Check in and Duration

Check in

Duration (Tip)

Tip

You're likely to get more results if you search for:

  • 3 nights (Fri-Mon)
  • 4 nights (Mon-Fri)
  • 7 nights (Full week stays)

Unavailable

Recommended check in day

Selected check in

Locations

Guests and pets

Guests

Pets (Show only pet friendly houses)

Filters

Bedrooms

House Styles

House Features

157 Luxury Cottages for Large Family Holidays

Server Error: There was a problem with your search. Please try again.

LARGE HOUSES TO RENT FOR YOUR FAMILY GATHERING

When you have a big family event to celebrate, escape to a big family holiday house for the celebrations. With space for everyone, large reception rooms where you can gather together, and lots of luxury extras, you can please all the family, from the old folks to the little ones to the family dog. Choose a house with a games room and Bluetooth sound system, and even the teenagers will be happy. You can do the whole thing in style at one of our luxury cottages, castles, town houses or country manors.

Choose your location, from the Kent coast to the Highlands of Scotland, from the east of England to the west of Wales. If someone wants a sea view, stay at The Beach House in Cornwall, where you can see the sea from every bedroom. If the children want outdoor play, stay at Abbeyside Barn where there’s a full adventure playground. If the grandparents want a ground floor bedroom, choose from our houses with ground floor access, or better still, if peace and quiet is a must for them, stay at house with separate self-contained annexes, like Limestone Grange. Add into the mix a swimming pool, hot tub and tennis courts and your family will love you forever.

With our large houses sleeping anything from 10 to over 30 people, we have the perfect combination of rooms and facilities to accommodate your family. From historic mansions to cool cottages, our houses are luxurious and comfortable, and we look after every detail to make sure you can relax and enjoy a memorable family getaway. Browse all our houses for large family holidays in the UK:

Hethersdale

The Lake District

If you like your outdoors wild and wonderful and your indoors calm and super luxurious, Hethersdale is for you. With the rugged Lake District around you and luxury accommodation, Hethersdale is made for carefree and special times with family and friends.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,860 (weekend break)

Tall Trees

Worcestershire

The perfect venue for a sociable get-together or large family celebration, Tall Trees is a handsome country house surrounded by the calm beauty of the Teme Valley and boasts an indoor swimming pool.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £7,030 (weekend break)

Boleyn Hall

Suffolk

Boleyn Hall is a classic Georgian farmhouse with 65 acres in rural Suffolk, just 40 minutes’ drive from the Suffolk Heritage Coast. Relax immediately into this sumptuous, informal oasis, which exudes character, inside and out.

  • guests
  • 7 bedrooms
  • 5 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 3 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,150 (weekend break)

Home Farm

Leicestershire

With a calming sense of space and light, Home Farm in the verdant Leicestershire countryside is a haven for family gatherings and corporate getaways – a perfect escape from the world. There are 5 bedrooms in the main house plus 12 bedrooms available at additional cost.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms

3 nights from £3,500 (weekend break)

Tregulland Cottage & Barn

Cornwall

Tucked into a peaceful valley and just 20 minutes from the beach, Tregulland is a hidden Cornish gem. With a heated indoor freshwater pool, steam room, hot tub, cinema, and more, this stunning retreat is perfect for special celebrations or relaxed getaways.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,800 (weekend break)

Windrush Hyde Estate

The Cotswolds

This exceptional, honey-stoned Cotswold estate is the perfect blend of historic charm and contemporary style. Made up of a characterful Manor, sleek modern Barn and three unique and quirky buildings, enjoy tradition and luxury, side by side.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £19,200 (weekend break)

Garden's Edge

Suffolk

This ultimate super-luxe hideaway is set in a walled garden on a beautiful country estate in Suffolk. The grand hall with vaulted ceilings is perfect for gatherings and there’s an optional adjacent cottage for bigger groups. Magical, charming and unforgettable.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £10,230 (weekend break)

Palmer Oaks

Surrey

Palmer Oaks is a low slung, California-style house, wrapped around a heated outdoor pool, and hidden in 14 of Surrey’s finest acres. Live your best Hollywood hills life as you wander through this light-filled house that blends mid-century style with modern sophistication.

