The Weekend That Feels Like a Proper Break
But every now and again, you get one of those weekends.
The kind where you come home wondering how you managed to fit so much into just a couple of days. A weekend filled with long breakfasts, countryside walks, late-night conversations and absolutely no pressure to be anywhere at a particular time.
That’s the magic of escaping to a big holiday house with your favourite people.
Arrive, Unpack and Switch Off
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about closing the front door of a big country house behind you on Friday afternoon and knowing that, for the next few days, it’s yours.
Bags disappear into bedrooms. Someone puts the kettle on. Someone else opens the first bottle of something cold. Children investigate every room and adults immediately start deciding where everyone is going to sit later.
And suddenly, normal life feels quite a long way away.
There’s no hotel reception to navigate, no scattering everyone across different floors and no need to meet in the lobby at 7.15pm because someone has booked a table for 7.30pm.
You simply arrive.
And relax.
Arriving at Pencraig Court
Saturday Morning Without an Alarm
One of the great pleasures of a weekend away is waking up and realising there is nowhere you actually have to be.
Especially when you're staying somewhere beautiful.
Big holiday houses are made for wonderfully slow mornings. People appear in the kitchen at different times. Coffee is brewed. Toast pops up. Someone starts cooking bacon and suddenly everybody who claimed they weren't hungry is hovering nearby.
Breakfast might last an hour.
Possibly two.
Nobody is clearing your table because they need it for the next sitting and nobody is checking whether you've finished.
You can sit there planning the day — or deciding not to plan it at all.
Relaxing in thekitchen at Monnow Valley Studio
Step Outside and Explore
Of course, if you do fancy an adventure, the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean make it very easy.
You could pull on your walking boots and head out into the countryside, wander beside the River Wye or spend a few hours exploring one of the area's lovely towns and villages.
Some groups might fancy canoeing, cycling or something a little more energetic.
Others may prefer a gentle walk followed by a very long pub lunch.
Both are perfectly respectable holiday activities.
And that's the beauty of a big group weekend. You don't all have to do the same thing.
One group can head off for an adventure while another explores the shops. Someone can stay behind with a book and a cup of coffee. Later, everyone meets back at the house with stories from their day.
Relax knowing the kids are safely playing
The House Becomes Part of the Holiday
When you're away for only a few days, you don't want to spend half the weekend travelling from one place to another.
Which is why having a house where you actually want to spend time makes such a difference.
A big kitchen becomes the gathering place.
The garden becomes somewhere for afternoon drinks.
Games rooms become unexpectedly competitive.
Hot tubs encourage conversations that continue long after everyone intended to get out.
And big dining tables bring everyone together for meals that seem to last forever.
Instead of the accommodation simply being somewhere you sleep between activities, it becomes part of the experience.
Sometimes, it's the best part.
Dining at Bowley Hall
Saturday Night, Your Way
This is when a large holiday house really comes into its own.
Saturday night doesn't need to involve finding a restaurant capable of squeezing 20 people around several tables.
You could cook together, arrange catering, order something delicious or nominate the enthusiastic chef in the family who has been telling everyone for years that their curry is better than the local takeaway.
Then settle in.
Music on.
Glasses filled.
Children playing.
Friends talking.
No taxis to organise. No last orders. No worrying about who is driving.
And when someone decides at midnight that it's an excellent time to tell the same story they've told at every gathering since 2007, nobody needs to rush them.
Although gentle heckling is entirely acceptable.
Enjoy your own bar at River Wye Lodge
More Time Together
Perhaps that's why a big house weekend can feel much longer than an ordinary weekend.
You're not constantly separating.
In hotels, everyone disappears into different bedrooms and meets again at breakfast. Restaurant tables split large groups into smaller conversations. Activities have start times, finishing times and bookings.
In a big holiday home, you're simply together.
You talk while making coffee.
You catch up while preparing dinner.
You sit in the garden long after everyone intended to go inside.
Children play with cousins they might only see a few times a year. Old friends pick up conversations as though they last saw each other yesterday. Grandparents get the rare pleasure of having everyone under one roof.
Those little in-between moments are often the ones people remember most.
Raise a glass at Pencraig Court
And Then There's Sunday…
Sunday morning arrives, but somehow it doesn't feel quite as Sunday-ish.
There's another big breakfast.
Stories from Saturday night are discussed.
Photos are shared.
Someone inevitably asks, "When are we doing this again?"
Perhaps there's time for another walk, a leisurely coffee or simply sitting together before everyone starts heading home.
And yes, eventually the cars have to be packed.
But you leave feeling as though you've actually been away.
Not simply slept somewhere different for two nights.
Final lunch in the garden before heading home
Make Your Next Weekend Count
You don't always need a week away to properly recharge.
Sometimes you just need the right people, the right place and enough space to forget about normal life for a while.
Big House Holiday Lets offers large holiday homes across the Wye Valley, Forest of Dean and surrounding countryside, perfect for family gatherings, reunions with old friends and those long-overdue weekends when everyone finally manages to get together.
Come for a couple of nights.
Fill them with good food, fresh air, ridiculous amounts of conversation and plenty of laughter.
