If there’s one thing we can thank 2020 for, it’s for slowing us down. For emptying our social calendars and bringing us home to nest. Less has certainly been more this year, and although lives have been void of parties, festivals and large family dinners, the scarce human interactions that were able to happen have been special beyond belief; newborn babies meeting grandparents through windows, distanced doorstep deliveries of garden vegetables and intimate weddings with kitchen dancing shared via video call.
The Christmas season has traditionally been one of abundance; a time when after work drinks and festive parties fill up every dark evening with sparkles and laughter and by Christmas Day itself we are often left frazzled. This year will of course, be different, but every mulled wine enjoyed from the garden (wrapped from head to toe in knitwear) and muddy puddled ramble will mean more to us than those fizzy nights in bars ever did. Those stolen moments of love delivered by post and humble community gestures of goodwill; this December we are celebrating the little, but so very large things in life.
Reflecting on the past year brought to mind our Limited Edition Collection of properties. These homes have a small but mighty range of availability and can only be hired for a few weeks per year, taking the hard work out of choosing and offering the perfect antidote to this rather unusual year. Browse our pick of the bunch for inspiration for your next family holiday.
Cadence
A statuesque country home hidden within a valley of the South Downs National Park, where fantasy and reality blur and sleek modernity gives way to enormous and delicate tapestries. The leafy woodlands and rolling hills of the West Sussex countryside are reflected in the rhythm of Cadence’s arched windows and, while at first the brick exterior may seem hard, a celestial edge to the interiors take guests on a spiritual journey through each doorway, secret staircase or quiet book nook entered.
The Art House
A vibrant and uplifting escape in Sutton, The Art House really does have it all. A carefully curated collection of a life well-travelled adorns the walls inside, while a 50-metre heated pool, vegetable garden, swimming lake and rewilded meadow bring zest to the West Sussex hills. Here, art deco meets mid-century meets modern art, creating an energising space for the whole family to enjoy.
Butterfield House
A former rectory set amidst swaying wildflowers and bowing orchards just a short walk to Mawgan Porth and its famous beach, Butterfield House is a home which offers easy year-round living. A piano, library, deep bathtubs and plenty of fireplaces to toast toes in front of will keep grownups happy, while a zip wire, pool and swings will ensure there’s no lacking in adventure for the wild souls in the party.
Zamani
Fusing bucolic Britain with vibrant Zanzibar, Zamani hides within its walls a cacophony of colour and guarantees bliss. Outside, roses and flaming creeper claw at the honeyed Cotswold stone façade, while the secret gardens, designed by Chelsea Flower Shower gold medallist Julian Dowle, will delight guests of all ages. Inside, bedspreads are made from silk Indian saris and zings of sunset hues bring joy at every turn.
