The Hen House sleeps just two in a pretty bedroom with a large en suite bathroom and an attractive sitting room with kitchen.

Brook Farm has nearly nine acres of gardens, woodland and meadow which you are welcome to enjoy for walks picnics and barbecues.

Telephone 01584819868, or 07971534295 for details and bookings, or click on photograph showing this pretty beamed cottage with high eaves for more information.

Various cottages available in Dorset for both Christmas and New Year. All nicely furnished high quality cottages.

For example, St Anthony's Cottage nestles in the middle of a beautiful row of traditional cottages in the village of Langton Herring, near Weymouth.

This period cottage has recently been fully refurbished to provide: 3 double bedrooms sleeping 6 plus cot, bathroom and shower room, comfortable and tasteful rooms, inglenook with wood-burning stove. Garden at rear. Please clickon the cottage phootgraph to find out more about this group if cottages, availability for Christmas and New Year and prices.

Granary Cottage - sleeps 2-3 near Royal Forest of Dean

Ideal escape from Christmas and New Year for those who hate the festive season.

Granary Cottage is situated at the end of a quiet country lane at the northern extremes of the Royal Forest of Dean, in the small hamlet of Elton near Gloucester.

The cottage was built in the late 17th Century and is set in the grounds of Upper Hall, a country farmhouse of the same period. The cottage has been converted to a high standard with all modern conveniences whilst retaining the original character of the period. The cottage has a private garden with garden furniture, barbecue and ample parking for 2 cars.  Perfect for touring the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.

Telephone 01452 760243 or click on the cottage photograph for availability and bookings.

>>>> More self-catering accommodation in the Forest of Dean

Spring Hall Cottage is a charming 200 years old Grade II listed thatched cottage that sits on the North Essex/South Suffolk borders in Constable Country. Recently refurbished to a very high standard with a new kitchen and bathroom complementing the wealth of exposed beams.

There are two separate double bedrooms one of which can be made into two single beds if required, the lounge is 23 feet long which features the original inglenook fireplace, the dining room area seats 8 comfortably so you can entertain your family and friends in style.

The cottage has an enclosed garden of approximately one third of an acre laid down to lawns and flowerbeds with views overlooking farm land, so ideal for children. Well-behaved pets also welcome.There is a double cart lodge and patio area with a gas BBQ provided so Al Fresco dining is a possibility on warm and sunny days.

Telephone 01206 251 619, or 07779 264 679 or click on cottage photograph for details.

Walnut Tree Barn, Swanton Abbott, Norfolk  Our barn sleeps 4 is in Norfolk twixt Norwich and Coast and is 4 star Tourist board. Please view details in menu on left under Norfolk.

Please click on cottage photo for more information about a Christmas or New Year break in Norfolk.

Lovely spacious house in Ipswich - sleeps up to 13 is available for Christmas week

A spacious, detached Edwardian House in Ipswich, Suffolk within easy reach of Constable Country, Aldburgh and the coast and Constable Country. Milnthorpe House is close to Christchurch Park and Mansion and is within easy walking distance of the town centre.

The house is large with several public rooms. It sleeps up to 13 people in 1 triple bedroom, 3 double bedrooms and a twin bedroom. It has a large driveway with plenty of parking and is surrounded by spacious gardens.

The house has a selection of spacious public rooms including a sitting room, drawing room, dining room, library, conservatory and kitchen breakfast room. There is plenty of room for groups to gather together or find a quiet corner to read a book

Accommodation comprises a conservatory with patio ideal for sunny summer breakfasts fully fitted dining kitchen, shower room, spacious living room with open fire, digital TV and hi-fi, and 2 bedrooms ( 1 double en-suite, 1 twin). The price includes all heating and electricity. Please bring own bed linen, towels and tea towels. Parking for 2 cars. Christmas 2009 is available for a week's booking. Click on photograph for details.

Available Christmas and New Year, also see bookings for Christmas week

Please click on photograph for more information and interior images.

Book a stylish 2 bedroom apartment to escape Christmas and New Year and spend an indulgent time in Matlock Derbyshire. Visit Chatsworth House resplendent in its festive finery, enjoy the Christmas lights and good cheer of local pubs.

Harley's Hydro is a stylish contemorary apartment that sleeps 4 people. Click on the photograph above for details. Lots of other self-catering properties available for Christmas.

View additional self-catering cottages and houses available in Derbyshire:

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Pretty cottages in the Lincolnshire Wolds

If your idea of a relaxing holiday is luxurious accommodation, breathtaking scenery and accessibility along with privacy, then Poachers Hideaway, situated deep in the heart of the Lincolnshire Wolds will delight far beyond one’s expectations.

The retreat is situated deep in an isolated valley, although only minutes away from the bustling market towns of Horncastle and Louth, (which are superb for antique hunting), the east Coast and City of Lincoln are also within easy reach. The five star accommodation which comprises of six luxury cottages, was designed by Andrew Tuxworth in 2001 to the highest standard. The cottages overlook 170 acres of ancient woodland, wildflower pastures, natural hedgerows and water meadows.

The charming cottages stand on the site of the original farm buildings and guests will be delighted with the lavish furnishings and décor. It’s the stylish features that make them so special, such as the open fires, beautiful Lincolnshire oak floors, and spacious master bedrooms complete with en-suites.

What better way to escape the fast paced 21st century than to take time out, enjoy breathtaking scenery and spend your days walking through the area which inspired the poet Tennyson and which can also boast the well-deserved status of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Choose from the range of activities on offer such as fishing, pony trekking, or participate in an escorted walk and discover the diverse plant and bird life in the area.

In the evening, revive yourself in the outdoor Jacuzzi or hot tub, and let the bubbles soothe you as you watch the sun setting over the rolling hills, before a night of blissful sleep. Come and take a break from the chaos of modern life and revive your senses in this area of natural beauty, which remains a well-kept secret deep in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside, where time stands still.

Telephone 01507 533555

Charming period Cotswold stone cottage located on the banks of the River Windrush in the centre of the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'. Delightfully furnished rooms which are light and spacious, many of which overlook the River.

Click on cottage photo for bookings and availability.

Beautiful large country house in Lincolnshire for a Christmas get-together

In this house you can get several generations of the family together for a Christmas to remember. Lots of space for a Christmas tree, presents and all Christmas accoutrements.

Skendleby Hall is a magnificent Grade II listed residence originally dating back to the mid 1700s with a later Victorian wing and additions in the early 1900s, most notably being the Roman Catholic Chapel. 

In brief, the substantial accommodation includes 5 reception rooms, 2 kitchens, billiards room, 14 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms/shower rooms. It can accommodate up to 24 people in all. 

Please click on the photograph to explore this beautifully furnished house or telephone 01507 524081, Mobile 01917 569 349

New Year in Poland, visit Cracow Christmas market

For a New Year with a difference, try a self-catering holiday in the south of Poland near Cracow. There is a lovely Christmas market with lots of beautiful Christmas crafts and decorations.

If you're fortunate, you may have snow for horse-drawn sleigh rides and skiing. 3 ski slopes in town and many more within short driving distance. The house is also available for during January and February for skiing holidays.

The house offers 3 living areas and is situated in hills in a village between Krakow and Zakopane. Sleeps 8-10. Beer from about 60p a pint, inexpensive pub meals. Perfect for summer or winter skiing family holidays. Flight to Cracow from many London airports and cheap deals with Ryanair. It's a 16 hour drive from the south east of England otherwise.

Click on the photograph of the self-catering ski chalet near Zakopane Cracow for more information.