A private country house designed for gathering, celebration and countryside living
Large group stays succeed when the house works naturally. At Heather Brae, the layout allows people to gather around the table, cook together, relax by the fire, play games, enjoy the garden, retreat with a book, or simply take in the view.
The result is a house that feels generous without feeling formal, impressive without feeling impersonal, and practical without losing atmosphere.
At its centre is the large farmhouse kitchen and dining space: the natural gathering point for breakfast, long lunches, celebration meals and late-night conversation. The kitchen is designed for group stays, with generous preparation space and room for people to cook, talk and gather without feeling crowded.
From the kitchen, the house opens into a series of living spaces — the main sitting room with open fire, a snug with woodburning stove and library, and a games room with pool table.
The first floor provides a collection of comfortable bedrooms and bathrooms designed to support families, couples and mixed groups. This level offers privacy away from the main social spaces while keeping guests connected to the life of the house.
One of Heather Brae's most useful features is the annexe living area and kitchen, accessed by its own separate staircase — ideal for extended family, guests who prefer quieter surroundings, or those who value additional privacy within a larger group stay.
The second floor offers additional sleeping space beneath the roofline, with elevated views across the surrounding Pennine landscape. These rooms work especially well for families, older children or guests who enjoy a quieter retreat while remaining fully part of the group.
The upper floor adds another layer of flexibility to Heather Brae, giving guests space to rest, recharge and enjoy the character of the house.
Outside, Heather Brae opens into approximately 2.5 acres of private grounds. There are lawns for children to run, terraces for drinks and conversation, two hot tubs for relaxed evenings, and an all-weather tennis court.
The valley views are part of the experience. Whether you are returning from a walk, gathering before dinner or watching the light change across the dale, the outside spaces make Heather Brae feel like a world of its own.
Heather Brae benefits from biomass heating and solar energy, supporting a more thoughtful approach to operating a large country house. For corporate groups, wellness-led stays and values-conscious guests, this provides added reassurance that the house is being operated with care for both people and place.
Large enough for everyone, flexible enough for different needs, warm enough to feel like home.