For gathering
In the end, we’ll look back at the pictures we took beside that fire pit, in that treehouse, dancing around that kitchen island, and we’ll say: “look at us, we always filled those big houses to the rafters.”
Welcome to the family reunion: where kith and kin gather in large houses around the nation. Out on the wind-whipped balcony, an imaginative elder points out to sea and tells concocted stories of fisticuffs with sharks and trading treasures with the Pirates of Penzance. Inside, there’s fresh coffee and sweet apples from the orchard; and fair isle socks muffle the thuds of young ones testing their pillow obstacle course.
This winter is for coming together in luxury, for dogs dodging tumbling stacks of Jenga, for floating in and out of slumber as the stardust-souled play a motion picture, and the whole group gathers in the fire-warmed snug. Tables piled high with crackers and trailing grapes. Cheese boards and nut bowls and jars of fruit chutney; no space left for elbows. Carafes slosh with plummy Malbecs until the last drop is poured, well into the small hours.
The Tapestry
Underbarrow, The Lake District, Cumbria, UK
This luxury 17th-century farmhouse offers a curated stay in Underbarrow in the Lake District; where an unexpected medley of colour and texture combine to create The Tapestry.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
From: £2,750 per week, £2,095 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome (must be kept on leads outside the grounds)
Skyline
Kendal, Staveley, The Lake District, Cumbria, UK
Perched high above the village of Staveley with breath-taking views across the valley, Skyline is a truly unique luxury property with tennis court, grand piano and 11 acres of woodland.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
From: £3,695 per week, £2,795 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome on prior request
Features: Tennis court, Steinway grand piano, hot tub hire is available (by prior arrangement)
Winterfell
Windermere, The Lake District, Cumbria, UK
In a land far, far away, nestled between the majestic mountains and forested hills of the Lake District, lies this luxury private lake home near Lake Windermere in Ulverton.
Sleeps: Up to 12 guests
From: £3,750 per week, £3,195 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Fire pit
