Big Cottages in Lonely Locations
Published: Tuesday 2nd Sep 2014
Written by: Alice de Courcy-Wheeler
Trying to book a holiday for a large group can be troublesome, especially if you want to stay somewhere remote. Too often the cottages are only big enough for three or four people, or the larger properties are slap bang in the centre of town.
Luckily, Original Cottages have several big cottages that are well off the beaten track, giving you and your guests that much sought after peace and quiet.
Black Patch in Presteigne, mid-Wales is a big cottage three miles away from the nearest town and can only be reached via a rough 600 yard track. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a spacious stone farmhouse atop a rise on the hillside, and this elevated position gives you and the seven others who can stay there some breathtaking views over the local countryside and hills. It’s an excellent area for walking, cycling, riding and golf, as well as exploring the local border country.
In the heart of Norfolk’s Broadland lies Point Farm Barn, a recently converted late 18th century red brick barn that has retained many of its original features to complement the modern interior. This big cottage can comfortably sleep eight people, and is a great starting point to access the Broads, plus the wonderful open countryside.
If isolation is what you’re looking for then High Oxnop is a big cottage that is perfect for you. Tucked in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, there is just one other dwelling in sight, and you can see for miles. This is Swaledale, proper Yorkshire, large green hills with pretty drystone walls running alongside the narrow country lanes as far as the eye can see. Up to nine people can enjoy this remote holiday home and everything it offers.
Mallard in Lancashire is just outside the picturesque village of Bolton by Bowland. A big cottage that sleeps eight, it’s great for a large family as there is a children’s play area just outside, and plenty of open countryside to explore. Mallard has some great views of the Yorkshire Dales and the impressive Pendle Hill that will have you itching to get out and discover.
If you’re looking for a big cottage with heritage then Grade II listed Well Farmhouse could be just for you. In acres of countryside on the Devon/Cornwall border, this tranquil holiday home sleeps up to ten people, and allows you easy access to the best that the southwest offers. The popular coastal town of Bude is within fifteen minutes drive, and the beautiful Tamar valley is on your doorstep.
Maesgwm Barn on the edge of the Coed-y-Brenin Forest enjoys the privilege of being in the Snowdonia National Park. Nine people can stay in this converted stone barn on a Welsh hillside, as well as up to three pets. Nearby you’ll find footpaths, biking trails, a waterfall, and plenty of wildlife. The only thing you won’t see are crowds …
On the western edge of the Kent High Weald AONB is Cannon Barn, a big cottage that can host up to ten people. It’s a stylishly furnished cottage with a lovely spacious hall, galleried landing and playroom. And if you do tire of the rural life then nearby Tunbridge Wells and Hastings are easily reached by car.
The Old Guildhall is in one of the most unique big cottages you’ll find. A 15th century thatched cottage in large private grounds, it has been fully modernised but the whole building is full of original features such as timbered walls, beamed ceilings, and arched doors. It sleeps up to twelve people and is close to the popular town of Southwold on the sandy Suffolk coast, so is perfectly positioned for both countryside and seaside.