5 Sprawling Estates With Holiday Homes You Can Stay At
FOR A WHOLESOME GIRLS’ TRIP:
Cowdray Estate, West Sussex
About the estate: Set among the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park in West Sussex, Cowdray is a historic 16,500-acre estate with beautiful, landscaped gardens, a lake and woodlands. It’s about a two-hour drive from London and the area is one of the best spots in the UK for stargazing – you’ll notice the clear skies as soon as you arrive. Cowdray is also famous for its polo; it hosts the prestigious British Open Polo Championship each year and guests in its cottages receive complimentary tickets.
The holiday homes: Cowdray House is primarily used as a wedding and events venue, but the estate is home to numerous cottages dotted around its grounds and in the surrounding villages, as well as new treehouses kitted out with modern furnishings. For a fun girls’ trip, book a stay at Costers Lodge which sleeps six across three spacious bedrooms. As with all the cottages on the estate, the team will ensure you have everything you could possibly need, from kitchens stocked with plenty of tools and crockery to welcome hampers filled with goodies from the Cowdray farm shop – think farm eggs, homemade jam and Torres crisps.
There’s also a spacious garden with outdoor seating and a BBQ, a cosy living space for catching up with friends over drinks and a separate utility room. Beds are supremely comfortable, and each room has an en-suite where you’ll find fluffy robes and toiletries. It’s also dog-friendly (for an extra £35 per pet).
What to do when you’re there: The friendly concierge team can help book a range of activities, from stargazing with a local astronomer to fly fishing and heading on wildlife tours. You can also book clay pigeon shooting classes at the nearby Hownhall range, an excellent school for beginners. Guests can help themselves to drinks and homemade treats in the Scandi-inspired lodge before expert instructors show you the basics and guide you through various shots. Plus, be sure to visit Cowdray’s farm shop where you’ll find a cheesemonger, butcher and plenty of moreish treats, as well as an on-site café and lifestyle shop.
Visit COWDRAY.CO.UK
FOR A FAMILY STAYCATION:
St Giles, Dorset
About the estate: If you want to be surrounded by wildlife and nature, head to St Giles in Wimborne, Dorset. This is where We Out Here festival takes place (for one weekend every August) but it also offers guests the chance to unwind and take in the beautiful scenery during the rest of the year. The estate dates to the 13th century and is still home to St Giles House, a grand building surrounded by colourful gardens and sprawling parklands.
The holiday homes: Away from the main house there are two houses and two lodges, which now look like something you’d find at a luxury country hotel. Each one is filled with an eclectic mix of reclaimed and vintage furniture, with tasteful pops of colour in living areas and bedrooms. Grooms Cottage, housed in a 19th century building, is particularly cosy and sleeps four guests across two double rooms. Powerful rainfall showers and freestanding baths add to the luxe offering, while the kitchenette has everything you need for tea-making and cooking simple meals. The team supply guests with welcome hampers filled with fresh pastries, fruit and more.
What to do when you’re there: If you don’t fancy cooking dinner, head to the Forestry Bar (typically open until 10pm) where you’ll find a woodfired pizza oven and cocktail bar. Spicy margaritas, local beers and soft drinks for kids are served alongside homemade pizzas with crowd-pleasing toppings. Elsewhere, kids will love exploring the estate and forest with its hidden rope swings and seats, while sports and boardgames can be enjoyed on the huge outdoor tables by the fire pits. You can also go fishing at the nearby chalk stream.
Visit STGILESDORSET.COM
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FOR A CELEBRATORY WEEKEND:
Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk
About the estate: Spread across 8,000 acres in Suffolk, Wilderness Reserve offers a collection of exclusive-use properties surrounded by rolling parkland, lakes and woodland. Loved by A-listers and the style set, it’s perfect for a blow-the-budget trip or special occasion when you’re after total privacy. Easily reached from the capital, Darsham station is just a five-minute drive away.
The holiday homes: There are more than 20 properties dotted around the estate, ranging from pink, one-bedroom thatched cottages to three-bedroom houses surrounded by – wait for it – a moat, and manor properties sleeping up to 26. For something in between, The Grange is a beautiful red-brick farmhouse with seven bedrooms. Stripped oak beams are on show everywhere, while the open plan living/dining area is perfect for entertaining. Outside there’s a private pool and hot tub, as well as a sauna, steam room, treatment room and dining area with an outdoor fire.
What to do when you’re there: There’s an 8,000-acre playground to explore with more than 40 actives to choose from. Imagine archery, paddleboarding, shooting, fishing and walks around the estate’s lakes and gardens. You can also unwind, enjoy meals cooked by private chefs and even book hot air balloon rides.
Visit WILDERNESSRESERVE.COM
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FOR HEN DOS:
Hesdin Estate, Wiltshire
About the estate: Within picturesque Wiltshire landscape lies the Hesdin Estate, a collection of lavish holiday homes. Just over an hour from London, the estate is home to private woodland, meadows and lakes. The team took over and renovated the estate more than five years ago, and you’ve probably spotted your favourite content creators hosting parties there in recent years.
The holiday homes: Whether you're planning an intimate weekend or a grand reunion, Hesdin offers accommodation for groups ranging from two to 30 – plus, the homes come fully equipped with private pools, saunas and hot tubs. Our pick is the corn crib: with party-ready interiors, it also has a roof terrace bar, barbecue kitchen, heated pool, hot tub and sauna. The fully stocked games room will keep everyone (it sleeps 20) entertained.
What to do when you’re there: We love that this is one of the few holiday estates where hen dos and mega parties are actively encouraged. Guests can book extras for birthday girls and brides-to-be, like pop-up spas for 30-minute pampering sessions, afternoon teas and sharing boards made by a catering team, candle making workshops and even decorations, flowers and pool floats.
Visit HESDIN.CO.UK
FOR A COASTAL ESCAPE:
Pennsylvania Castle Estate, Dorset
About the estate: Set on the beautiful Jurassic Coast in Dorset, The Penn Estate is a collection of luxury holiday homes perched on the clifftops overlooking the sea. With panoramic views, coastal walks, and peaceful surroundings, it’s perfect for couples, groups and families after direct access to the beach and the area’s cosy pubs and seafood restaurants. The main castle was built in the 18th century and now hosts weddings and events.
The holiday homes: The estate’s flagship properties, the Clifftops, are contemporary eco-friendly lodges with floor-to-ceiling windows offering fantastic sea views. Each lodge is kitted out with modern furnishings, private terraces and outdoor seating, perfect for al fresco evenings. Lodges sleep between four to six guests.
What to do when you’re there: Here, it’s all about exploring the coastline and trying your hand at water sports, like windsurfing, rock climbing, scuba diving and sailing. Guests can walk along the Jurassic Coast trails, head down to the nearby beach or book sessions with the local yoga instructor. For dining, the estate can arrange private chefs, while the nearby town of Lyme Regis is home to restaurants, pubs and a lively arts scene.
Visit THEPENNESTATE.CO.UK
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