Luxury festive breaks
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, the most wonderful time of the year as the song goes. With your own home covered in tape and wrap, head to a luxury country house to enjoy a Christmas to remember. Gorgeously decorated in anticipation, our luxury Christmas holiday cottages are awaiting your arrival; all that's left to do is unpack the car, set the presents under the twinkling tree and uncork the fizz. The supermarket order will be along in a short while with further provisions, and 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 ever.
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 bolthole 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.
Little Bear
Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK
Acres upon acres of bluebell-swathed woodland provides the heart-stirring backdrop for this enchanted hideaway in the heart of the Weald Downlands in West Sussex. Lovebirds will find the wood-fired cedar hot tub a magical way to reconnect and revivify.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Wood-fired eco hot tub (April - October inclusive)
Madam Butterfly
Billingshurst, West Sussex, UK
A hunting lodge with rustic appeal, Madam Butterfly is like something straight out of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. This magical dwelling tucked deep into West Sussex woodland is surrounded by carpets of bluebells and snowdrops; a red tiled roof and the treasures that lie within...
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Hot tub available between Easter and September
Studio Fold
Nutbourne, Pulborough, West Sussex, UK
Meticulous design and eco-friendly credentials have seen this former water pumping station in Pulborough's sought-after village of Nutbourne transform into an award-winning self-catering home.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 6 guests
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Basement den with gym equipment
Ariabelle
Stedham, Midhurst, West Sussex, UK
Found at the end of a sweeping tree-lined drive, Ariabelle is a lavish home promising guests the ultimate luxury self-catering experience all wrapped up within the South Downs National Park.
Sleeps: Up to 14 guests
Pets: Pets are welcome on prior agreement
Features: Indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, tennis court, steam room and sauna, gym and bar
Cornucopia
Be whisked away into a world of utter extravagance at this flamboyant large luxury country house in Petworth, West Sussex.
Sleeps: Up to 14 guests
Pets: Sorry, no pets
Features: Snooker room, bowling alley, tennis court, trampoline, outdoor swimming pool (May-Sept), private lake with row boats, cinema room, air hockey, hot tub, gym, sauna, table tennis, pinball and lift
