For gathering
In the end, well look back at the pictures we took beside that fire pit, in that treehouse, dancing around that kitchen island, and well 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, theres 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.
Carnivāle
From the creators of Bestival, Carnivāle is a luxury waterfront home near Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight; with a heated pool, skate ramp, yoga studio, and access to the Solent.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
From: £13,995 per week, £10,495 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Outdoor heated swimming pool (available May September), woodfired hot tub, sauna, outdoor kitchen, yoga studio
