rural 19^th century country house is a complete delight. If you are looking for somewhere that has the wow factor, you have found it right here in this quiet corner of Hampshire. With effortless ease, it blends bold interiors, modern luxuries and period elegance.

A grand country house made for entertaining. That’s Beckland Grange, designed by 19^th century architect Ewan Christian, whose other triumphs include Glyndebourne and the National Gallery. His gift to us is a 21^st century hideaway for bringing together friends, family or colleagues to celebrate, socialise and unwind.

On the shores of Lake Windermere and sheltered by majestic trees, Mereview Manor is a picture of stately Georgian symmetry. As Lake District properties go, this is among the very best – for location, for beauty and for supreme comfort for up 18 guests.

Whatever the occasion Longslade Hall rises to it. Gather all the generations for a family party, bring the girls for some pre-wedding zen time, or make it your base for an annual friends’ reunion. Behind the mellow Georgian façade, this is a house for having fun.

Horseshoe House, just outside the beautiful city of Bath, is a house for celebrations. In a previous life it was a welcoming pub and now it has been restored above and beyond its former glory.

Wisteria House combines contemporary luxury with classic good looks. In the unspoilt countryside where Herefordshire meets Worcestershire, it’s a welcoming, wisteria-clad home where family and friends can enjoy each other’s company without fuss or ceremony. Oh, and there's a beautiful indoor heated swimming pool!

Garden Court is a stunning, historic property just outside the village of Bodenham in Herefordshire. Perfect for a celebration with friends and family, or an event for up to 60-100 guests (or more in a marquee).

Utterly delightful. No other words will do. Merbach Hill House is a dream hideaway in the beautiful Wye Valley, close to the border of England and Wales.

Barlemoor House is full of happy contradictions. A large manor, cosy as a cottage. A traditional country house, newly built with all mod cons. A moorland hideaway, close to the bustling North Devon coast.

What a spot! This Scottish retreat, on ‘Argyll’s Secret Coast’ benefits from large bay windows that frame glorious views of the Kyles of Bute. Many of the rooms are suffused with the extraordinary quality of light that has drawn artists and writers to the west coast of Scotland for centuries.