14 Holiday Cottages Sleeping 18

This rural 19^th century country house is a complete delight. If you are looking for somewhere that has the wow factor, you have found it right here in this quiet corner of Hampshire. With effortless ease, it blends bold interiors, modern luxuries and period elegance.

This handsome Victorian vicarage is one of the most sumptuous places to stay in Cheshire. Still in situ are period details but you can also lounge about in the cinema room, work out in the gym, splash about in the heated indoor swimming pool or sink into the outdoor hot tub.

Barlemoor House is full of happy contradictions. A large manor, cosy as a cottage. A traditional country house, newly built with all mod cons. A moorland hideaway, close to the bustling North Devon coast. Step behind the formal façade and find your every comfort catered for.

A grand country house made for entertaining - that’s Beckland Grange. Period details are complemented by modern must-haves in this Cumbrian hideaway which is perfect for bringing together friends, family or colleagues to celebrate, socialise and unwind.

Whatever the occasion, Longslade Hall rises to it. Gather all the generations for a family party, bring the girls for some pre-wedding zen time, or make it your base for an annual friends’ reunion. Behind the mellow Georgian façade, this is a house for having fun.

Horseshoe House, just outside the beautiful city of Bath, is a house for celebrations. In a previous life it was a welcoming pub and now it has been restored above and beyond its former glory.

On the shores of Lake Windermere and sheltered by majestic trees, Mereview Manor is a picture of stately Georgian symmetry. As Lake District properties go, this is among the very best – for location, for beauty and for supreme comfort for up 18 guests.

Rackenford Estate in Devon has acres of space. A large entrance hall with a galleried landing, three further reception rooms and big bedrooms. Outside, lawns sweep into the distance, 38 acres of parkland are yours to roam, and far-reaching views reveal Devon’s inner beauty.

What a spot! This Scottish retreat, on ‘Argyll’s Secret Coast’ benefits from large bay windows that frame glorious views of the Kyles of Bute. Many of the rooms are suffused with the extraordinary quality of light that has drawn artists and writers to the west coast of Scotland for centuries.

Wisteria House combines contemporary luxury with classic good looks. In the unspoilt countryside where Herefordshire meets Worcestershire, it’s a welcoming, wisteria-clad home where family and friends can enjoy each other’s company without fuss or ceremony. Oh, and there's a beautiful indoor heated swimming pool!

Garden Court is a stunning, historic property just outside the village of Bodenham in Herefordshire. Perfect for a celebration with friends and family, or an event for up to 60-100 guests (or more in a marquee).

It’s back to school – in the best possible way. The Old Village School in Devon was a Victorian school house, now sensitively restored as a luxury holiday home for 18 to 24 guests.

Escape from the world amidst almost 10 acres of private gardens at Greyburn Hall. Close to the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Greyburn Hall is thought to be one of the last surviving Lincolnshire longhouses - with an added 18^th century facelift. It has now been sensitively restored for life in the 21^st century.

There’s room for all the children, granny and grandpa, and even the dog in this boutique-style holiday home in Bournemouth. When a big family holiday by the sea is just what you need, pile in and make yourselves at home. Enjoy the seaside vibes of the whitewashed walls, shabby chic cabinets and bleached wood and sea grass details.