Bodacious in its décor and thunderous in its enthusiasm, this festive season is a time so anticipated, a time where joy flushes through our land with such force that one can almost pinch it from the air and pop it in a pocket to savour later.
Christmas 2021. It deserves our full attention. Attention to detail, to experience and to each other. After last year’s quieter affair, this December it seems only right to throw out all the stops with oversized wreaths and clusters of candelabras, a never ending flow of Champagne and a living room bursting at the seams with giggling children and sherry-rosy grandmas. Weekends filled with Christmas markets and mulled wine, school nativity plays and wandering through streets late night shopping beneath glittering lights.
For a Christmas far from ordinary, this month we share our homes with more than a hint of va-va-voom splashed across their walls, where maximalism is not only embraced, but doted on. With varying availability over December and New Year's Eve whisk the whole gang away for a Noël like never before.
Pearl’s Place
A wall-to-wall pink chevron bathroom, colossal flower arrangements and patterns on patterns on patterns, Pearl’s Place goes big at home from the moment you walk through the door. A Somerset country house where pink flamingos perch by fireplaces and sinkable antique beds welcome long lie-ins after a late night before; spend celebrations belly laughing over supper in the moody dining room before masqueraded games in the living room. With availability over New Year, there’s no finer place to welcome in 2022.
Dandelion
Deep, gem-like colours, a giant disco ball and an unabashed sense of fun flowing from room to room; Dandelion was designed with the hedonist in mind. The obvious place to while away the early evening with a bottle of wine is by the enormous fireplace, while the dining room can seat up to 12 guests (plus two little ones) meaning you can gather loved ones from far and wide at this rambunctious Cotswold home.
The Aviary
Filled with contemporary Cotswold character, from the patterned rugs to wooden beams overhead, this luxury home near Moreton-in-Marsh is a haven of good taste. Between mealtimes, there's plenty to keep families of all ages amused, from the trampoline to bicycle hire and horse riding within the local area, leaving grandparents to steal some quiet time with a paper in one of the slipper baths. Gather downstairs on Christmas morning and unwrap presents around the glass log burner in the living area, before retreating to the emerald green cocktail room for charades and Champagne.
Little Scarlet
If it’s just you and your beau, runaway to Burford for a Christmas free from small talk but big on luxury and romance. In the run up to December 25th, hop between the market town’s stores and bars, sipping mulled cider and glasses of red as you go, before sinking into the twin slipper tubs before bed. Little Scarlet is a romantic retreat for two where a relaxed and informal day is guaranteed.
Maison Blanche
Close to the Kent coast and with fun built through its foundations, Maison Blanche will appeal to families looking to break free of tradition, but without losing sight of the heart of Christmas. Bright bursts of unanticipated colour rouse from unexpected corners and the al fresco hot tub will not only tempt a breakfast Buck’s fizz, but encourage it. On Boxing Day, bundle in thick woolly jumpers and head to nearby Deal, where an historic coastline will whisk away any remnants of fizz-fuelled fog.
Siren
If you’re a minimalist party comprising just one or two but want to go big on maximalist style this Christmas, then this cute-as-a-button cottage in Coverack Cove will be just the ticket. Anthropologie armchairs, palm tree lamps and ink blue ombre walls painted in the shade of the winter sea outside; here is a home that was made for artists and eccentrics. After joining villagers for a sunrise dip on the beach, pour a drink from the vintage cocktail trolly and strike a match to the fire to welcome in Christmas morning in style.
Benetfeld
If there was ever a home made for a decadent festive party, Benetfeld is it. Standing resplendent in the Berkshire countryside just outside Windsor, this extraordinary home promises a wholly immersive escape from reality. Neon pop art pings from the 18th century walls, gleaming chandeliers glisten in every room and decks in the upstairs bedrooms tempt electro swing DJs to mix until the early hours. Come the next afternoon, pile into a country pub for a roast dinner to cure last night’s antics.
Gulliver’s Hall
A daring farmhouse chock-full of character in the Gloucestershire countryside, Gulliver’s Hall is a home where large families can congregate to celebrate together. With children tucked up in bed, sip cocktails around the giant dining table, before a table tennis tournament and fizz in the hot tub. Elegant in its maximalism and bold in its character, you’ll want to book this one for a summer get together too.
Browse our full list of homes with availability over Christmas.
All availability correct at time of publishing.
