20 Years in the Making
Our Story
Built by the people who have spent two decades inside the world's biggest hen and stag industry — now bringing that expertise to UK group accommodation.
Where It Began
Two Decades at the Heart of It
Before Group Escape Houses existed, our founders spent over 20 years building and leading one of the world's most recognisable hen and stag entertainment brands — Butlers in the Buff. What started in the UK grew into a worldwide operation spanning the UK and Australia, becoming the defining hen party experience for hundreds of thousands of groups.
That two-decade journey meant working hand-in-hand with leading TV shows, national radio stations, global entertainment companies, and events agencies. We didn't just understand what groups wanted — we were the ones delivering it.
The Problem We Solved
The One Thing That Was Always Missing
After 20 years arranging experiences for thousands of hen and stag groups, we saw the same problem again and again: the accommodation. Groups would plan an incredible weekend — then spend weeks fighting with generic holiday rental sites to find a house that actually worked for 15 or 20 people.
The houses were hard to find. The booking process was clunky. The quality was inconsistent. And there was no one with real industry knowledge curating what was actually good. That was the gap we set out to fill — and in 2026, Group Escape Houses was born.
Launched 2026
Built Different From Day One
Group Escape Houses isn't a generic property listing site. It's been built by people who have spent 20 years inside the hen and stag world — people who know what actually makes a group weekend work, what kills it, and what separates a good house from an unforgettable one.
Every property is personally assessed. Every experience provider comes from our professional network. And every team member brings the same obsession with quality that we brought to building a world-leading brand.
Handpicked large group accommodation across the UK
Curated stays for celebrations and get-togethers
Add-ons and experiences available for many properties
"To make planning large group celebrations effortless — powered by 20 years of insider knowledge from inside the world's biggest hen and stag industry."
Our Track Record
A Worldwide Reputation
Butlers in the Buff — UK & Australia
We built and led one of the world's most recognised hen party entertainment brands across two continents, delivering experiences for hundreds of thousands of groups.
TV, Radio & Media
Our work has featured on and alongside leading UK TV shows, national radio stations, and major media outlets — putting us at the centre of popular culture in the hen and stag space.
Global Events Companies
We've collaborated with world-leading events companies and entertainment agencies, giving us an unmatched network of quality-vetted providers across the UK.
20 Years of Group Intelligence
Two decades of working directly with thousands of groups has given us a granular understanding of what makes a celebration unforgettable — and what doesn't.
Our Standard
How We Choose Our Properties
We don't just look at photos. Every property is assessed against our criteria: genuine capacity for large groups, quality of sleeping arrangements, hot tubs and outdoor space, kitchen and living areas, and that hard-to-define quality that makes a house feel like an escape rather than just somewhere to sleep.
Whether it's a converted stone barn in the Cotswolds, a coastal manor in Cornwall, or a Highland estate in Scotland — every property we list has passed our personal inspection. Our standard comes from 20 years of knowing exactly what groups need.
More Than Houses
Experiences From Our Own Network
The properties are only part of the picture. The add-on experiences — private chefs, cocktail masterclasses, life drawing, spa treatments, and entertainment — come directly from the professional network we have built over 20 years in the industry.
We've worked alongside these providers. We know their quality first-hand. When you book an experience through Group Escape Houses, you're tapping into two decades of vetted, trusted relationships — not a directory of strangers.
The Team
Meet the People Behind It
Every person at Group Escape Houses shares the same foundation: real, hands-on experience in the group celebrations industry. We've been in the rooms, on the events, and on the end of the phone at 11pm before a big weekend. We know this world better than anyone.
Sarah Mitchell
Co-Founder & Head of Content
Sarah brings over 20 years of experience at the heart of the UK and Australian hen and stag industry. Having organized 50+ hen weekends herself, she ensures that every property and experience on our platform meets the high standards our customers expect.
Emma Clarke
Head of Properties
Emma is our property expert, having personally assessed over 200 large-group estates across the UK. From Cotswolds stone manors to coastal Cornwall houses, she has an encyclopaedic knowledge of what makes a house work for a group celebration.
James Thornton
Head of Experiences
James manages our deep network of entertainment professionals. He draws on two decades of industry connections to curate our selection of private chefs, cocktail masters, and performers, ensuring every experience is world-class.
Charlotte Hayes
Head of Customer Experience
Charlotte leads our UK-based customer experience team. She knows that planning a group getaway can be complex, and she's dedicated to making the process effortless, from the first enquiry to the final check-out.
What We Stand For
Our Values
Industry Knowledge
Twenty years in the hen and stag world has taught us what matters. We apply that knowledge to every property we list and every experience we offer.
Transparency
No hidden fees, no misleading photos. Clear pricing, honest descriptions, and all the information you need to book with confidence.
Quality Without Compromise
We've spent two decades building a reputation for quality. Group Escape Houses is the next chapter in that same story — and the bar is just as high.
Real Support
Our UK-based team is on hand throughout. From first enquiry to check-out, you have people with real industry experience answering your questions.
What's Next
Just Getting Started
Group Escape Houses launched in 2026, but it's been 20 years in the making. We're constantly adding new properties, expanding to new destinations, and bringing more of our vetted experience network onto the platform.
Whether you're planning a hen party, a milestone birthday, a wedding celebration, or a friends' reunion — we're the team with the knowledge, the network, and the properties to make it unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Group Escape Houses founded?
What experience does the team have?
What is Butlers in the Buff?
How do you select properties for the platform?
What experiences can you add to a booking?
Where are your properties located?
Still have questions? We're here to help!
Contact our UK team