Soul-stirring views of the Howgills and space to spread out in a luxurious, eclectically furnished Victorian country house make Brownber Hall a special place for private gatherings of family and friends. A mix of vintage, reclaimed, handmade and reupholstered furniture, with contemporary pieces, is used to decorate the eight ‘tranquil’, ‘well-appointed’ bedrooms, two large sitting rooms and a dining room, where a large table seats up to 16 people. A recently renovated kitchen sprawls across the ground floor. If the sun is shining, dining and barbecue options move to the south-facing terrace or the garden with mature trees and smooth lawns overlooking the fells. A welcome hamper of freshly baked sourdough, a jar of award-winning marmalade plus homemade cakes and biscuits is provided on arrival; fridges can also be pre-stocked with local produce, beers and wine. Home-cooked suppers can be arranged.

Five miles from the foodie town of Ludlow, two 300-year-old cottages with beautiful long views to the Clee hills form a rural haven for exclusive use gatherings. In the spacious house, there are oak floor boards, wooden beams and wood burners. Rustic bedrooms (one with French doors opening onto a balcony) have luxury quilts on large beds and look out over tranquil green spaces. At the end of a winding board walk, a cosy wooden cabin for two (The Retreat) has a small kitchen and access to decking with a fire pit and a private hot tub, and may be rented separately. Within the large garden, an outdoor dining area, BBQ, a lawned area for outdoor games and a treehouse.