Would your family like to spend Christmas in a castle?

  Loyd Townsend & Rose has UK homes available for Christmas. These estates are ideal for family bonding, playing card games in the library and often rather ‘over eating’ delicious winter fare. Many homes also have spas and gyms, so exercise can be taken indoors. A stroll to the nearest pub for a pint of bitter and some lamb shanks can be just what’s needed, and the countryside has its own beauty in the wintertime. Be tempted for a winter Christmas by these homes: Stay at Glenapp Castle This Victorian-Scottish castle hotel has a rich history. Glenapp Castle was designed in 1870, by Edinburgh architect David Bryce, for one of Scotland’s most well-known shipping families. Later in 1944, when the castle was owned by James Lyle Mackay (the first Earl of Inchcape), Winston Churchill stayed at the same time as General Eisenhower was staying at nearby Culzean Castle, where they discussed the future D-Day Landings with Lord Inchcape. Glenapp Estate was restored over 20 years ago by Scottish hoteliers; The castle now sits in the transitional area of the South Ayrshire and Galloway Biosphere. This area is the only UNESCO Biosphere in Scotland.   Christmas at Ballynatray This privately-owned, Georgian-Irish country house rental is situated in an 343-hectare estate with views over the River Blackwater. There is an area of parkland over to the west, which includes the deer park, and an area of marsh land and the walled garden to the east. Every bedroom has an ensuite bathroom, and the service provided by the staff in the house is welcoming and friendly. Ballynatray is ideal for a very special celebration such as a milestone birthday party or anniversary party, celebrating with friends and family. For those who relish privacy, security and seclusion in wonderful comfort with delicious wholesome food, Ballynatray is the ideal Irish country house to stay in.   Loch Ossian from Corrour Lodge Staying at Corrour Lodge, a contemporary Scottish lodge, is to experience a sanctuary of comfort in the Scottish highlands. Designed by Boston architect, Moshe Safdie, and completed in 2003, the lodge is at the heart of a family-owned, over-24,200-hectare-estate and is a true Highland wilderness. You can hire Corrour Lodge and its gardens for exclusive use.   Traditional Christmas – Althorp House Althorp House is a grand English home available to rent for exclusive use. Home to the Spencer family since 1508, it brings 500 years of history to life, showcasing one of Europe’s finest private collections of furniture, paintings and ceramics. John Spencer, who built the house in 1508, wrote in his will that Althorp House should always be used as a place of entertainment. This wish has been carried out through the centuries since his death and continues to be adhered to today with high-profile, private events. The bedrooms have housed various kings and queens throughout the years along with politicians and statesmen.   Straffan House at the K Club Straffan House in Co. Kildare, Ireland, is an Irish country retreat that was built in 2005, and is nestled in 222 hectares of mature parkland. It takes its design from the original Straffan House, which is now the hotel “K Club”. It has been constructed with architecture of a bygone era, but with the comfort and style of modern-day living. The house is French in style and is home to many original artworks including works by Sir William Orpen and JB Yeats.   House staff at Cowdray House The English Cowdray House is the old family home of Lord and Lady Cowdray. Today it is an exclusive-use venue for country house parties, corporate events and special celebrations. Situated among over 6500 hectares of the Cowdray Estate in West Sussex, England, and 44 hectares of is own private gardens, the views, architecture and interiors are a must-see. An abundance of activities are offered, such as polo, golf, shooting, fly fishing and other country pursuits. Cowdray House is well known for polo and it was home to the original polo ground, more commonly known as House Ground. Goodwood is nearby for motor enthusiasts.

Buck Hall is a minstrel’s gallery in the heart of the house with stained-glass windows and is ideal for dining for large numbers. The croquet lawn has views of the South Downs. There is also a grand wood-panelled dining room, library, morning room and drawing room.