Chateau d'Hallines, Saint Omer, Pas-de-Calais, France

There are two things that make Chateau d’Hallines a wonderful place to rent. The first is the chateau itself – built with incredible confidence by a family of very wealthy paper-manufacturers in the 19th century. The second is its location. Being just half an hour’s drive from the Channel Tunnel is a gamechanger for those coming from Britain. Guests don't arrive exhausted from long car journeys or flights – but ready to enjoy themselves in a house that is perfectly set up for them to have a wonderful time together.

Everything is designed for large groups to celebrate special occasions, or for families to holiday in style together. The dining room seats 30 around one enormous table. The two large wood-panelled sitting rooms are ideal for relaxing. The huge kitchen is a fun place to prepare meals, and there are plenty of rooms for having fun: two television rooms, a snooker room, a table-tennis room, even a room with a full-size trampoline. There is a tennis court and an indoor mini-tennis court. The swimming pool is open from May to mid-September.

Our twelve bedrooms are all unique. Nine rooms have double beds, there are two twin rooms - and a large room on the top floor has four single beds, perfect for the younger members of the family. There are eleven bathrooms, ten of which are en suite.

There's plenty to keep everyone entertained at the chateau, but if you decide to venture further afield there's lots to do and see. The village itself offers a bakery and a couple of small cafes, and the charming city of Saint Omer nearby has a beautiful cathedral and lively market - well worth a day out exploring. Plus there are many local historical sites, golf, beaches and glorious countryside.