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When winter settles an icing-sugar frost over the landscape, our favourite country villages and grand hotels switch the tempo. Fires are banked, dining rooms are set for candlelit suppers, with boots lined up at the door ready for long walks, as friends and loved ones gather to savour all the warmth and wonder of this magical time of year. Between Thanksgiving feasts and Boxing Day rambles, ‘tis the season for leaving the bustle behind for these true festive retreats.
Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
For a back-in-time Christmas, it has to be Cliveden. History is written into every stone of this magnificent estate, with its period filmset good looks, Parterre views and a ‘who’s who’ guestbook filled with princesses and politicians. While here, allow us to arrange a private boat journey along the Thames, hot chocolate in hand. Thanksgiving dinner is a true celebration, too.
Nic's note: every room tells its own tale, but opening the door to the Lady Astor Suite is a real breathtaking moment. Reserved for the lady of the house, she had the best of everything: the finest views, the butler’s pantry, the private terrace where little ones can now watch for Santa’s sleigh.
Auchterarder House, Scotland
Private manor house meets five-star hotel service at Auchterarder House, with ten bedrooms and a picture-perfect Scottish estate that’s just for you, to bring the whole family together. The holiday season here is spellbinding, when the 19th-century halls are decked, fires crackle and a private chef prepares a festive feast.
Nic’s note: we can throw open the door and leave you in peace, or curate an itinerary that unlocks more to this side of Scotland. Think fishing for trout in the Auchterarder lochan, golf passes for Gleneagles, and Christmas films in your very own cinema back at the manor.
Estelle Manor, Oxfordshire
With 85 acres at your feet, a Roman-inspired thermal spa and a private members’ club air, Estelle Manor is our go-to for all the warmth, and glamour, of the holiday season. Inside, we love the ceiling-skimming trees, chandeliers and carol singing.
Nic’s note: most Estelle Manor guests make a beeline for the Cotswold and Oxfordshire ‘big hitters’. Instead, we point the way to chocolate box villages that are lesser known, but no less charming, and wrap up stays with my personal recommendations for a classically British Christmas Eve pint.
Beaverbrook, Surrey
Ever since the Spitfire was designed here, this Surrey Hills country house has been flying high. With a dash of romance and heritage charm, it also promises family fun courtesy of a winter ice rink.
Nic’s note: antique afficionados should pop to the charming town of Dorking, with its treasure-trove vintage shops. In between, we map out sublime walks across Box Hill Country Park, with a well-timed pitstop for toasting toes fireside at a local pub.