  • guests
  • 6 bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £10,000 (weekend break)

Stowmeadow Farm

The Cotswolds

Deep in the Cotswolds, with seven acres of gardens and orchards, plus an outdoor pool, Stowmeadow Farm is a delightful 19th century farmhouse complex which consists of a main farmhouse, a cottage, a converted stone barn and a converted Dutch barn.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £10,000 (weekend break)

NEW

La Cachette

The Cotswolds

Wow! La Cachette, a richly decorated and opulent contemporary home in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside, has style and sass. Inspiration is taken from around the world with particular nods to Parisian chic and Moroccan vibrancy.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: 1 dog welcome (conditions apply)

3 nights from £8,850 (weekend break)

The Barn at Windrush

The Cotswolds

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: 1 dog welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £7,500 (weekend break)

The Lincolnshire Buck

Lincolnshire

The Lincolnshire Buck is an 18th century riverside inn, refurbished as an exclusive-use venue for up to 40 guests. If you’ve ever fancied having your own pub, complete with pool table, piano and arcade games, here’s your chance to live the dream, for a few nights at least.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms

3 nights from £7,495 (weekend break)

Great Oak Farm

Kent

In a secluded rural idyll, on the edge of the coastal town of Sandwich in Kent, Great Oak Farm offers luxury accommodation in a series of lovingly restored farm buildings. Three self-contained properties, a spa pool and one acre of beautiful grounds are exclusively yours.

  • guests
  • 11 bedrooms
  • 10 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 3 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £6,950 (weekend break)

The Vineyard

Shropshire

If you like peace, privacy and far reaching views, stay at The Vineyard in Shropshire. And if you like good wines, all the better; this exquisite collection of restored farm buildings, and an optional safari lodge, is on the edge of an award-winning vineyard.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Dogs welcome - see FAQs (fee applies)

3 nights from £6,694 (weekend break)

NEW

Whin Bush Farm

Yorkshire

There’s twice the space, two swim-spa hot tubs and, well, two of everything at Whin Bush Farm. This Big House in the Yorkshire Wolds is actually two big houses that were once a farmhouse and associated buildings that now provides shelter of a more luxurious nature.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 8 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £6,600 (weekend break)

Bay View House

Pembrokeshire

Nestled between a lush emerald forest and the rolling waves of Waterwynch Bay, Bay View House (sleeps 30) is a soothing and private retreat from the world.

  • guests
  • 12 bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 5 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £6,500 (weekend break)

Ocean Heights

East Sussex

Welcome to Ocean Heights, a luxury, six-bedroom retreat in Brighton, overlooking the marina and the sea. Step into restful interiors, where a soothing neutral colour scheme, rich textures and natural stone evoke the coastal surroundings.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • 6 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £6,480 (weekend break)

Oak Vale

Surrey

Step off the world for a while in this beautiful house, hidden in a forest vale. Newly built in 2021, Oak Vale is a picture of understated elegance in neutral tones and natural materials, utterly in harmony with its forest home - the ideal place to bring family or friends. 

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £5,900 (weekend break)

NEW

Highvale Barn

Yorkshire

Highvale Barn is rather special. What was once a series of tumbledown chalk and brick barns is now a spectacular destination for up to 22 guests with views over the Vale of Pickering in Yorkshire and holiday luxuries that include an indoor swim spa and outdoor hot tub.

  • guests
  • 10 bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 4 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £5,500 (weekend break)

Beckland Grange

The Lake District

A grand country house made for entertaining - that’s Beckland Grange. Period details are complemented by modern must-haves in this Cumbrian hideaway which is perfect for bringing together friends, family or colleagues to celebrate, socialise and unwind.

  • guests
  • 9 bedrooms
  • 9 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £5,370 (weekend break)

Rapunzel's Keep

Wiltshire

Is there a style called rustic funky? There should be because it’s the signature style of Rapunzel’s Keep near Bath. From your vantage point overlooking a 20-acre estate, enjoy a laid-back gathering of family, friends or hens in this converted barn with adjoining grain tower.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £5,040 (weekend break)

Parsonage House

Devon

Only birdsong and the breeze through the trees - and perhaps the ‘hellos’ of the resident donkey – fill the air in these four acres. With self-contained properties dotted round the grounds, it’s like your own peaceful village at Parsonage House.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms

3 nights from £5,000 (weekend break)

Oldstone Hall

The Lake District

After driving through a sublimely picturesque 5,000-acre Lakeland estate, the sweep up a private drive brings you to Oldstone Hall, a handsome, 3-storey country house standing in its own 4-acre beauty spot. Step inside and feel the embrace of period features at every turn.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,990 (weekend break)

