Top 10 Must-Have Features When Booking a Big Group Holiday House

Planning a big group holiday is exciting—but finding the right house makes all the difference. Whether it’s a family reunion, a milestone birthday, or a corporate retreat, the setting shapes the memories you’ll take home. A large house designed for groups means everyone has space to relax, celebrate, and connect.

At The Big House Company, we know what transforms a stay into something unforgettable. From Tone Dale House in Somerset to Tysoe Manor in the Cotswolds, our properties bring together comfort, history, and fun. Here are the 10 must-have features to look for when booking your next big group holiday house.

Large groups need room to gather, laugh, and celebrate. A house with games rooms, party areas, or even a cinema makes downtime as memorable as the main event.

Take Tysoe Manor: its games and leisure spaces are perfect for bringing everyone together. Challenge friends to a match of pool in the characterful games room, enjoy a lively table tennis tournament in the garden, or spark some friendly rivalry over table football indoors. With activities for all ages, there’s plenty to keep the fun going throughout your stay.

A garden or terrace expands the holiday beyond four walls. Pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and lawns bring variety and fresh air fun.

Tone Dale sits in four acres of landscaped grounds with a bubbling hot tub at its heart. Meanwhile, Tysoe Manor offers an 11-acre estate with a heated outdoor pool (seasonal), tennis court, football pitch, and gym—ideal for summer escapes.

Every group is different—grandparents, couples, kids, friends—so a mix of bedrooms is essential. Flexible setups (kings or twins), ensuites, and annexes make sharing easy.

Tone Dale House sleeps up to 31 across 16 bedrooms, with options that can be arranged as doubles or twins. Tysoe Manor sleeps 22 in 10 stylish bedrooms, several with air conditioning—comfort for every guest.

Nothing brings people together like food. A big holiday house should have a well-equipped kitchen and dining space large enough for everyone to sit together.

Tone Dale boasts both a light breakfast room and a grand red dining room that seats all guests in style. Tysoe Manor’s long tables, both indoors and by the pool, are perfect for celebratory feasts.

Cooking for 20+ people isn’t always appealing. Catering or chef services add ease and occasion to group stays.

At Tone Dale, you can book trusted local caterers like Milkshed Catering or Fed & Pickled. Tysoe Manor also offers flexible catering options—ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or retreats.

Groups often span generations, so accessible spaces matter. Ground-floor bedrooms, ramps, and wide corridors help everyone enjoy their stay.

Tysoe Manor includes a comfortable ground-floor ensuite bedroom—thoughtful design for guests who prefer not to tackle stairs.

A house with character sets the tone for your holiday. Period features, historic architecture, and beautiful interiors add a sense of occasion.

Tone Dale is a Grade II-listed Palladian villa built in the early 1800s, complete with heritage gardens and millstream views. Tysoe Manor dates back to the 1300s, with medieval stonework, grand fireplaces, and centuries of atmosphere woven into its walls.

A modern big house should mix tradition with today’s essentials: strong Wi-Fi, sound systems, and smart entertainment.

Tone Dale’s party room features integrated lighting and sound, and Wi-Fi is reliable throughout the property. Perfect for streaming, working remotely, or sharing holiday snaps instantly.

For many families, a holiday isn’t complete without the dog. A big house that welcomes pets makes planning stress-free.

Both Tone Dale House and Tysoe Manor allow up to two dogs by arrangement (with a small fee). Walks, fields, and gardens mean they’ll love the stay as much as you do.

Big groups mean mixed ages, so clear safety rules help keep everyone at ease.

Tone Dale highlights its unfenced millstream to ensure guests are mindful with children. Tysoe Manor clearly sets expectations too—like no fireworks or decorations—to ensure safety and preserve the historic property.

The perfect big group holiday house blends space, comfort, and charm with thoughtful extras that make your stay effortless. Whether you’re dreaming of the grand gardens at Tone Dale House or the historic beauty of Tysoe Manor, choosing the right features ensures memories you’ll treasure for years.

Ready to plan your getaway? Browse more of The Big House Co’s stunning properties here and let us help you design the perfect escape for your group.

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.

The Big House Company
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