Organiser's notes
Christmas week is the most expensive and the earliest-booked week of the year for a big house. The good ones for 14 or more are often taken by the previous February. If you are reading this in autumn for this Christmas, book the first acceptable house you find rather than the perfect one.
Seven nights, usually. Most houses let Christmas as a fixed week, typically Friday or Saturday to the same day the week after, and will not split it. The from-price on the card is the low-season weekly rate; Christmas week will be a lot more. Click through for the actual figure.
Bedrooms over sleeps. “Sleeps 14” can mean five bedrooms plus bunks and a sofa bed. For a week with grandparents and teenagers, count the real bedrooms. This page filters for five or more.
Ovens. A turkey for 16 and a house with one domestic oven do not mix. Look for a range cooker or two ovens in the kitchen photos, or plan a cold table. Ask about the fridge too; most houses do not have space for a week’s food for 16 plus the drinks.
Heating. Old farmhouses and barns can be cold in late December. Ask whether heating is included in the price or metered, and whether the wood for the burner is supplied.
Decorations. Some owners decorate, some leave it to you, some ask you not to use real candles. It is worth one email.
Dogs and children. Filter for dog friendly and enclosed garden on the region page if either matters. Travel cots and high chairs are often available on request.
Money. A £5,000 Christmas week is £312 each for 16 adults or £250 each for 20. Agree the split before you book, including who pays for the children, and collect deposits early. One person should hold the booking and the money.
Sorted biggest first. Dates and the Christmas-week price are on the agency page.