NEW

Hearth & Hollow

West Sussex

With history going back to the 14th century, Hearth & Hollow and its annex in a South Downs village in West Sussex is a unique and beautiful home for a gathering of up to 12 guests. The two-acre grounds include a swimming pool, lawn tennis court and hot tub.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,950 (weekend break)

Mead Country House

Somerset

Mead Country House is a rare gem of a country estate, combining timeless elegance with contemporary comforts. Comprising a Victorian country house and three characterful, restored buildings in 50 acres of grounds, it’s a delightful retreat close to the Somerset coast.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms

3 nights from £4,825 (weekend break)

The Georgian Lakehouse

The Lake District

With views out across the marina and on to the beautiful Derwent Water, The Georgian Lakehouse really is a remarkable house in a remarkable landscape.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,800 (weekend break)

Horseshoe House

Wiltshire

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.

  • guests
  • 8 bedrooms
  • 6 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 3 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,750 (weekend break)

Lynbrook House

Somerset

Lynbrook House is the distilled essence of Bath. A golden-stoned, Georgian manor, it is a residence the mayor and mayoress of Bath would be proud to call home - as they once did, over a century ago. Inside, the stylish décor invites you to relax, with soft sofas, cool accent chairs and cosy log burners.

  • guests
  • 9 bedrooms
  • 9 bathrooms

3 nights from £4,700 (weekend break)

Riverside

Cheshire

If you love a contemporary vibe in a classic setting, you will adore Riverside in the heart of Chester. Both the property and the city blend cosmopolitan flair with timeless elegance.

  • guests
  • 7 bedrooms
  • 7 bathrooms

3 nights from £4,667 (weekend break)

Keswick Country Manor

The Lake District

The lure of the lakes and the fascination of the fells. If you have a party of up to 20 guests who are looking for somewhere truly luxurious in one of the best locations in the country, look no further. 

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • 9 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,650 (weekend break)

Mereview Manor

The Lake District

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.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • 9 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,433 (weekend break)

Magpie Farm

Essex

Escape from the city to Magpie Farm for a well-earned break. With an indoor swimming pool, a private putting and croquet green, practice golf course and a full-size snooker room with its own bar, this country gem is perfect for spending quality time with friends and family.

  • guests
  • 10 bedrooms
  • 9 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,428 (weekend break)

Rackenford Estate

Devon

Rackenford Estate in Devon has acres of space. A large entrance hall with a galleried landing, three further reception rooms and big bedrooms. Outside, lawns sweep into the distance, 38 acres of parkland are yours to roam, and far-reaching views reveal Devon’s inner beauty.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,313 (weekend break)

Haygrass House

Somerset

Haygrass House in Somerset is a Georgian classic with a modern heartbeat. As you approach the porticoed entrance, the fine-boned symmetry of this grand country house hints at the beauty within.

  • guests
  • 9 bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £4,200 (weekend break)

NEW

Eastwold Barn

Yorkshire

A stylish renovation of historic farm buildings in the Yorkshire Wolds, Eastwold Barn is a stunning holiday home for your large gathering. The perfect choice if you are having a party or celebration, its blend of rustic charm, contemporary comforts and big, sociable spaces makes it a wonderful venue.

  • guests
  • 6 bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 4 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,800 (weekend break)

Three Hills Farm

The Cotswolds

Sitting on the edge of a pretty village, Three Hills Farm overlooks the gently rolling landscape of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. In this rural idyll, unwind with your favourite people, enjoying the views, dipping in and out of the sauna and steam room, and swimming in the natural outdoor pool.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,750 (weekend break)

Garden Court

Herefordshire

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).

  • guests
  • 9 bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 4 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,705 (weekend break)

Netherstone Hall

Yorkshire

With a centuries-old history, Netherstone Hall is a handsome Yorkshire hall, sumptuously refurbished for modern life.

  • 16 guests
  • 8 bedrooms
  • 6 bathrooms
  • Pets: 1 dog is welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,693 (weekend break)

Dovebridge House

Suffolk

Pretty villages, ancient hedgerows and a neighbouring 12-acre wild orchard surround this serene, Queen Anne-style property in the Waveney Valley in Suffolk. Feel the busy world drop away as you pull up on the drive.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,600 (weekend break)

Barford Beach House

Cornwall

This modern house, which overlooks Wanson Mouth Beach in Cornwall, wouldn’t be out of place on Grand Designs. Here, rustic chic meets contemporary design with fun features abound. 

