Large country houses for rent
We hold rituals under grand roofs; honouring tots turned two, celebrating yeartides with paper and pearl, glorifying Sundays with cakes and roasts and bubbles! Our large country houses for rent beckon all to the great indoors.
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 canoe lakes, heated outdoor pools, pizza ovens, 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 in the country, where you'll wake to the gentle tap of croquet on the lawn.
There's something about taking up residence in a Georgian manor or resplendent music hall, setting luggage down by fluted columns, and slipping on a pair of embroidered slippers bought for an occasion as grandiose as this. Our large country houses for rent are places for congregations and concocted titles, where the Earl of Crumpets flips pancakes and Lady Snug-as-a-Bug sips milkshake at the breakfast table. In ancient forests and between rolling fells, they come stuffed with everything from pop art to sweeping staircases to luxury hampers; and if you're feeling stately, take things up a notch by bringing in your own Downton Abbey-esque private chef.
Castle on the Well
Charles, South Molton, Exmoor, Devon, UK
Fusing luxurious shooting lodge appeal with a modern country twist, Castle on the Well hides within a patchwork of rolling Devonshire countryside, on the edge of Exmoor National Park. A unique luxury castle in miniature for a family holiday to remember.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £2,095 per week, £1,550 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 guests
Pets: One small to medium well-behaved dog is welcome and two on prior request
Features: Fire pit
The Lost Music Hall
Created by a London dandy to serve as his secret retreat from society, this former music hall has been restored in all its Arts and Crafts glory to offer unique escapes in a hidden valley of Devon's South Hams AONB.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
From: £1,995 per week, £1,595 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 & Up to 12 guests
Pets: Two pets are welcome
Features: Heated outdoor swimming pool (May-September) and games room with table tennis and darts
Elderwood Manor
Umberleigh, Barnstaple, Devon, UK
A pristine white country house sat amid the rolling patchwork fields of North Devon, Elderwood Manor is idyllically situated to make the most of both coast and country - if you can tear yourself away from the hot tub and glorious gardens that is.
Sleeps: Up to 14 guests
From: £3,450 per week, £2,595 per short break
Alternative Group Option: Up to 8 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved medium dogs, or one large well-behaved dog, are welcome
Features: Wood-fired hot tub, cinema room, games room with bar, table tennis table, croquet and badminton
