Looking for somewhere to hire for a sizeable gathering of family and friends? There are some really special houses available across the county that are big on style as well as space, as Andrea Cowan, of Somerset Life, discovers

The elegance of Cothelstone Manor  (Image: Phyllida Warmington Photography) Cothelstone Manor. Taunton.

Sleeps 14

This recently restored Grade II* Listed Elizabethan Manor House is nestled at the foot of the Quantock Hills on the Cothelstone Estate.

There are seven bedrooms, of which four are ensuite. Both the elegant drawing room and grand dining hall, which has been at the heart of the house for over 500 years, have space for all 14 guests to gather, whilst a billiard room, with its own bar, is the perfect place for partying the night away.

cothelstonemanor.com

 

Take in coastal views at Sunset House in Portishead Take in coastal views at Sunset House in Portishead (Image: Walter Dirks Photography) Sunset House. Portishead.

Sleeps 14

For something a little different, this stylish house in Portishead has breathtaking, panoramic views of the Severn estuary.

There are plenty of spots to make the most of the dramatic sea views. Some bedrooms have balconies, and there are various social spaces with huge floor-to-ceiling windows. When it comes to mealtimes, all 14 guests can sit together in the stylish conservatory.

A huge plus for inter-generational get-togethers, this house is wheelchair accessible, courtesy of an internal lift.

groupaccommodation.com

 

The former Edwardian hunting lodge of Duxhams benefits from a magical moorland setting. The former Edwardian hunting lodge of Duxhams benefits from a magical moorland setting. (Image: Rachel Hoile/Moor Rooms.) Duxhams. Dulverton.

Sleeps 19

Set in magical moorland surroundings within the Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve, this former Edwardian hunting lodge blends modern comfort with country charm.

There are seven bedrooms and bathrooms, and a fun dormitory-style attic space for five children. The party can get together for celebratory meals in the spacious open-plan dining area, or weather permitting, there is an outdoor kitchen and terrace from which to enjoy the night sky, along with an impressive 12-person hot tub.

moorrooms.co.uk

 

Tatham House offers plenty of activities for the most active of families. Tatham House offers plenty of activities for the most active of families. (Image: Richard Turner) Tatham House. Bishops Lydeard.

Sleeps 22

Tatham House is surrounded by three acres of beautiful grounds and orchard, complete with an all-weather tennis court.


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Inside, there are 10 ensuite bedrooms, a high spec open-plan kitchen and dining room which includes a super large table for everyone to sit in comfort.

On the lower ground floor is a fabulous social space with table tennis, pool table, bar billiards and a cinema room. The house also boasts an indoor swimming pool. Something for everyone.

thebighouseco.com

 

The large orangery of Somerset Manor The large orangery of Somerset Manor (Image: The Big House Co.) Somerset Manor. Horsington.

Sleeps 22

This former rectory sits in 17 acres of gardens and woodland and has its own small lake. If the weather permits, the grounds include a heated pool, sauna, hot tub, hard tennis court, croquet lawn and football pitch.

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Entertainment continues inside with reception rooms a plenty offering both snooker and table tennis, and an atmospheric cinema room. Next to the kitchen is a large orangery for dining, with French doors into the garden.

thebighouseco.com

 

A Georgian manor house with outdoor pool, hot tub and children's playground. Fun for all ages. A Georgian manor house with outdoor pool, hot tub and children's playground. Fun for all ages. (Image: The Manor, Holcombe) The Manor Holcombe.

Sleeps 24

This grand Grade II listed Georgian manor house and landscaped gardens has so much to offer including an outdoor pool, hot tub, al fresco dining area, children’s playground and treehouse.

Set over three floors, the accommodation inside is just as considered. There is a drawing room with a piano, and a large dining room full of atmosphere with a long banquet table and log burner atmosphere. There is even a fully equipped gym and games room.

themanorholcombe.co.uk

 

Set in 4 acres, Tone Dale House can seat up to 31 in the formal dining room! Set in 4 acres, Tone Dale House can seat up to 31 in the formal dining room! (Image: Nicholas Yarsley/The Big House Co.) Tone Dale House. Wellington.

Sleeps 31

Set in four acres, this characterful house was built by Thomas Fox in 1797 next to his textile mill, to house his family of 13 children.

There are 11 bedrooms with an additional five available in the adjacent Stables. A huge bonus is the formal dining room which can comfortably seat all 31 guests. Meanwhile, an elegant drawing room, games room, party room and smaller cosy living room provide plenty of options for keeping everyone entertained.

thebighouseco.com