Then head home wondering how on earth one weekend managed to feel like a proper holiday.
Now that's a weekend well spent.
Book your weekend break for a large group with BHHL. We have 16 lovely homes for 12 - 40 people
Big House Holiday Lets:
www.bhhl.co.uk
enquiries@bhhl.co.uk
01600 732 050
-
Bowley Hall
Prices from £3,250.00
Bowley Hall is a 9 bedroom Manor House and a 3 bedroom Coach House sleeping up to 31 guests in stunning Herefordshire countryside. With a bar, games room, cinema room, extensive grounds, outdoor pizza oven and Hot Tub (hire charge) its the perfect venue to relax in style and comfort. 3 lounges, huge baronial dining room, modern kitchen, breakfast room - its has everything you need. Licensed for weddings up to 170 with Marquee.
- 9 Bedrooms in Hall + 3 in Coachhouse
- Sleeps from 18 to 31 plus 4 infants please ask for a quote
- Hot Tub included
- Games room, table tennis, pool,
- Bar/Party Room/Cinema Room
-
The Manor on the Monnow
Prices from £2,850.00
Majestic Manor House sleeping 24 in 11 bedrooms, huge lounge and dining room. Big kitchen and separate breakfast room. Games room and covered Hot Tub in 2 acre safe and private grounds. On the banks of the River Monnow, fishing from garden and wild swimming a very short walk. 10 minute flat stroll into town, the Manor is perfect for town and country group self catering in the picturesque border town of Monmouth. Pet friendly.
- Games Room and Hot Tub
- Fishing from riverbank
- Wild swimming 100 yards
- Galleried Hall with woodburner
- 11 Bedrooms, 9 Bathrooms
-
Holly Tree House
Prices from £2,450.00
Charming villa above Symonds Yat, sleeping 22 in 9 bedrooms overlooking River Wye. Two lounges, a large dining room and patio plus covered, outdoor Hot Tub and Games Room. Short walk to 3 pubs (with excellent food), river ferry, and flat riverside circular walk - super pet-friendly. Loads of activities inc canoes and paddle boards. verty safe and secure, no traffic. Ideal multi generation holiday cottage. Holly Tree House provides accommodation in an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- 9 bedrooms sleeping 12 - 22
- 8 Bath and Shower/Loos
- Covered Hot Tub
- Pet Friendly
- 3 Pub/Restaurants walkable
-
The Anchor
Prices from £2,450.00
Set in the heart of Lydbrook in the Forest of Dean and previously know as The Anchor Inn, this cosy village pub, which dates back to the 15th century, is now a charmingly converted holiday cottage sleeping 22 in 7/8 ensuite bedrooms. Lovely Games Room and covered Hot Tub. Enclosed rear garden, pet friendly. Walk to village pubs, shop and chippie! Easy access to riverside. With Superfast Broadband and full Sky Film and Sports Pack it's ideal for work and leisure.
- 7/8 ensuite bedrooms sleep 22
- G/F room, sofa bed & bathroom
- Dogs and other pets welcome
- Covered Hot Tub
- Dine 20 round one table
-
River Wye Lodge
Prices from £2,850.00
Converted Coaching Inn on the banks of the River Wye, with park and canoe launch - short walk to village shop, pub, Indian takeaway and fish and chip shop. Sleeps 26 in 12 bedrooms, 10 having glorious views of the River Wye. Accessibility ramp to the front door and the ground floor houses a wheelchair friendly twin room with an en-suite wet room. Huge dining room and lounge, 2 connected kitchens, playground outside. Games Room. Pet friendly.
- 12 Bedrooms sleeping 26
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room
- Dine 26 round one table
- Twin disabled bedroom wet room en suite
-
Wye Rapids House
Prices from £2,850.00
13 bedroom (11 ensuite) converted hotel overlooking the River Wye rapids at Symonds Yat. Large dining room , bar, lounge, patio, riverside garden plus outdoor hot tub (that can be hired) and games room. Plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sights and sound of nature all around you. An ideal pet-friendly cottage for large group holidays. With flat walks and 3 nearby pubs and restaurants, Wye Rapids provides an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life for up to 30 guests (26 adults max plus 4 children)
- 11 ensuite Bedrooms plus family room and shared bathroom sleeps 26 adults plus 4 children
- Hot tub hire available
- All dine together
- Fully commercial kitchen
- Offroad parking for 16 cars
-
Monnow Valley Studio
Prices from £2,850.00
Sleeps 24 in 11 bedrooms , world famous recording studio on banks of the River Monnow, full of memorabilia with Party Room, Games Room, Cinema Room, stunning dining room, huge modern kitchen, hot tub (hire charge) . Pets are not allowed. peaceful, quiet , safe with no traffic, fishing and swimming from the garden. Licensed for Weddings - 50 max.
