And so, as spring unfurls all around us, so too is it time for us to shed our winter layers; the veil of hibernation slipping from our faces to reveal flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes. As we step out into the world it is time to come together. To embrace, to dance, to sit around large dining tables with a never-ending supply of Champagne and a feast worthy of any royal ball.
At these large and lavish pads, morning swims merge into afternoon pool parties, while elaborate games of sardines and children’s Easter egg hunts stretch across acres upon acres of magical grounds. Choose a large, luxury self-catering home to tick all the boxes for this year’s grandest of gatherings.
Castle Trematonia
A world all of its own hides behind the gates of Castle Trematonia, where botanical prints, imagination and nine acres of magical gardens all await discovery. Sat high on a hill at the edge of Cornwall’s Tamar Valley AONB, this unique home is a meditative escape for those looking to retreat from the clenches of the daily grind. A natural pool surrounded by palms, an ancient Indian pool house and ten bedrooms with sumptuous beds promise a restorative escape to England’s sub-tropical south. Further more, a music room, drawing room, lounge and large kitchen all ensure the party is fully catered for here.
Benetfeld
Ablaze against Berkshire’s patchwork of green and pleasant fields, Benetfeld offers a true experiential break, just a short drive from London. Inside, eccentricity goes hand in hand with luxury with a unique collection of art, furniture and sculptures. Sleeping up to 16 guests, this immersive home was made with large get-togethers in mind.
Ariabelle
A large indoor heated swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, gym and tennis courts set the standard for a bash of the highest order at Ariabelle in West Sussex. Outside, children can play until the sun begins to set, with a treehouse, trampoline and masses of gardens to tear around in. For those looking for a gentle stroll, 40 acres of private woodlands are at your disposal, all before lighting up the fire pit and toasting marshmallows with a side of cool craft beer. When children are in bed, gather at the poolside bar for homemade cocktails and nibbles.
Kilnwood
Encouraging both spring evenings al fresco and lazy mornings idling in deep rolltop tubs, Kilnwood brings together the finest of both luxury living and nights around the fire. Between this barn conversion’s walls, organic materials meld with polished furnishings while the two acres of gardens include an outdoor heated pool, trampoline, table football and more than enough opportunities for hide and seek. The outdoor dining area, with views of the surrounding Mendip Hills, is sure to be the main event for any celebratory stay here.
Scarlet Hall
Sleeping up to 22 guests, wisteria-clad Scarlet Hall is a true home for merriment in Cheshire. A home and farmstead since the 1640s, this country manor was once the fleeting home of a travelling prince. Now, it’s all bright, open-plan living spaces designed so that the whole gang can be together throughout the day. Swim in the indoor pool, spend rainy days in the cinema room and challenge friends and family to a weekend of table tennis and snooker competitions.
Roserai
With three super king-size beds, one king and one bunk room (available on request for little ones), this old East Sussex oast house with its fairytale façade is a dream come true for families. Within the neat 10-acre estate there's plenty to entice imaginations. Flop beneath the sun with a novel by the boating lake, enjoy a few laps of the balmy outside pool or saunter the rose gardens while you ponder over what to cook for supper.
Dandelion
A Gloucestershire manor filled with flair on the outskirts of the Cotswolds AONB, here is a home where carefree decadence is the name of the game. Pops of colour and giant disco balls bring touches of frivolity to this seemingly traditional country home, while a sense of rock ‘n’ roll oozes from every oversized candelabra and layered curtain trail. Sleeping up to 12 guests (plus two children), Dandelion is as impossibly romantic for lovers as it is adventure-filled for children.
Browse the full Grand Gatherings collection.
