Words Helen Brown
No matter how old you are, there’s always an excuse for a party. Good food, great guests and unforgettable times in some of the UK’s most stunning settings. These holiday homes and estates have been picked for partying. There are private pools and golf courses; bespoke catering and no cleaning! What more could you possible need? We’ve rounded up the best rentable party houses, now all you need to do is round up the troops.
Linton Lodge, Edinburgh
This is one of the best rentable party houses for throwing the ultimate gathering. It’s a ‘Techie’s’ dream with five flat screen TVs, home cinema, a Playstation and games console as well as HD Sky movies. There’s also a full music system on three levels of the house, wifi throughout and two outdoor hot tubs.
Sleeps 24
From £46 per person per night, oliverstravels.com
Cowdray House, West Sussex
Once the home of the 4th Viscount and Viscountess of Cowdray this house knows a good party. Although it’s relatively new on the scene as it was only launched for private hire last year. It boasts expansive views of the South Downs and is set in 110 acres of private gardens and grounds. Consequently, the House has become increasingly popular for special family and friend celebrations. A booking here affords 30 beds, family suite and two swimming pools. As well as a croquet lawn, a billiard room, bowling alley and stick-and-ball polo field. There’s even space to land your helicopter.
Sleeps 30
Price on application, cowdrayhouse.co.uk
The North Wing of Cowdray House, West Sussex
For a smaller gathering but one just as lavish, book a stay in the former nursery wing of Cowdray House. It has been purposefully converted to offer self-catering accommodation for 12 guests. It now boasts four double bedrooms, two twin rooms and two large family bathrooms. There’s also an open-plan sitting room and kitchen area, dining room and games rooms. A tennis court adds to the appeal, which can be reached through the kitchen gardens.
Sleeps 12
Price on application, cowdray.co.uk
Goodnestone Park, Kent
Goodnestone is a Palladian jewel of Kent’s peaceful and picturesque countryside. This classically beautiful stately home, recently refurbished, is now available for private rental. It sleeps up to 24 people and is surrounded by 15 acres of stunning gardens and 150 acres of parkland. Goodnestone can arrange anything for an action packed weekend. Try clay pigeon shooting, cricket, croquet, hot air ballooning, yoga and wine tasting. As well as guided tours around nearby vineyards shoots on the nearby estate and horse riding. It also has 24 guest bicycles – the perfect means of transport to the nearby pub for Kentish Ale, lobster and chips.
Sleeps 24
From £4,320 for a minimum of three nights, goodnestone.com
Buckland House, Devon
This rambling 280-acre estate has hosted many a celebrity soirée. Sienna Miller’s sister and her guests made use of it for her spectacularly lavish wedding. The house boasts three dining facilities. Chose from the Victorian Kitchen, oak-panelled breakfast room or formal dining room. Also available are two lounges, snooker room, outdoor pool and a fishing lake with a rowing boat. Ambitious party hosts will delight at the galleried ballroom. It’s one of the more sensational aspects of the house – would you believe – with a domed ceiling, marble fireplace and grand piano.
Sleeps 26
From £2,760 for two nights, bucklandhouse.co.uk
Lakeside House, Lake District
Lakeside House is sustained by biomass and spiced by literary connections. Beatrix Potter set a story here and William Wordsworth wandered the woods, lonely as a cloud. The place offers a break from domestic routine with a menu of catering offerings. These include private chef, delicious delivery drop off and a fully stocked larder.
Sleeps 18
Price on request, bigcottage.com
Gatsby, Somerset
This alluring big country house in Somerset exudes country home elegance. Gatsby is a Grade-I listed manor house with 70 glorious acres of gardens and paddocks. Play croquet on the lawn and unfurl within the lavish interiors. Swim in the starlit outdoor heated pool and explore its ancient parkland. Additionally features include cinema room, gym, tennis court and games room. Gatsby offers adventure and one of the grandest of gatherings imaginable. Sleeps 24From £1,500 per night, uniquehomestays.com
Waterbridge Country House, Cotswolds
Combine a day’s golf followed by an entertaining party with this party house. Waterbridge Country House sits at the end of a long private driveway on Banbury Golf Course. And your stay comes with unlimited access to the course for the whole crowd. Refuel post-game with a dinner and cocktails from the house’s chef service.Sleeps 12 From £2,925 for two nights, oliverstravels.com
