Grand gatherings
“The secret, dear Alice, is to surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. It’s then, only then, that you’ll find Wonderland”.
Rally the troops, it's time to get the party back together. Country glamour prevails throughout this cherry-picked collection; a mix of golden stone manors, modern coastal marvels, enchanted millhouses and free-spirited farmhouses hidden in the hills. Formal celebration or languid weekend, live out bucolic fantasies at wooden trestle tables piled high with local fodder overlooking grounds that evoke scenes from Alice in Wonderland.
Lawn games and Champagne towers. Cucumber sandwiches and chess marathons. Swimming pool swan dives and midnight tea parties beneath a sky pinpricked with a spray of stars. This is the year to bask in all the gloriousness of a large group gathering from the environs of a lavish private house with all the bells and whistles.
The Maker´s House
High Wood, Saffron Walden, Essex, UK
Mediterranean vibes and an unabashed celebration of life’s greatest pleasures meet here in the Saffron Walden countryside, creating a luxury homestay which will transport you far from the rhythms of everyday life.
Sleeps: Up to 14 guests
From: £5,950 per week, £4,550 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 10 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Heated outdoor pool (available from late May to early September), hot tub, outdoor kitchen, cinema, football table, dart board
Clementine House
Hatfield Broad Oak, Bishop´s Stortford, Essex, UK
With a powder-blue front door, window shutters reminiscent of the Provence and delicate floral prints throughout the interiors, this luxury self-catering country home in rural Essex is postcard pretty both inside and out.
Sleeps: Up to 14 guests
From: £4,500 per week, £3,350 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Heated outdoor swimming pool (available April - September until 9pm daily), tennis court
