Luxury cottages for Christmas and New Year
Mulled wine and mince pies, bracing walks and stolen kisses under the mistletoe; make your Christmas extra special by whisking the party to a luxury homestay.
It's a time for togetherness, a time for twinkling trees and a time for truly taking yourself away from the everyday. With your own home covered in wrapping paper, head to a luxury country house to enjoy a Christmas to remember. Decorated in anticipation, our luxury holiday cottages are awaiting your arrival; all that's left to do is unpack the car, set the presents under the tree and uncork the fizz. The supermarket order will be along in a short while with further provisions, the children are already exploring the far reaches of all the rooms. Little ones tucked up in bed, chink glasses to the most relaxing Christmas and New Year possible.
Just the two of you? Couples wishing to hide out for the festive season can hole up in a romantic retreat, escaping to a luxury self-catering cottage with no arguments about whose parents are hosting lunch. Stir from festive dreams at your leisure, sink into a rolltop or hot tub, then indulge in a simple Christmas lunch before setting out on a romantic walk along the coastline, greeting other festive ramblers with a cheery 'hello'. Maybe just a short walk though: back at your luxury festive retreat there's mulled wine to sip and old classics to watch by the fire. Staying in is the new going out this season.
Over Lemon River
Ashburton, Dartmoor, Devon, UK
Dartmoor is Devon’s wild heart; a place where heather cloaks the ground like an over-sized velvet eiderdown and granite tors scramble to meet big open skies. On fine days, ponies wander amidst the mysticism of faeries but when the swirling mists arrive, Over Lemon River is the perfect hideaway.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two dogs are welcome
Features: Al fresco living space with wood-fired hot tub and fire pit
The Creamery
Abbotsham, Appledore, Devon, UK
Far from the crowds, the Hartland Heritage Coast is a halcyon world of pebble beaches and Beatrix Potter wildlife backed by a deep blue sea. Set between Appledore and Clovelly, The Creamery was made for those hidden-away self-catering holidays in Devon.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome with a third small dog on request
Features: Fire pit
The Riddle
North Bovey, Dartmoor, Devon, UK
Plot your country escape to this luxury holiday cottage in North Bovey; one of Devon's most idyllic villages set within the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park. The Riddle is the type of cottage you might find on the pages of a storybook.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request.
Castle on the Well
Charles, South Molton, Exmoor, Devon, UK
Fusing luxurious shooting lodge with a modern country twist, Castle on the Well hides within a patchwork of rolling Devonshire countryside, on the edge of Exmoor National Park.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
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
Novella
This cob cottage deep in Devon woodland is a storybook of a home, tucked down a lane and decked out in botanical prints, vintage embroidery and antique furniture, inviting imaginations to unfurl.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, trampoline, table tennis, outdoor kitchen (year-round)
Rydon
Trusham, Teign Valley, Devon, UK
Enjoy some time out at this contemporary self-catering barn dwelling squirrelled away in the picturesque Teign Valley, Devon.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 & Up to 2 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome (must be kept on leads in the grounds)
Features: Heated pool (from 6th May to 30th September)
Dusky Cottage
Hope Cove, Kingsbridge, Devon, UK
Set between the yachting havens of Kingsbridge and Salcombe, Dusky Cottage sits on a country lane leading down to Hope Cove. Push open the sky-blue gate and you'll be smitten; this luxury thatched cottage is sure to capture the hearts of all the family.
Sleeps: Up to 8 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 4 guests
Pets: One well-behaved dog is welcome
Features: Hot tub, summerhouse and swings
