All about a Christmas staycation in a property where the Owners will hang tinsel at your request. Whether you want to gather the whole family or take time out just the two of you, we've availability in some of the best properties across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Hampshire.

The South West comes alive at Christmas time – Cornwall isn't only for the summer, you know! For the price of a tank of petrol with none of the airport queues you can be a part of a winter wonderland during December, when frost twinkles on the moorland tors and a low slung sun reflects on the coastal waters. Let's appreciate what we've got on our own shores this Christmas.

A self catering holiday cottage takes the stress out of setting up the trestle beds and someone sleeping on the couch, it keeps the family comfortably together where you can cook your Christmas dinner in someone else's kitchen with a range big enough for the biggest pile of roasties. Most cottage owners like guests to get in the spirit and will adorn their properties with glittery regalia at their request; trees, fairy lights, sprigs of holly – all in a magical home-from-home setting.

Christmas bookings start picking up the pace around October half term, although it can take time to sort out everyone's availability so grand get-togethers tend to be organised well in advance, meaning the bigger the property, the sooner you should book. Imagine all your loved ones waking up on Christmas morning with a glistening sea view as a backdrop to present-opening, or hopping in the hot tub post-roast – the icing on the Christmas cake.

Even if it's just the two of you, make the most of this special time of year. Instead of sitting in your usual spot, get out in the west country and discover a south west world together. It could even be your Christmas present to each other. Classic Cottages hand pick the best cottages in the south west so that when you walk in, you say 'wow'. And what more could you want from a Christmas stay?

The closer you get to Christmas, the more likely you'll bag a late booking discount, but much like the turkey bones on Boxing Day, it'll be slim pickings. We've a sublime selection of holiday cottages left for Christmas breaks and lots of photography to support.

Take a look at our Large Properties for Christmas Dinners article.

A small select of properties that all provide Christmas decs:

Armsyde (3286)

Sleeps 8 in traditional luxury in Padstow

Trelengor (1761)

Sleeps 7 in eleven acres of woodland near Fowey

Court Cottage (2468)

Sleeps 4 in a converted Grade II Listed stable block near Taunton

Opie's Toy (2007)

Sleeps 4 above the well-recommended beach restaurant on Maenporth beach, Falmouth

The Old Stable (1901)

Sleeps 2 in the Cornish countryside near Helston

Have a look at our website for all our Christmas availability across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Hampshire.

We find holiday cottages that people fall in love with - it is as simple as that. Every time someone walks into one of our holiday homes, whether it is a manor house or waterside apartment, we want them to say 'Wow', put their feet up and relax into their holiday. So, whether you are looking for a rural retreat in the depths of the country, a luxury cottage on the coast path or a romantic hideaway on the beach, tap into our years of experience and passion for making every holiday with us the best ever.