IL Guide To Exclusive Use Houses and Estates
TAKING OVER – Because sometimes you just want it all to yourselves. . .
The trend to hire exclusive use houses is on the up, as families around the UK open up their private family homes to the public. Hiring a house, castle, hotel or even stately home in its entirety doesn’t have to be limited to weddings. It can be a fantastic way to gather extended family together for a special occasion or organise your own house party while you play lord and/or lady of the manor. Having the run of the place makes for a wonderfully relaxed break, whether you’re self catering or being waited on hand and foot. Whatever your style, we’ve selected six very different venues which you can hire, just for you.
Broomhall House | Fife
Home of the historic family of Robert the Bruce, Broomhall has only recently become available as an exclusive use venue, and its exquisite interior and fascinating past make it a rare jewel among country houses. There’s even a private museum to explore, perhaps before drinks in the breathtakingly beautiful drawing room. Dine in the magnificent dining room with its vast mantelpiece, said to be crafted from the oak of James VI’s marital bed (surely the ultimate conversation opener) and finish with a dram or two in the atmospheric library. You can’t stay over but the proximity to Edinburgh makes it easily accessible. An unforgettable place for a special lunch or dinner, Broomhall House can seat up to 70 for a banquet and is equally suited to smaller numbers for a more intimate celebration.
Altskeith Country House Loch Ard, Aberfoyle, Scotland
Another Scottish exclusive use country house, has a glorious lochside setting and is somewhat more intimate in scale. Situated on the shore of Loch Ard in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Altskeith offers a flexible approach to exclusive use, from a boutique bed and breakfast experience for your whole party (there are ten lovely bedrooms) along with a fine dinner, to an afternoon tea party with perhaps some boating thrown in. Either way, you can have sole residency during your event, making it feel seriously special. This place has a relaxed but stylish vibe, and would be a terrific option if you (and 18 of your closest pals) want to get away from it all.
Fenton Tower East Lothian, Scotland
With 20 acres to call your own and a distinctive pale pink castle to stay in, exclusive use, Fenton Tower ticks all the boxes for an authentic Scottish house party HQ. This heavenly venue (it might look familiar from its role as ‘Archie’s Castle’ in BBC TV’s Balamory) is also perfect for sporting groups, with game shooting and salmon fishing available in season and of course, any number of world-famous golf courses on the doorstep. The bedrooms are sumptuous and the Great Hall probably the most comfortable living room you’ll ever relax in, with a roaring fire and intricate tapestries on the wall. First class cooking by a private chef can be laid on and with the huge walnut table seating 34, we think you’d be as well to take advantage of that particular service.
Yorebridge House North Yorkshire
For exclusive use in the north of England, we recommend this 5 star, 3 AA Rosette boutique hotel which sits in the heart of the heartbreakingly scenic Yorkshire Dales. There are 12 bedrooms, all with gorgeous views, luxury potions in the bathrooms and fluffy robes (essentials in our view). You can even soak in your own private outdoor hot tub in some of the barn rooms.
Particularly idyllic for a country wedding, the hotel also offers exclusive use for any kind of celebration, as long as you book all 12 rooms. Yes, you’ll need to plan ahead and pin your guests down early on, but what could be nicer than meeting old friends or family you don’t see enough of, and having a whole 24 hours (or even a weekend) to catch up properly.
Grove Hotel Pembrokeshire
Head further west to this lovely exclusive use Welsh country hotel where home comforts meet luxury touches, and again, you can take over the whole shebang. No interruptions or distractions, the whole focus will be on you and your stay. With an award-winning restaurant and star head chef, fruit and veg from their own kitchen garden and produce from Pembrokeshire land and sea, this is one for foodies. So if you can think of nothing nicer than sharing a superb meal with your nearest and dearest, then The Grove, a privately owned and very stylish establishment indeed, should definitely be on your shortlist. Understated elegance and super-professional but relaxed service are the order of the day, ensuring that your private retreat, surrounded only by your guests and the brilliant staff, is everything you could wish for.
Whitehouse Devon
If the traditional country house hotel isn’t for you, may we recommend, The Whitehouse, exclusive use, in Devon. Take over its six stunning bedrooms and you get exclusive use of the house, garden and dining room. Eat there or book in at The Beachhouse, their little sister waterside restaurant. If you’re a dog lover you can bring pooch along and even book them in for a spot of pampering on site! This place is coastal cool, with a (dare we say), hipster vibe, reflected in the pared back style, tech-friendliness, rainhead showers and general subtle sense of luxe (no nasty sachets in your room, just a Nespresso machine and organic milk – this we like). With cliff top paths and lovely seaside towns to explore, Whitehouse is a great option if you want to do your own thing during the day, then meet your gang back at the house for a big dinner en masse.
Abigail Stubbs
Features editor
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