9 Fabulous Party Houses To Rent In The UK
WILTSHIRE:
Kin House
Sleeps 24
Grade II-listed Kin House is situated on the edge of the pretty village of Kington Langley in Wiltshire within its own walled gardens and private woodland. The ultimate party pad, the property has recently been restored into a super-luxe hotel where you take all 12 rooms for you and all your friends. The interiors, by British design studio Barlow & Barlow, are stunning. The bedrooms are sumptuous and have all the extra touches you’d expect from a luxe hotel – think cosy robes, rainshowers, Verden toiletries and minibars. Most are decorated in green hues and leaf-print wallpaper, and two have four-poster beds and roll-top baths wrapped in Fermoie fabric in the bay windows.
Downstairs, there are three lounge spaces to make yourself at home in. Fitz Bar, named after Kington Langley’s original medieval alias Langley Fitzurse, serves a comprehensive drinks list including signature burnt orange negronis, and is open until you decide to call it a night. You can enjoy a cosy dinner in the Hearth Room with its vaulted ceiling and original 18th-century fireplace or there are a variety of options for al fresco meals. Attached to the side of Kin House is Kilvert Hall with space for up to 200 people to dine and dance until late. Whatever the occasion, the in-house team of chefs will work with you to plan every meal. The house also has its very own ‘Dressing Room’ kitted out with hairdryers, tongs, hair-washing sinks and squashy swivel chairs; and tucked away on the top floor you’ll find a speakeasy-style barber’s where you can book grooming treatments pre-dinner.
From £12,500 per 24 hours, including breakfast.
Visit KinHouse.co.uk
THE COTSWOLDS:
Coombe End Manor
Sleeps 20
This romantic Cotswolds manor house has monastic roots dating back to the 15th century and a stunning Lutyens porch. About six miles from both Cheltenham and Cirencester, it’s approached via a tree-lined avenue and is set within a 2,500-acre private estate overlooking mature woodlands. The house has recently been renovated but has preserved all its historic character and, while grand in spirit, the feel is very homely and comfortable – think thick rugs, deep sofas and open fires. There are six reception rooms, ten bedrooms (eight of which are en-suite), a medieval banquet hall, a billiard room, a fully equipped gym and cinema room. The décor is inspiring (trust us when we say you’ll want to recreate some of the looks at home) – each room is individually done up in vibrant colours, classic furniture and luxury designer wallpaper and fabrics, which sit seamlessly next to the house’s many antiques and artworks.
Outside, enjoy the stunning gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll and wander down to the large pool which is heated year-round, or enjoy a sauna followed by a dip in the cold plunge jacuzzi. Next to the pool area, you’ll find the brand new two-treatment room spa where you can book a massage or facial by therapists from Lucie App. Should you want something a little more active, there’s a tennis court (a coach can be provided) or head out for a long walk to explore the surrounding area. The house comes with two full time housekeepers who live on the estate and provide daily cleaning and tidying. There is also a chef available for lunches, dinner and BBQs.
From £25,000 per week.
CORNWALL:
Boconnoc House
Sleeps 19
This superb English country estate, about 15 minutes’ drive from the quaint Cornish market town of Lostwithiel, feels like a stately home but is incredibly inviting. Situated at the end of a two-mile drive, you’ll be surrounded by gardens, fields, woodland, deer parks, sheep and cows – a real haven of rural peace. The house dates back over a thousand years (it is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086) and has undergone a major renovation to transform it into a luxe home that fuses Georgian architectural features with modern furnishings. All the rooms are designed by Sarah Fortescue, daughter of the owner of Boconnoc. Each of the nine bedrooms is unique with opulent fabrics and comfortable beds – most are en-suite and those that are not have private bathrooms. The large drawing room has views over the garden and plenty of comfy seating for everyone and, in the cooler months, guests can gather around a warming open fire. The kitchen is fully geared up for you to either cook or bring your own chef – fresh vegetables, herbs and soft fruits from the garden are yours to enjoy when in season and you can order a picnic hamper as well. There’s a games room, a library full of good books and a pop-up projector for film nights. Outside, you can walk around the estate, lake and gardens or have a hit on the tennis courts.
From £1,000 per night.
Visit Sawdays.co.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND:
Middleton Hall
Sleeps 24
Located just a stone’s throw from Northumberland’s magnificent coastline (a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), Middleton Hall is an impressive Grade II-listed mansion built in 1871, which has been recently renovated. The property sits in 30 acres of seclude wooded grounds which include two lakes with private fishing, a large lawn, a terrace and plenty of leisurely walks. Inside, there are ten bedrooms (most en-suite), a great hall with a large oak staircase and an open fire, a pretty orangery that leads to a terrace, a vast drawing room with plenty of seating and a billiard room. The dining room seats 24 at one large table – you can choose to self-cater from the extensively equipped kitchen or arrange for a chef to come in. Only a few miles from the hall, Bamburgh Beach is well worth a visit – it has miles of pristine sand nestled behind huge sand dunes and is overlooked by Bamburgh Castle. Also close by is the tiny, picturesque Holy Island of Lindisfarne, which is linked to the mainland at low tide. Here you can visit the ruined 11th-century priory and the beautifully restored castle.
From £4,045 for a three-night weekend or from £4,709 for a full week.