  • guests
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 6 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,600 (weekend break)

Green's Hill House

Somerset

With room for up to 20 in 9 bedrooms, a huge hot tub, and 15 acres of private land to explore, this is your ideal getaway for a family party, a gathering with friends in the country or a sophisticated hen or stag do.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,555 (weekend break)

The Old Village School

Devon

It’s back to school – in the best possible way. The Old Village School in Devon was a Victorian school house, now sensitively restored as a luxury holiday home for 18 to 24 guests.

  • guests
  • 7 bedrooms
  • 6 bathrooms
  • Pets: Dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,532 (weekend break)

Kingswell House

Shropshire

Kingswell House is a beautiful Shropshire country house; a special place to create memories with a select group of up to 12 family or friends (plus a couple of children).

  • guests
  • 6 bedrooms
  • bathrooms

3 nights from £3,500 (weekend break)

NEW

Dartmoor Wonderland

Devon

Dartmoor Wonderland is a house that stands alone in more than one sense. Situated at the end of a quiet lane and overflowing with colour and character, it’s one of a kind - playful, creative, enchanting and welcoming.

  • guests
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 3 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,495 (weekend break)

Bannerby Lodge

Somerset

If you’re planning a party or celebration, Bannerby Lodge is just the place. This gorgeous country house sits on the edge of the Cotswolds, a short drive from Bath. First appearances say it’s a quaint cottage for a few of your favourite people, but looks deceive, because it sleeps 24-26 guests within the cottage and two studios.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms

3 nights from £3,465 (weekend break)

NEW

Woldfoot Farm

Yorkshire

Escape to Yorkshire, where Woldfoot Farm awaits you in the Wolds, a seamless blend of Grade II listed history and up-to-the-minute reinvention. Gather your crowd and descend on this haven of luxury and entertainment.

  • guests
  • 7 bedrooms
  • 4 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 4 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,300 (weekend break)

Blissfield House

Worcestershire

At the end of a mile-long private drive on the Herefordshire and Worcestershire borders, Blissfield House is a little piece of heaven. This gorgeous six-bed Medieval mansion, arranged around a courtyard with a separate four-bed cottage and an ancient barn, is perfect for a family getaway.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,250 (weekend break)

NEW

Moone Manor

Devon

There’s something just so pleasing to the eye about Moone Manor. Maybe it’s the pale golden, local stone from which it is built, or it could it be the village it sits in - which is only enhanced by its presence - or possibly it’s the charm of Olde England evoked by its architectural beauty.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms

3 nights from £3,188 (weekend break)

Silverhill

The Cotswolds

Perched on a Cotswold hillside, Silverhill is a contemporary, upside-down house with a laid-back layout and far-reaching views that take in the Gloucestershire countryside and Cheltenham town.

  • guests
  • 5 bedrooms
  • 3 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £3,000 (weekend break)

Stourford Barn

The Cotswolds

Recently renovated, Stourford Barn in the North Cotswolds offers a clever, modern interpretation of rustic charm. With room for up to 12 guests, its open plan style creates a social space to cook, eat and kick back.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £2,900 (weekend break)

Brynglas Manor

Denbighshire

Pull up in front of Brynglas Manor, a picture-book Georgian country house, and stop for a moment to savour the panoramic views. Listen to the birdsong, take gulps of pure Welsh air and feel your shoulders drop. This is peace and you won’t want to leave.

  • guests
  • 6 bedrooms
  • 3 bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £2,850 (weekend break)

NEW

Meadowbank Manor

Somerset

Step into the dream that is Meadowbank Manor. A beautiful, historic home in a Somerset idyll, it is full of unique, historical features which play for space with colourful and eclectic décor.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms

3 nights from £2,750 (weekend break)

Newburrow Farm

Somerset

Newburrow Farm is a little gem in the heart of the Somerset countryside. Dating back to 1564 but totally modernised including two outdoor hot tubs.

  • guests
  • 7 bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 2 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £2,717 (weekend break)

NEW

Pen Afon

Gwynedd

Bordering a river in Wales with views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), Pen Afon has solid walls, built with local stone, terraces and fireplaces of Welsh slate, and a river marking its boundary. The rugged good looks of the exterior give way to stylish, natural palettes inside.

  • guests
  • bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: 1 dog (over the age of 1) welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £2,149 (weekend break)

Rosebriar House

Devon

Gorgeous views, period details and modern luxuries; Rosebriar House is a North Devon gem that you won’t want to leave. This characterful house, close to the coast, is perfect for a multi-generational family holiday.

