Large country houses for rent in Cornwall

Oh, the English country house; the most artisanal of British abodes. Historically, these great mansions in the countryside served as restorative retreats for their city-dwelling owners. Today, they await with doors aflung in readiness for families and big groups to descend upon them in royal fashion. Yet, with outdoor natural pools, fire pits, and spa facilities, these large country houses know how to balance the grand with the good times. Round up your coterie — and a sprinkle of dogs to make sure you blow off the cobwebs once in a while — and make for an extra-large home on the Cornish coast, where you'll wake to the scurry of feet heading to the surf store in Perranporth.

There's something bohemian about taking up residence in a Cornish castle laced with botanical beauty, setting luggage down curling wooden staircases, and slipping on a pair of embroidered slippers bought for an occasion as grandiose as this. Our large country houses for rent in Cornwall are places for congregations and concocted titles, where the Earl of Crumpets flips pancakes and Lady Snug-as-a-Bug sips milkshakes at the breakfast table. In ancient forests and atop craggy coastlines, they come stuffed with everything from pop art to Indian pool houses to luxury hampers; and if you're feeling stately, take things up a notch by bringing in your own Downton Abbey-esque private chef.