Weekend rental for 15+

[happyclapper]

I am really struggling to find a house to rent for 2 nights next April to celebrate my 50th birthday.
There will be 15-17 of us and I would like somewhere that has good walks nearby and a pub or somewhere like Bath or York where we could indulge in a bit of retail therapy.
Am almost willing to consider anywhere but ideally Dorset, Cumbria or somewhere within 3hr drive frm the Midlands.
Looked at loads of websites but anything over 10-12 bed seems to go into Stately home megabucks terratory.
Help.......

have you tried two websites that we have used - bigholidayhouse.com and groupaccommodation.com both specialise in large groups. are you avoiding Easter and school hols? if not then this is why they might be so pricey. what budget do you have and i will look and see if any of the ones we have been to are any good for you.

We rented a big house nr Keswick through National Trust Holiday cottages. Can't remember how many it slept but I think we got 16 in. Think it was an old Carding mill. Hth.

Does it have one one house? I'm thinking you could maybe get a steading or something that's been split into three or four units but you just take them all.

I think it is possible to hire some of the smaller youth hostels so that you have exclusive use of them. Have you tried the YHA website?

Thanks mummymeister. I have tried Bigholidayhouse but not groupaccom. I will give it a look.
Yes I am avoiding bank hols.
Thanks for looking.
Will check out Keswick house 41not.
I would prefer 1 big house ppp for the communal space.
Was hoping for a little bit of luxury, brandnew.

The Green in Cornwall, near Looe have a number of properties, I think there might be a big one but also if you struggle I think there are lots of small ones close together. They're not cheap but are v good quality.

And I know it's a bit further than 3 hrs, but is the top end of Cornwall !

Thanks 41. Had a look at The Green. They do look lovely but as we are there for such a short time I would prefer everyone to be together.
Have found quite a few possibles on Groupaccommodation.
Mumsnet comes up trumps as usual!
Thank-you all.
Now over to 'Fun and Games' to get inspiration for kids Halloween party.

How about this one in Exmoor National Park?

Doesn't fit your search area but this is lovely www.christmashall.co.uk/

www.uniquehomestays.com/unique-self-catering.asp

Would be interested to see if you find anything good as I am trying to organise something similar- but budget seems to be the issue.