Visit CrabtreeAndCrabtree.com
SCOTLAND:
Gothic House, Loch Lomond
Sleeps 18
About 30 miles from Glasgow and nestled within the woodland surrounding the shores of Loch Lomond is this fabulous gothic house. It’s the perfect base from which to explore this beautiful part of Scotland – you can take a cruise around the lake or charter your own boat and try your hand at water-skiing, and the surrounding area is great for hiking and long walks. The house has nine lovely bedrooms and six bathrooms; downstairs, there is plenty of space to lounge about – we love the sitting room which has gothic feature windows overlooking the loch. The dining room is large enough for everyone to sit round the table or, in the warmer months, the decked patio features a dining area, BBQ and hot tub. The kitchen is extremely well-equipped with a variety of modern appliances and boasts a large breakfast bar for a casual breakfast. There’s also a cinema room complete with cosy sofas, beanbags, games consoles and a giant screen, as well as a games room with a pool table. If you fancy venturing out, the city of Balloch with its castle and country park is a few miles away and, for keen golfers, the Loch Lomond Golf Club is close by too. Extra services available include a private chef, daily housekeeping, a butler and beautician.
From £885 per night.
Visit StayOne.com
LAKE DISTRICT:
Windermere Gothic Mansion
Sleeps 36
Perched on the shores of Lake Windermere, Lake District locations don’t get much better than this. With beautiful views and fantastic access to some of the Lake’s best attractions, this stunning and carefully restored Victorian gothic mansion is the perfect place for a big multi-generational celebration to remember. Set within its own private grounds as part of the Fallbarrow Holiday Park, the Grade II-listed house oozes character, blending old and new seamlessly, yet with every modern comfort. Each of the 18 rooms, including two self-contained apartments, is beautifully decorated with William Morris wallpaper, crystal chandeliers and sumptuous king-size beds. The designer has taken inspiration from Lakeland poets and Shaker style to combine romance, charm and elegance into every corner of each room. The master suite is in another league, with its four-poster bed, separate seating area and roll-top bath. Elsewhere, staircases and grand hallways lead you between the jazzy cocktail bar, the entertaining rooms, library, TV lounge, and the cinema and games room in the basement. Younger members will love exploring all the nooks and crannies, including a chill-out room just for them. The large dining room is perfect should you wish to eat in, or there are plenty of top restaurants in the neighbourhood; but remember to book well in advance. Of course, the Lakes have endless sights to see and things to do – from the world of Beatrix Potter and visiting pretty towns and villages to hiking and golfing, there is something for everyone.
From £11,287 for three nights.
Visit OliversTravels.com
HEREFORDSHIRE:
The Sculptor’s Gardens
Sleeps 18
This large luxury retreat, situated in the fairytale village of Eardisland near Leominster and the England-Wales border, is the perfect self-catering country escape. Now belonging to a sculptor, the riverside property was home to the Twinings Tea family in the 1920s when daily afternoon teas would turn into flamboyant flapper parties. The Sculptor’s Gardens actually comprises two properties on the banks of the River Arrow – to one side sits the main house, a half-timbered Tudor longhouse and a haven of vintage style; to the other, is the romantic cottage with its wisteria-clad façade. Each house offers privacy for large groups and extended families, but a shared lawn allows everyone to come together for drawn-out picnics under the fruit trees. The main house also has the larger kitchen and dining room, with plenty of seats for everyone. The owners have sensitively restored their home with furnishing in keeping with the house’s history. Look out for the original flagstone floors and exposed beams that hark back to the days of Henry VI, whose knights are believed to have stayed – their red rose paintings are still displayed on the walls. The bedrooms are decorated in neutral tones with pops of colour in the furnishings; some are en-suite and some share a bathroom or shower room. Expect to come across eccentricities around every corner, from the oversized luxury tin spa bath to the surreal sculptures and enchanted secret gardens. Outside, there’s a croquet lawn and the river enjoys private fishing rights. We loved the welcome hamper full of Ludlow Farm goodies, including damson gin liqueur, luxury hot chocolate and homemade cookies.
From £5,495 per week.
Visit UniqueHomestays.com
DORSET:
Lulworth Cove House
Sleeps 20
This sleek, contemporary thatched cottage sits in a prized position in the village of West Lulworth, with Lulworth Cove and the village a short walk away, and Durdle Door just a five-minute drive away. The ten bedrooms all have en-suite bathrooms with wet room style showers and individually controlled underfloor heating. The wonderful open plan living area has three seating areas from which you can enjoy the stunning sea views and, on chilly evenings, there is a lovely log fireplace. The pool room, built into the hill below the house, has a large, heated pool and opens out onto a terrace with sun loungers. The kitchen is extremely well equipped, with the dining area separated by sliding doors. As you’d expect, there’s a tick list of country must-haves, including a bar, boot room, and games and cinema rooms. This house is top of our list for a summer do.
From £10,205 for a two-night weekend.
Visit TheWowHouseCompany.com
SUFFOLK:
The Chapel Barn
Sleeps 42
If it’s serious partying for a larger group you’re after, this 15th-century farm building, located on the 8,000-acre Wilderness Reserve in between Aldeburgh and Southwold, has been transformed into a super stylish 21st-century country retreat. Think restored beamed ceilings and a stained-glass window that refracts light along a banquet table. With loads of space inside and out for a big celebration, the 15 luxe en-suite bedrooms are set around an enclosed courtyard; plus, there’s a bunk room and two additional double bedrooms in the nearby Tennis Pavilion. There’s also a games room, a cinema, indoor pool and sauna and steam room. The vast grounds are made up of woods and lakes (perfect for paddle-boarding or wild swimming), and you can hop on one of the Pashley bicycles to explore further afield. From chefs, activities and experiences, the concierge team will look after your every need and will organise everything in advance of your stay.
Three nights from £12,688.
Visit FAndPTravel.com
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