English Home

THE BIG HOUSE COMPANYNATIONWIDEFor those whose idea of a celebration isa large gathering of the clans, The BigHouse Company has a selection ofbeautifully appointed country housesdesigned to accommodate between 20 and31 guests. Each is set in spacious groundsoffering a variety of activities, plus spaces inwhich to relax – most also offer an optionalcatering service.``````From £2,350 for a two-night midweek break,thebighouseco.com### THE ENGLISH HOME 131### THE PORCH HOUSESTOW ON THE WOLD, GLOUCESTERSHIREA perfectly cooked and presented traditionalChristmas menu – compete with pigs inblankets, chestnut-and-cranberry stuffing, Ribof beef and Yorkshire pudding – awaits guestsat this multi-award-winning beautifullyrestored coach house, most recently awardedthe prestigious New Pub of the Year 2016award by the Good Pub Guide. Retreat,afterwards, to cosy beamed bedrooms,or linger downstairs in the convivial bar.``````Christmas Day lunch from £75 a head; roomsfrom £89 a night, porch-house.co.uk### THE HONEY POT COTTAGENEAR BURFORD, OXFORDSHIREHunker down by the cosy wood-burning stoveunder the ancient honey-coloured beams ofthis romantic 400-year-old pint-sized fairly-taleCotswold-stone cottage on the edge ofBurford, a charming Cotswold town votedone of the top ten most beautiful places tolive in Europe by Forbes magazine. EnjoyChristmas lunch cooked in the Aga, beforehead ing out into the Gloucestershirecountryside or exploring the higgledy-piggledy stone lanes, perhaps stopping for adrink at one of the characterful inns nearby.``````The Honey Pot Cottage, sleeps 2, £1,350 for aweek’s stay over Christmas. Uniquehomestays.com``````Burford in the snowTEH UK DEC 15 Festive Breaks.indd 131 22/10/2015 14:56