Observatory House, Bedford, Bedfordshire

Dating from 1825, this quintessential blue-plaque Georgian English townhouse has an interesting history, having once housed the largest observatory in England. Observatory House has a swimming pool, croquet-and-tennis lawn and home cinema (with free Netflix), and with 8 bedrooms and extra bed spaces also available it is large enough for several families to stay in together. Ideal for large group reunions and special occasion weekends with friends and family.

With a large garden Observatory House could be situated miles into peaceful countryside, and yet it is extremely convenient for the town centre (5 minutes' walk) and river, for London (37 minutes by train) and Cambridge (45 by car or just over an hour by very convenient and comfortable bus).

With the run of the house and garden, in the summer guests have the use of the pool, tennis court and croquet. In winter there are open fires and a lovely warm range in the kitchen; also the conservatory, dining and drawing room and home cinema. Lots of space for your group to spread out, room for everyone to eat together (the kitchen table has been known to seat 20 when extended!) and entertainment areas too.

The bedrooms are flexible with additional trundle and sofa beds for extra guests - please get in touch to discuss your group configuration.

Please note that the owners live here too! The house has proved so popular (and it can accommodate so many so comfortably) that we now accept bookings when we're at home, retaining a few bedrooms for our own use while leaving the rest for you, making the house available for almost all the year. This means we are on hand to show you around, open the pool for you, show you how to use the cinema (and occasionally fix it!) and help in all sorts of little ways when needed. We have our own kitchen space; we do, however, share the front door and corridors with you, and also the pool and garden in good weather.