- Outdoor Hot Tub for hire
- Huge soundproof Party Room
- Games and Cinema Room
- 11 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Licensed for weddings up to 50
-
Brookside
Prices from £2,450.00
Grand Georgian Manor — A Luxurious Countryside Escape for up to 24 Guests. Experience the charm and elegance of this stunning Georgian manor house, featuring eight large bedrooms and five bathrooms. Perfect for large groups, family gatherings, or special celebrations, the property offers a grand dining area where everyone can dine together, a large lounge for relaxing evenings, a fun-filled games room, and an inviting outdoor swimming pool. Combining classic style with modern comfort, this exceptional home provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable countryside getaway.
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Large Games Room / Party Room
- Hot Tub can be hired
- Ground floor bedroom for elderly or infirm
- Village location with local shop, cafe & pub
-
Forest House
Prices from £2,850.00
This 11 ensuite bedroom converted 4* Hotel sleeps up to 25 in the centre of Coleford, the heart of the Forest of Dean - Hot Tub, 2 Lounges, Games Room with pool table, Large dining room, fantastic kitchen. Off road walks and cycling from door. Pet friendly. Short walk to shops, pubs, restaurants. A perfect location for sampling the huge array of activities and attractions in the Forest of Dean.
- 11 Ensuite bedrooms sleeping 25
- Covered Hot Tub
- Games Room with Pool Table
- All Dine Together
- Pet Friendly for 2 dogs
-
Fairlea Grange
Prices from £2,450.00
This striking gothic townhouse in the heart of Abergavenny is full of character and inspired Alfred Hitchcock's classic movie The Lady Vanishes. It was the childhood home of Ethel Lina White who wrote the original novel. If you want your stay to evoke a dramatic atmosphere this is the holiday home for you! 10 bedrooms, sleeping up to 24 people with 2 lounges , 2 kitchens , games Room, Hot Tub, enclosed garden in walking distance of town centre and Station. Pet friendly.
- 10 bedrooms, 6 ensuites plus 2 bathrooms
- Pets Welcome
- Games Room
- Covered Hot Tub
- Near Brecon Beacons
-
High Cloud Farm and Barn
Prices from £2,450.00
The secluded hilltop retreat of explorer, adventurer, and author Christina Dodwell, High Cloud Farm, a perfect location for 3 generation celebrations, with maps, books, pictures and artefacts in evidence everywhere. This remote rural cottage on the Wales borders offers total privacy as a large party house or holiday retreat. Hot tub and heated Swimming Pool (May till October). farmhouse sleeps 12 and Barn sleeps 12. Everyone can dine together in the Barn. 3 Kitchens, Games Room, pet friendly.
- Dining table seats 24
- 10 bedrooms sleeps 24
- Large games room
- Heated outdoor swimming pool
- Covered hot tub
-
Pencraig Court
Prices from £2,850.00
Classic country house sleeping 36 in 11 bedrooms midway between Monmouth and Ross on Wye overlooking the river. Pet friendly, stunning rooms, large grounds, games room. On site 3 bed cottage sleeping a further 8 available. Large grounds and gardens and a drive with an extensive parking area, totalling 3.6 Acres. Hot tub hire available.
- 11 Ensuite Bedrooms sleeping 36
- Attached 3 Bed cottage sleeping 8
- Games room with pool and table football
- Hot tub Hire available
- Pet Friendly
-
Bromsash House
Prices from £2,950.00
Bromsash House is a grand Manor house boasting six acres of land. 5 bedrooms in the main house sleep 12 adults . There is a Lodge with 3 double bedrooms sleeping a further 6 and Games Room.. The gardens are huge and boast a huge array of unusual trees, fruit trees, rose bushes, and magnolias, creating perfect areas in which to play and explore. Patio with lovely furniture and Hot Tub. Bromsash House sleeps 18 in total.
- 1 Hot Tub
- 2 Pets Welcome
- Max sleepers 18
- Linen Provided
- Sky TV
-
Symonds Yat Lodge
Prices from £4,250.00
A comfortable 25 bedroom (all ensuite) converted guest accommodation situated on the banks for the River Wye. Huge dining room, lounge,bar, games / party room and mature gardend. With flat walks from the door Symonds Yat Lodge is the perfect place for celebrations and large group holidays. Pet friendly, parking. Sleeps 50 guests. Prices are based on 30 guests in 15 bedrooms with 10 extra bedrooms available at an additional charge.
- 25 ensuite Bedrooms
- All dine together in huge dining room
- Licensed for Weddings - for up to 100 guests
- Pet friendly
- Country pub within 5 minute walk
-
Pencraig Cottage
Pencraig Cottage is a pretty 3 bedroom cottage sleeping 8 midway between Ross on Wye and Monmouth
-
Hope Mansell Hall
Prices from £4,250.00
Hope Mansell Hall is an 18 ensuite bedroom Georgian estate in 11 acres of winding gardens and tranquil woodland outside Ross-on-Wye. Perfectly equipped for family and corporate events, intimate celebrations and weddings. Sleeps up to 36 guests plus 4 children on Z beds. With games room for the children, huge dining room, gorgeous kitchen , gardens, the perfect getaway.
- 18 Ensuite Bedrooms sleep 36 plus 4 children on Z beds
- Games Room, pool, table tennis, table football for children
- Huge Dining Room seats 40
- Professional level kitchen
- Bar, perfect for socialising
