Travel

Travel Advice: renting large houses

There are many reasons to hire a large holiday home for a group of family or friends

Villa Colonia, an eight-bedroom villa in Sitges, Spain, is for rent with Utopia Villas.

Joan Scales
Sat Sep 30 2017 - 06:00

There are many reasons to hire a large holiday home for a group of family or friends. It could be a wedding, anniversary, special celebration or just long overdue get-together. Large houses and properties book out early, so it is good to start looking now for 2018 or even 2019. One Fine Stay has the advantage of backing from hotel group Accor Hotels.

All the accommodation is hand-picked, and those that make the grade are fabulous; it could be a four-bedroom townhouse in New York or a six-bedroom house in the Hamptons. There also extraordinary properties in Paris, London, Barcelona, California, French Riviera and prices for 6-12 guests are from €814-€6,600 per night. onefinestay.com. Utopia Villas is based in Sitges in Spain, a short hop from Barcelona airport. Their properties are substantial, taking up to 24 guests.

All sit in their own grounds with swimming pools, and many are period houses or modern contemporary places. Gardens and space sets these properties apart in hilly Sitges. Weekly prices are from €1,250-€4,950 and more depending on the season. utopia-villas.com, 34-663831162.

Vintage Travel has been renting villas in Spain, the Balearic islands, France, Greece, Portugal, Croatia and Turkey for many years.

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Many are rural properties with great outdoor spaces, swimming pools and jacuzzis. A week in June will cost from €1,650-€2,500 for 12-16 guests. vintagetravel.co.uk,+44-1954261431. Finding a large house with all your requirements is easy on Homeaway.com. Using the filters is a great way to find what you are looking for.

They have a great selection of big houses in Spain, France, Portugal and Croatia. Prices can vary but many houses in the 12-16 person range are €400-€600 per night in summer. homeaway.com.

jscales@irishtimes.com