  • guests
  • 8 bedrooms
  • bathrooms
  • Pets: Up to 6 dogs welcome (fee applies)

3 nights from £2,021 (weekend break)

Sorry — your search returned no results. Try resetting your filters, changing the search filters, or looking at locations nearby.

Clear all current filters

EXPERT HELP

Let our experts help you. We’re always in the process of adding new Houses. You can contact our team and they'll send you the best houses to meet your criteria.

All fields are mandatory unless stated

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FAMILY GATHERING

You’ll find plenty of adult and child-friendly features at our properties, such as games rooms, swimming pools, cinema rooms and sprawling gardens to explore. Some of our big houses have special annexes for older children to give them their own sense of space, or bunk beds and shared rooms for younger kids so they can feel like they are having a sleepover. You can hire a private chef for that special meal, or perhaps enjoy me-time, with spa treatments at the house. Ask us for more details when you book your holiday.

HOUSES FOR LARGE FAMILY HOLIDAYS FAQ

  • Can I hire a big house for a family celebration?

    Hiring a big house for exclusive use is the ideal way to bring the family together and to make your gathering memorable. It can be a holiday, a get together and a party all in one and it gives you the opportunity to relax, play and catch up in gorgeous surroundings. We have so many large houses to choose from, including country manors, luxury cottages by the sea and stylish town houses. All you need to do is decide where in the UK you want to stay and whether you want a swimming pool or a games room or both!

  • How do you organise food and meals for a large family holiday?

    With the whole family getting together, you need to think ahead about catering. All our large houses have big kitchens with every appliance you need, so cooking is a pleasure not a chore. Book a supermarket delivery for the day you arrive for all the essentials, agree who’s making which meal, and assign the adults some responsibilities for catering. For instance, one family can be in charge of the barbecue, another can be on breakfasts and another can organise the drinks. Many of our guests who are staying with extended family hire a private chef who can cook the centrepiece meal if you are gathering for a celebration. This takes the strain off you and means you can look forward to a gourmet experience. We have a network of local chefs so get in touch if you would like to get this booked in.

  • What should I bear in mind when choosing a holiday house for a big family holiday?

    Talk to those who are coming and find out about their must-haves and like-to-haves, then consider some of the following:

    • Location – are you all coming from different places? If so, find a property that’s fairly central to you all. We have many large holiday houses in the heart of England which are great if you have folk in the north and the south meeting up.
    • Bedrooms and the combination of bedrooms – do you want self-contained annexes, any accessible bedrooms, shared rooms, single rooms, ensuites? Work out what your numbers are and how the groupings fit together.
    • Reception rooms – you want somewhere to gather when you’re all together with enough seating and space to mingle and you also want a choice of rooms so that there are quiet corners too.
    • Gardens and grounds – this comes down to your personal preferences, the time of year you are staying, and the type of gathering you are having. We have houses with acres of ground to explore, houses with just pretty courtyards for al fresco dining, and everything in between. Some houses have lakes, ponds or rivers, a bonus for the wild swimmers and anglers, but you might decide to rule them out if you have very young children.
    • Facilities – with everyone gathering for a few days, you want plenty of options. You can choose houses with swimming pools, hot tubs, games rooms, cinema rooms, tennis courts, croquet lawns and more. And some houses with all of the above!

    If you’re having trouble finding the perfect house for your family gathering, just give us a call and we’ll help you.

  • How can I keep all ages entertained in a family group holiday?

    It pays to rent a large house that has lots of different things to do. If you have children, consider the outside space – a large lawn or field for ball games, outdoor play equipment and spaces for nature are all in the mix. The Wholehouse in the Brecon Beacons has a children’s shepherd's hut playhouse and mud kitchen, a trampoline, football, rugby ball and lots more outdoor games. People of all ages will love a swimming pool, sauna and hot tub and this can lead to many happy hours on your holiday. Indoors, a peaceful room, such as a library or study gives harassed parents and the older generation a sanctuary to sit quietly with the papers or a book, while a cinema room is a luxury for every age group. Perhaps hardest to please are the teenager but A agames room should do the trick here. With all that going in on the house, you might not even be considering getting out and about, but if you do, beach days, picnics, steam railways and boat trips are great for bringing everyone together.

  • Where in the UK is good for a large family holiday?"

    Anywhere in the UK is great for a large family holiday. Your first consideration will be ease of getting there. We have some lovely houses just outside London, such as Magpie Farm in Essex, just 20 minutes by train. Alternatively, a country house is a good idea, giving everyone a break from busy lives. Everybody loves the seaside too, and a house by the sea makes a family get together become a proper holiday.