Big houses for big broods!

For all of us at HH, it’s a particular point of pride that we have such a fantastic selection of huge houses, in beautiful locations, all over the West Country. Secluded farmhouses, historic manor houses, vast converted barns, seaside houses overlooking delightful beaches, all available to rent for your exclusive use. Here are two choice examples…

Soldon Manor is new with us for 2012 – 3 miles from the ancient village of Bradworthy, in Devon’s least changed farmland, this is a beautiful, important and historic, 16th century manor house, recently renovated with a huge amount of care and attention to detail to provide a wonderful, comfortable and intriguing place to stay. It has everything you’d hope for approaching a grand house – a gravelled drive, a formal garden, a courtyard, a croquet lawn, huge chess board and spectacular views of rolling countryside.

Inside, the layout and footprint of the house have evolved over the centuries – great fun trying to spot clues to its history and use. You’re greeted by the main entrance crowned by the Cornish Prideaux family coat of arms, leading to a magnificent, double-height dining hall, an oak-panelled drawing room and a sitting/reading room. You’ll also find a concealed door leading to to a servants’ passageway into a large farmhouse-style kitchen with Aga. Up the beautifully elegant staircase are seven bedrooms – the Manor sleeps 14.

This is a tremendous house for gatherings of all sorts, from reading groups to large family celebrations – warmth, masses of space, generous accommodation and wonderful comfort.

Home House, in the sheltered, pretty village of Combeinteignhead, near Teignmouth, Devon, is a quite beautiful Grade II listed, semi-detached, thatched house. Originally the main house to a thriving cider-producing farm, it is now a lovely,  smartly renovated and refurbished home.

Inside, there’s a living room with gorgeous, heavy beams and big inglenook fireplace, plus a lovely snug in which to relax with TV and board games. A smart Shaker-style fitted kitchen comes complete with Aga, smart black granite and oak worktops and a big table, with plenty of room for all the family. You’ll find eight bedrooms – the house sleeps 15 – plus a second living room with a home cinema system with a pull-down screen and DVD/Blu-ray projector, perfect for watching family favourites.

Outside, there’s an enclosed walled garden and, just beyond, about ½ acre of lovely, mature flowering shrub and lawned garden (complete with summer house with grapevine, table & chairs and barbecue). And last but not least, there’s the indoor heated swimming pool – the ultimate indulgence.

For more inspiration, take a look at our new mini brochure, or browse through all of our big houses online. There’s still some last minute availability (and some very special offers) for Christmas and New Year 2011 at some of our big houses, so call us on 01647 433593 to discuss your requirements. If you’re already looking ahead to Christmas and New Year in 2012, don’t delay, as these big houses are so popular, they get booked up way in advance!

Big houses with professional catering for New Year…

As you see in the New Year with friends and family, we’re betting that you’ll be eating and drinking well too. But you don’t want to miss out on the fun whilst slaving over a hot stove, so how about relaxing in one of our huge holiday homes with professional catering available, so you don’t have to lift a finger?

  

The former shooting lodge of Sir Francis Drake’s estate near Yarcombe in east Devon, Sheafhayne Manor, sleeps 24 in ten bedrooms with ten bath/shower rooms. This  Grade II listed Elizabethan manor house has been in the same family for some 400 years and is surrounded by 2,500 acres of farmland and its own large garden. The oak panelled drawing room has a cosy open fire, there’s also a billiard room with a full-sized table and games room for children and the dining room has a big table for 24 - perfect for a celebratory dinner. Pets welcome.

We’ve a big detached house for 12, large enough to make up a party for New Year week at Mevagissey on Cornwall’s south coast. Penpol has a stunning contemporary interior and superb panoramic views overlooking the colourful harbour. Top quality and elegantly simple, this house has been designed to relax in and have fun and it’s just a two minute walk down to the village pubs, cafés, shops and harbour.

Or how about Parnacott, a handsome detached Georgian house sleeping 14 guests near Holsworthy, north Devon? The house is set in 12 acres of gardens and grounds, and is ideal for a family group or friends planning a break together, with fine furniture, portraits, an open fire and pool table; plus it’s also decorated for the festive season. Pets welcome.

A mile or so west of Porlock within Exmoor National Park,  Porlock Vale House is a magnificent, large country house dating from the 19th century with exceptional views across fields and out to sea. A great place for family gatherings and parties, the house sleeps 30 in 15 bedrooms/15 bathrooms. Inside, it’s a wonderful mix of comfort, elegance and space with old oak beams, comfy leather furniture and a large open fire with a handsome mantelpiece. The house is set in 12 acres of grounds and mature gardens for guests to wander while the beach is easily reached on foot across two fields. A former hunting lodge enlarged over the years, it has excellent stables for guests wishing to bring their own horse, or two, and pets are also welcome.

All these properties have professional catering available (at extra cost). Some also have a maid service available. Give our telephone team a call on 01647 433593 to discuss your requirements and we’ll help you find a special place to celebrate.