2026 Staycation Trends: Why Big Country Houses Beat Hotels for Family Reunions

2026 has seen a remarkable rise in UK staycations, especially multi-generational getaways and groups seeking exclusive-use holiday homes. What was once a practical alternative to travelling abroad has now become a conscious lifestyle choice, with families embracing the joy of exploring close to home while still enjoying all the luxuries of a dream escape. From long weekends that stretch into laughter-filled evenings to week-long gatherings that bring generations together under one roof, the trend is clear — people want meaningful time with the ones they love.

Families are choosing connection, comfort, and local charm over crowded hotel lobbies, where set meal times, shared facilities, and endless queues can take away from the magic of a trip. In contrast, a stay in a private, beautifully appointed property offers freedom, privacy, and the chance to live entirely on your own schedule.

At The Big House Company, we’ve seen this shift first-hand, with more families booking our luxury house rentals to create shared memories in spaces they can truly call their own. Each property in our collection has its own character and charm, but all share the same promise: to give guests a setting that feels both indulgent and welcoming.

• Sustainability & Local Luxury: Families increasingly prefer low-impact, close-to-home escapes. Big country houses offer eco-friendlier alternatives—less travel, more local produce, and often green credentials.
• Value & Flexibility: When you add up multiple hotel rooms, meals, parking, and fees, the cost of hotel stays can skyrocket. In contrast, a holiday home to let offers all the space, self-catering convenience, and collective comfort under one roof, often at a lower per-person cost.
• Tailored Experiences: From private gardens and games rooms to nearby walking trails and artisanal pubs, large homes to rent give families the freedom to craft their own pace and itinerary.
• Space for Everyone: Whether you’re travelling with toddlers who need nap time, teenagers who want their own hangout area, or grandparents who appreciate quiet corners, big holiday homes are designed with multiple living spaces so everyone feels comfortable.
• A Sense of Occasion: Staying in a luxury house can turn even a simple weekend away into something truly special. From grand dining rooms to sweeping driveways, the setting itself elevates every gathering, making it memorable from the moment you arrive.

Imagine stepping through the old oak doors of Tatham House, and entering a world that’s yours—and yours alone. There are no shared corridors. No waiting for elevators. Instead, you’ll hear the laughter of relatives echoing through vast country kitchens or shared fireside chats in plush lounges. With a big house rental like Tatham House, the entire property belongs just to your group—offering the kind of private, luxurious gathering space that hotels simply can’t match.

Picture a full English breakfast served at a long wooden table, the smell of fresh coffee mingling with the chatter of the morning. Outside, children sprawl across the lawns with cricket bats, while others dive into board games in stone-walled games rooms. It’s the kind of effortless togetherness that hotels—with their sterile halls and fixed meal times—can’t quite capture. For celebrations that deserve this level of warmth and freedom, explore our handpicked Party Houses and discover spaces designed for unforgettable gatherings.

Spreading the cost across a big group turns large house rentals into budget-savvy choices. Rentals for large groups mean fewer per-bed costs, no surprise fees, and a chance to splurge on experiences, not extras. Choosing a big holiday home from The Big House Company means private use of beautiful spaces, from games rooms to hot tubs, all included in your stay. Many guests also enjoy using our properties for Corporate Events, where teams can work, dine, and relax together in an inspiring setting that encourages collaboration and creativity. Explore our houses for your next company gathering and create a retreat your colleagues will remember.

It’s early morning. You wake to soft golden light spilling into a country kitchen in a luxury home rental, the air carrying the comforting aroma of freshly brewing coffee. Outside, the gentle sound of birdsong drifts through open windows as the children tumble down the mossy steps into dew-kissed gardens, their laughter joining the rustle of leaves. Cousins chase chickens between the apple trees, giggling as they dart past flower beds alive with bees and butterflies. From a sun-warmed bench, grandparents share quiet smiles across blooming borders, their hands wrapped around steaming mugs of tea, taking in the joy of the moment.

Later, the day unfolds with leisurely walks around the grounds, impromptu picnics under the shade of old oaks, and stories swapped on a sun-drenched terrace. As evening falls, golden light fades into a deep, velvety dusk. Indoors, the fire crackles in the hearth, casting a soft glow over the games table where everyone gathers—cards shuffling, dice rolling, friendly competition filling the room. These are memories stitched together in the warmth of home, not by hotel concierge, but in a space entirely your own, where every moment feels personal, unhurried, and entirely yours.

• Easy Booking: You can secure your stay in minutes through our availability and special offers page.
• Self-Catering Flexibility: Morning toast, afternoon feasts, late-night treats—all on your own time and menu.
• On-Site Amenities: From hot tubs and cinema rooms to stables and private gyms, our luxury mansions for rent offer features that fit every kind of gathering.

• Big Holiday Homes, Big Family Smiles: With room for everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—you create shared experiences that hotels just can’t match.
• Luxury House Rentals That Feel Like Home: Yet pampered like a five-star stay.
• Big Group Accommodation Made Easy: All under one roof—and one roof only.
• Party House for Rent or Homes to Rent for Events: Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or simply being together, without worrying about hotel curfews.

For inspiration, take a look at our recent blog post The Big House Experience at Somerset Manor, which showcases how one of our properties became the backdrop for an unforgettable gathering.

If you’re ready to start planning your own unforgettable big house experience—perhaps at the charming Tysoe Manor—we’d love to help make it perfect. For enquiries and to discuss your specific requirements, simply visit our Contact Us page, email us at party@thebighouseco.com, or call +44 (0)1823 662673.

Let’s make your next celebration one to remember—in true grand style.

The Big House Company
Big enough for everyone. Personal enough to feel like home.