Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire

We occasionally collect houses that offer only special events, rather than accommodation, and Hatch House in Wiltshire is one of those few. It is an extraordinary private house, owned and cared for by Sir Henry and Lady Rumbold. The main event space, perfect for a country wedding, is their walled Dutch garden, in which a ballet is held, every year.

If you’re looking for a big venue for a big event, then do check out our Somerset collection (how fine that sounds). You’ll discover some of our largest manor houses, which can sleep up to 50, whilst still retaining their country-house feel. These include Clevedon Hall (not far from Bristol), Knowle Park (which is within Exmoor National Park), and North Cadbury Court, which over-looks Cadbury Castle. One of our very biggest houses is Croydon Hall, which can sleep up to 60 guests (and has a ginormous barn, for dancing).

If you’re heading to the South West for a family holiday, and are looking for a different sort of big house (we appreciate 60 is a bit much for a holiday), then it’s worth looking at Smedmore House, in Dorset, which sleeps 16 and has the most ravishing sea views. Or perhaps Chaffeymore Grange, with its private lake (and little rowing boat), or Sparkford Hall, with its own walled kitchen garden.

There’s plenty to do in the West Country, from visiting sites such as Glastonbury Tor, Wookey Hole and Cheddar Gorge (did we mention…? The farming owners of North Cadbury Court are famous cheese-makers!), as well as walking (or riding) on Exmoor.

All of our houses have superb teams running them (quite often the owners, themselves), and they can help you arrange whatever distractions you might wish for. Or no distractions at all, if you’re hoping for a long, lazy break, with nothing much to do and nowhere you have to be.

A Word From Edmund

The West Country is a great place to visit, with good transport links from both Birmingham and London. It’s close enough for me to pinch a weekend break in a country house, and I’ve spent many Sundays wandering around the Blackdown Hills, or visiting seaside towns like Lyme Regis.

Thinking of a West-Country holiday or party in a big house? Tweet us!

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