Two coastlines, moorland, and England's most holiday-worthy counties.
From surf beaches to countryside estates, with 16 years facilitating large holiday house bookings in Devon and Cornwall, this is our most requested region. We know what works: properties a stone’s throw from world-class beaches, coastal paths from the back door, and never-ending countryside away from the suburban sprawl.
Devon
Hallsannery House is an elegant Grade II listed Manor with spectacular views, located within five miles of the beauty and sandy beaches of the North Devon coast. It offers the ultimate ‘wow factor’ venue for friends and family holidays, celebrations, reunions and weddings.
Weekends From £4,500
Weeks From £6,000
Devon
Beautiful Georgian mansion in Devon - lovely weddings, parties and celebrations in a friendly home.
Weekends From £3,500
Weeks From £6,200
Cornwall
A stunning Grade Two Listed 17th Cornish Castle with award-winning accommodation and beautiful grounds.
Weekends From £4,550
Weeks From £12,440
Devon
Huntsham Court - a combination of the posh and playful, a house of relaxed grandeur and endless opportunity...
Weekends From £13,000
Weeks From £34,500
Devon
Cadhay: Tranquil and beautiful - the setting for a stay of your dreams...
Weekends From £3,582
Weeks From £4,975
Devon
A wildly generous Devonshire manor, perfect for parties, on the Eastern edge of Dartmoor National Park
Weekends From £5,995
Weeks From £8,325
Devon
Serene and lovely, tucked in its weathered old walls - the Old Rectory offers guests peace and comfort deep in the Devonshire countryside.
Weekends From £3,500
Weeks From £5,000
Let’s be honest, Devon and Cornwall invented the British seaside holiday and they’re still the gold standard against which everywhere else gets measured. It’s not just the beaches, though they’re spectacular, it’s that the whole region feels designed for holidays. The number of ice cream shops per square mile, the rows of surf schools waiting to teach you to catch your first (or thousandth) wave. The quirky little shops and pubs in even the smallest villages that give you a taste of country life. As one group who enjoyed the full Devon experience told us: “The place was stunning. So much beautiful scenery to see from fields, the gardens, and the river. The walk takes you down to the quay which has spectacular views. The house is so pretty on the quay. Lots of benches and viewing spots to see. Had the most delicious homemade scone with jam and cream.”
Our Devon and Cornwall group accommodation sleeps 16 to 40 or more guests, occupying coastal locations, countryside seats, or moorland vistas on Dartmoor or Bodmin. You’ll find converted farmhouses near beaches, coastal properties with sea views, estate houses in river valleys, barn conversions with contemporary style, and traditional cottages in fishing villages.
These properties are the difference between a good holiday and a great one. They offer practical facilities, quality equipment, and owners who understand what groups really want. Gardens with BBQs and outdoor dining areas, big comfy lounges for movie nights, and enough hot showers for everybody. On a practical level, you’ll often find boot rooms to dry off after muddy moorland walks, drying spaces for your wet beach gear, and outdoor showers for sandy feet. These are houses designed by people who know how British families actually holiday.
Check bedrooms, bathrooms, and all the facilities that matter to your group.
Fast replies, no agency fees, just straightforward communication.
Summer and holiday weeks sell out quickly — book early for the best choice.
The beauty of Devon and Cornwall’s coastline is its variety. This also makes it the perfect holiday destination because there really is something for everyone. Perhaps that’s why Devon and Cornwall remain our most-requested region. With over 300 beaches, there is quite literally a beach for every need and desire. Cornwall has its sheltered south coast for sailing and its rugged Atlantic north coast for surfing. We particularly love Polzeath. Devon has the dramatic Jurassic Coast for hikers and explorers, and toddler friendly sandy beaches in the north. We love Bigbury for next-level rock pooling. You will no doubt find your perfect beach and dream of going back there year after year.
