The best large houses in Sussex for big celebrations

Do you have a reason to celebrate? There’s no better way to mark a special occasion than by gathering your nearest and dearest for a break together in a large house. With features such as hot tubs, your own bar, and plenty of open-plan living space, your special celebration in a large house will be one to remember. Whether it’s a big birthday or you’re planning a festive Christmas or New Year’s Eve gathering, these large houses in Sussex are perfect for big celebrations.

Ingram House, Hurst Green

Sleeps: 10

Best for: New year celebrations and birthday parties

With a distinctly boutique style, this luxury holiday home offers a lavish and memorable stay for big celebrations, decorated with opulent furnishings and ornate details. The elegant bar area is a crucial feature for hosting parties and big celebrations, whether it’s for a birthday, anniversary or at Christmas or new year. On chilly evenings, you can warm up in front of one of the two fireplaces and in the summer, fire up the BBQ and soak up the Sussex sunshine on one of the stunning patio areas. There is also a hot tub for ultimate relaxation (additional cost applies).

House on the Hill, Hastings

Sleeps: 10

Best for: New year celebrations and birthday parties

In the heart of the seaside town of Hastings, this stunning holiday home enjoys spectacular sea views and rich, sumptuous interior design. With plenty of spacious living rooms, five luxurious bedrooms (some with roll-top baths), a rustic kitchen and its own cinema experience – it’s a great base for classy New Year’s Eve celebrations, an unforgettable birthday party or a reunion with family or a group of friends. With the popular town of Hastings on your doorstep, you will have plenty of restaurants, cafes and attractions to choose from.

Playden House, Rye

Sleeps: 12

Best for: Families and birthday parties

Not only is it perfect for big family gatherings, but Playden House also has high literary credentials – it is the house that captured the imagination of the famous Rye author EF Benson in his Mapp and Lucia books, Grebe. With multiple large reception rooms and open-plan living, seven stunning bedrooms, including two geared towards children, a large enclosed garden and a playroom with games, it is the perfect base for a large family celebration. Just a 15-minute walk into the historic village of Rye, this country house enjoys a peaceful location but with plenty to discover nearby.

The Oast House, Sedlescombe

Sleeps: 10

Best for: Christmas and year-round family gatherings

This traditional Sussex oast house is perfect for family celebrations in the heart of the countryside. Elegant décor and views across the Brede Valley make it a memorable base for quality time together. With access to the owner’s 450 acres of woodland and orchards, and close to plenty of footpaths, families with energetic children will be able to embark on plenty of outdoor adventures. The cosy interiors, open fires, spacious rooms and an elegant dining room make it perfect for spending Christmas together, while the simply stunning garden with patio area is a great spot for al fresco dining and summer garden parties.

The Lodge – Whithurst Park, Petworth

Sleeps: 10

Best for: Birthday celebrations and groups of friends 

This luxury holiday home is set on the edge of the village of Kirdford in the grounds of a private estate. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow dappled light to bathe the living areas making the contemporary accommodation feel fresh and inviting – perfect for groups of friends. Its architectural design - which won a RIBA award in 2002 - gives the property a certain decadence. The open-plan living is perfect for entertaining; in the winter, guests can make use of the space and cosy wood burner and, in the summer, pull back the bi-fold doors and dine alfresco on the decking.

Find more large houses in Sussex or family-friendly places to stay to start planning your big celebration, whether it’s a for Christmas, New Year's Eve, a big birthday, anniversary or simply to get everyone together under one roof.

Already booked? Start planning what you'll do and where you'll go with our guide to Sussex.