Large country houses to rent for luxury breaks

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 flung open in readiness for families and big groups to descend upon them. With boating lakes, heated outdoor pools, saunas, pizza ovens and wellness facilities, these large country houses know how to balance the grand with the good times.

Our large country houses to rent are places designed for grand gatherings. Set within ancient forests and rolling fells, they come filled with everything from the expected sweeping staircases to unexpected yoga spaces and cinema rooms. If you’re feeling particularly stately, you can even take things up a notch by choosing a recommended private chef. Opt for a luxury Italianate manor with a heated pool in Devon, or a castle with 12 acres of stately gardens in Yorkshire.