Large country houses for rent

Oh, the English country house; the most artisanal of British abodes. Historically, these great mansions in the countryside served as restorative retreats for their city-dwelling owners. Today, they await with doors aflung in readiness for families and big groups to descend upon them in royal fashion. Yet, with canoe lakes, heated outdoor pools, pizza ovens, and spa facilities, these large country houses know how to balance the grand with the good times. Round up your coterie — and a sprinkle of dogs to make sure you blow off the cobwebs once in a while — and make for an extra-large home in the country, where you'll wake to the gentle tap of croquet on the lawn.

There's something about taking up residence in a Georgian manor or resplendent music hall, setting luggage down by fluted columns, and slipping on a pair of embroidered slippers bought for an occasion as grandiose as this. Our large country houses for rent are places for congregations and concocted titles, where the Earl of Crumpets flips pancakes and Lady Snug-as-a-Bug sips milkshake at the breakfast table. In ancient forests and between rolling fells, they come stuffed with everything from pop art to sweeping staircases to luxury hampers; and if you're feeling stately, take things up a notch by bringing in your own Downton Abbey-esque private chef.