We all have different schedules, different gaps in our calendars, and as many different reasons to want to break away from our daily lives. As much as we all vary in our personal ideas of what it means to remove ourself from it all for a weekend or a week, we all have something in common – or we will do soon. We all know where to go for our own slice of peace and quiet.
Northridge Hall and Cottage | Leeds
We’re very excited about this new addition to the family and I can personally attest to its merits. Just 20 minutes from York by train and 20 minutes from Leeds by car, Northridge Hall and Cottage boasts even more extensive finely finished interiors than that warm facade lets on. Its walls are peppered with original contemporary art and you’ll want for nothing in terms of homely comforts and stylish features. While the surrounding countryside and nearby cities welcome non-stop exploration, the gardens are quiet, abundant trees stand tall and the pheasants keep to themselves. No one will find you here.
FEATURES: Two 7-seater hot tubs, games area, play area, walled garden, close to York and Leeds. Sleeps 24. Dogs welcome.
Norton Hall | Cotswolds
If you’re craving fresh air, and green hills rolling as far as the eye can see, the Cotswolds is your destination. At the end of the long drive, you’ll finally reach the house’s huge wysteria-clad walls looking out onto a level lawn and in time you’ll want to explore the grounds: the pool hiding amongst a close cluster of trees, the Wendy house somewhere along the long shaded path lower down, and – well, I wouldn’t want to spoil all the surprises! Come to relax, recharge, reunite.
FEATURES: Heated outdoor pool, grand piano, snooker table, tennis court, 12 acres of gardens in 500 private acres. Sleeps 16-18.
Allerford Country House | Somerset
Breathe deeply, take it all in: the space, the quietness, the vast spread of the sea – it’s only a 15-minute walk away. Beaches can be one of the most relaxing places in the world: the rhythmic wash of wave after wave, the presence of the self that comes with the absence of all else. But you don’t need to be on the sands for that priceless feeling. Find it at Allerford Country House, on six private acres, from the library to the tennis court and everywhere in between.
FEATURES: Piano, library, tennis court, walking distance to the beach. Sleeps 30. Dogs welcome. Disabled access.
Wessex Manor | Dorset
Keep travelling south till you hit Dorset and just 10 minutes from Weymouth and the beaches you’ll find Wessex Manor, rich in style, location and rolling acres. You can dine al fresco in peace, look out to nothing but hills, trees, hedgerows, wildlife and the open sky. If the mood takes you indoors, find a cosy corner by the bookshelves or challenge a friend to a game of snooker.
FEATURES: Games room, library, table tennis, children’s play area, 25 acres of gardens and grounds, 10 minutes from the coast. Sleeps 18-24. Dogs welcome.
Cambrian Retreat | Aberystwyth
If you thought it difficult to find a place for the ultimate wedding party or family reunion in a secluded spot, you’re in luck. Cambrian Retreat is just the place you’re looking for. With accommodation for up to 50 across gorgeous bedrooms between equally impressive living spaces, you’ll want for nothing. If your quiet – or not-so-quiet – group grows restless and fancies sampling the stunning Welsh countryside, there are miles upon miles to cycle and walk nearby.
FEATURES: Hot tub, games room, 13 acres of land, also suitable for conferences. Sleeps 50. Hens, stags and weddings welcome on request. Dogs welcome.
Taikoo | Dartmoor
Renowned for its stunning private Devonshire location and unique indoor pool, Taikoo brings such attention to detail to gardens, grounds and features small and large that you might not want to venture beyond the gate at all. But if that gorgeous backdrop is just too irresistible, hit the road and dive even deeper into all that Dartmoor has to offer.
FEATURES: Indoor heated pool, games room, powered pagoda. Sleeps 14. Dogs welcome.
