Grand designs on Christmas
From majestic halls to the cosiest cottages, SARAH MARSHALL on places to plan a festive staycation
THE cancellation of last year’s Christmas festivities marked the low point of the pandemic for many.
Eager to make up for time lost with friends and family, perhaps the biggest gift anyone could give – or receive – is a multi-generational short break.
Share costs and it’s possible to book some fantastic spaces – from converted hunting lodges to country cottages and stately homes.
Take a look at these standout properties and check out availability over Christmas and New Year.
ALBERT LODGE, HEREFORDSHIRE
Sit back in a hot tub toasting the New Year with a glass of champagne in magnificent surroundings. This sandstone gatehouse lodge sits within a country estate, with a lake and woodland views. A large open-plan kitchen invites convivial cooking and dining for up to eight guests, if booked with neighbouring Victoria Lodges.
Luxury Cottages (luxurycottages. com) offers a seven-night stay over Christmas from £2,468.
KEYTHORPE HALL, NEAR UPPINGHAM
This Grade Ii-listed Georgian house is available for up to 20 guests, it’s the ideal solution for big families or groups of friends looking to reconnect after the pandemic. Best of all, it comes with a chef who can prepare meals using ingredients from the Walled Garden.
From £14,000 per night (minimum two-night stay) including all meals, drinks and service, and the full use of the house and the wonderful grounds. Visit keythorpehall.co.uk
WEATHERSTONE HOUSE, CROYDE, NORTH DEVON
Recently refurbished by A-list designer Katharine Pooley, this nauticalthemed property is in Croyde, one of North Devon’s most popular villages. Cosy pubs and breezy beaches are within easy reach from this 10-person home. A pizza oven, BBQ and hot tub invite wining and dining al fresco.
A week costs from £2,450. Visit weatherstonehouse.co.uk
THE GARDENER’S HOUSE, WREST PARK, BEDFORDSHIRE
Immerse yourself in another era, by spending a few days in The Gardener’s House, built by Earl de Grey in the 1830s. Spread across three storeys, rooms can sleep up to eight guests. Once English Heritage property Wrest Park has closed to the public, guests have exclusive access to the gardens.
English Heritage (english-heritage. org.uk) offers a seven-night stay from December 27 for £2,500 on a selfcatering basis.
WESLEY HOUSE, SHREWSBURY
Shrewsbury’s Tudor mansions and medieval passageways served as a backdrop to the George C Scott film version of a Christmas Carol. Get set for a fairy tale festive period by staying at the fourperson Wesley House, a listed medieval timber-framed house with original wooden beams, a cosy wood burner and a cast-iron range for cooking the Christmas lunch. A three-night Christmas stay costs from £1,185. See stayinshrewsbury.com
NETHERBY HALL, CUMBRIA
Sky-watchers are in for a treat at this grand hall – and we don’t mean the three kings! Follw your own star through the constellations at Kielder Forest Park, close to this collection of nine luxury cottages and suites on the 36-acre grounds of Netherby Hall in Cumbria. The coach house and stables have been refurbished along with a gatehouse and gardener’s cottage.
A three-night stay over New Year starts from £858. For more details visit netherbyhall.co.uk