Widley Retreat

Widley Retreat is a five-bedroom house in Widley, on the northern edge of Portsmouth, sleeping up to 12 and built for big get-togethers. There's a driveway for three or four cars, a separate games room, an enclosed garden and an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space where whoever is cooking stays part of the conversation.

Who it suits

Families sharing a holiday, several generations under one roof, friends getting together, celebrations, and work crews who need beds and parking for everyone. Guests have stayed with everyone from five-year-olds to grandparents in their late seventies, and groups have used it as a base for Goodwood.

Sleeping and bathrooms

The five bedrooms have two doubles, a king-size bed with a single alongside, and two twin rooms; one twin can be zipped together into a super-king. A sofa bed in the games room takes a twelfth guest. Upstairs there's a family bathroom with a separate bath and shower, and downstairs a shower room with a toilet, next to the utility room with the washing machine and dryer. Every bedroom has a fan for warm nights.

Living space and the games room

The kitchen opens onto the dining and lounge area, with a breakfast bar, dishwasher, a dining table and a large TV. The games room has a dartboard, table football and an Xbox, and there are board games for rainy evenings.

Outside and parking

The back garden is large and fully enclosed, so children can play and dogs can roam (£50 per pet when you book here). Parking is on the private driveway, which takes three or four cars, and guests have fitted a van as well.

Getting around

Purbrook Heath recreation ground is about 10 minutes' walk, and the views from Portsdown Hill and Fort Widley are about 5 minutes by car. Port Solent is around 8 minutes' drive, Portchester Castle 11, and Gunwharf Quays, the Spinnaker Tower and Southsea seafront 15 to 20 minutes. Staunton Country Park is about 12 minutes away, and Goodwood around 25 (allow longer on event days). Cosham station and Queen Alexandra Hospital are both close by.

Worth knowing

The house is on London Road, a main road with a bus lane, but it sits well back from the road, so you won't hear the traffic inside. All parking is on the driveway, and the gateway is a snug fit for wide vehicles. You'll want a car for exploring: the seafront and city centre are a drive rather than a walk. Stays of up to 89 nights can be booked online; for 90 nights or more, or for a company booking, please get in touch first. Booking here on our website gets you our best price, as booking sites add their own fees.