UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / June 18, 2026 / Dorset Cottage Holidays is reporting strong demand for its portfolio of large and luxury holiday cottages, with five-bedroom-plus properties now performing around 60% above the wider Dorset market.

According to holiday letting agency, this pattern has developed over recent years. While traditional family holidays remain popular, more bookings are coming from larger groups looking to stay together in one property.

That might mean grandparents joining a summer holiday, several families sharing a break by the coast, or groups of friends celebrating a special occasion.

Many of the most popular properties include hot tubs, swimming pools, sea views, spacious open-plan living areas and large kitchens designed for group dining. Others offer direct beach access or secluded rural settings, giving guests a level of privacy and flexibility often associated with overseas villa holidays.

For many guests, the accommodation itself has become part of the holiday.

Leanne Hemingway, Managing Director of Dorset Cottage Holidays, said, “We’re seeing a very clear change in what people want from a holiday. The house is not just for sleeping arrangements anymore.

“A lot of bookings now are for big family gatherings or groups of friends who haven’t seen each other properly for a while. They want somewhere where they can cook, eat and relax together, rather than splitting across hotel rooms or smaller cottages.

“For many visitors, the appeal is straightforward: more space, more comfort and more time spent with the people they came away with. And because we’re based locally, we can match those groups with properties that genuinely work for them. That makes a big difference when you’re dealing with larger parties and lots of different needs.”

Dorset Cottage Holidays has continued to grow its collection of large and luxury properties across the county, offering everything from coastal homes with panoramic views to countryside retreats designed for family gatherings.

With Dorset remaining one of the UK's most popular holiday destinations, the agency expects demand for larger properties to stay strong as groups continue to look for ways to holiday together closer to home.

For more information, visit https://dhcottages.co.uk/collection/luxury-cottages-dorset