Ready for a change? Head inland and you’ve got Dartmoor’s granite tors to climb and wild ponies to spot. Bodmin Moor’s mystery and isolation to explore. Or the Devon countryside filled with green valleys and thatched villages to wander around. Groups booking here often split days between beaches and moorland walks, discovering that inland Devon and Cornwall reward exploration.
After decades of tourism, there’s solid infrastructure here for some fun activities. You’ll find well-established and highly professional surf schools, sailing clubs, coasteering operators, bike hire, and walking guides. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll need to find time to explore the exciting food scene. As well as Rick Stein’s famous restaurants, you’ve got surprisingly sophisticated dining options alongside traditional cafés still serving proper scones with jam and cream in the eternally debated order.
July and August are peak times in this holiday haven, so if you’ve got your eye on those dates you’ll need to plan around a year ahead. We love May, June, and September for decent weather and fewer crowds.
Great website; easy to navigate and good filter system. Prices look really competitive
Richard Chalmers
Really pleased with my experience with landed houses, was searching for a large house to celebrate my 50th and landed houses had lots of good options...managed to secure somewhere for a good price and looking forward to our dates, many thanks to Edmund and the house owner for their friendly correspondence and help, Steve
Stephen Alexander
Some great houses on offer here /all new to me! Now we are planning our next big family getogether!
Tina Metcalfe
Barbara Ryan
When I was faced with having to find a large house with a pool for a family celebration at relatively short notice, Edmund at Landed Houses came straight to my aid. He responded promptly to my email enquiries, even on a Sunday, putting me in direct contact with someone who managed a property that fitted my needs; the outcome being that a superb house, with everything I need, was secured within 24 hours of my first enquiry. Many thanks, Edmund, for making the task so straightforward. If you’re looking for that special house for a party or family gathering I can recommend Landed Houses as your first port of call.
Mrs Manors
Devon is more accessible (three to four hours from London versus four to five for Cornwall), has more country houses available for large groups, and feels easier overall due to better roads and more amenities. Cornwall promises more dramatic coastal beauty, wilder landscapes, and that end-of-England atmosphere. Families with young children often prefer Devon’s safer beaches, while adventure-seeking groups gravitate toward booking big houses in Cornwall for the surf and drama.
Our advice? Think about your group, your likes and dislikes, and your priorities. There’s sure to be a property in a spot that’s just right for you.
If you’re thinking about a large group rental in Devon or Cornwall in July or August, especially school holidays, factor in that this is peak holiday time in the region. We’re talking busy roads, crowded beaches, and booked up properties. Our insider tip? Book in May, June, or September for decent weather, fewer crowds, and better prices. The first week of September can be absolute gold for warm sea temperatures, empty beaches, and restaurants with walk-ins still available.
The North Cornwall coast (Padstow, Polzeath, Rock) is brilliant for surfing and sampling the delights of Rick Stein’s restaurants. Meanwhile the South Cornwall coast (Fowey, Falmouth) offers sailing and beaches with gentler waters more suitable for the little ones. North Devon (Croyde, Woolacombe) has wonderful family beaches and good surf. Whereas South Devon (Salcombe, Dartmouth) has the best rivers and sophisticated villages. Head to East Devon for Jurassic Coast drama.
This area is absolutely perfect for families. You’ve got beaches, rock pools, surf lessons, coastal walks, and plenty of attractions for rainy days. The region specialises in family holidays and the infrastructure supports them better than anywhere else in UK. Multi-generational groups (grandparents and families) particularly love Devon and Cornwall because there are enough activities for energetic kids, gentle options for elderly relatives, and proper houses where everyone gathers for evening meals. One family noted: “We played croquet, football, badminton and lots of hide and seek inside and outside. The games room was a big success.”
Compared to Southeast England, the west is mild and relatively wet. The Gulf Stream keeps winters gentle (rarely below freezing) and summers moderate (rarely above 25°C). You get more rain than London or the Cotswolds, but very rarely does it freeze over. Spring and autumn often deliver beautiful days but always bring layers and waterproofs: the weather changes fast near the Atlantic. Around here, the locals have a saying: if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.
