These country houses are ideal for parties at any time of year.
Surrey, £9 million
Bryan Ferry used to rock around this light-filled, Grade II*-listed Modernist gem—Roxy Music’s most acclaimed records were made in a studio (built by band member Phil Manzanera, who lived here) in the adjoining 19th-century Coach House. Close to Windsor, the white wonder—formally known as St Ann’s Court—which is now often used as a TV and film set, was designed in 1936 by Sir Raymond McGrath. It has five reception rooms, six bedrooms, parking for 10 cars and eight acres.
Knight Frank (01344 987 504)
Leicestershire, £1.1 million
Style and character abound at Rock Farm, a substantial 18th-century family house near Chilcote. With seven bedrooms, a cinema room, three/four reception rooms, lots of fireplaces, a landscaped, south-facing garden and high ceilings throughout, this is the ideal venue for a cosy, country-house-party weekend. There is also a studio/office and a garage with workshop.
Alexanders (01455 291 471)
Hampshire, £2.35 million
An expansive drawing room with two sets of double doors leading onto a south-facing terrace makes six-bedroom Red Walls House, near Liphook, fantastic drinks-party territory. The kitchen/orangery also feels delightfully open to the two-acre garden. In addition, there’s a garden store, tennis court and private gated access to the 18th hole of Liphook Golf Course.
Strutt & Parker (01428 661 077)
Herefordshire, £1.95 million
This six-bedroom, Grade II-listed farmhouse in the Malvern Hills sits in 15 acres of land and includes an impressive vaulted wing, with excellent views of the surrounding countryside. There are also three separate rental cottages within the grounds, each with its own garden and hot tub. A further 35½ acres of pasture are available by separate negotiation.
Knight Frank (01905 886 583)
Co Durham, £1.995 million
The breathtaking views from five-bedroom Portland House, near Bishop Auckland, are sure to impress any visi- tor. What’s more, there’s a bar/cinema room and indoor swimming pool, plus a barbecue house, landscaped gardens and outdoor pizza oven for summer entertainments.
Finest Properties (01434 622 234)
Lancashire, £900,000
This charming family home on the edge of High Casterton hamlet dates back to the early 1800s and has five bedrooms, a sun room, a sauna in the cellar and two reception rooms, one of which leads out to the swimming pool and extensive outdoor terrace. There’s also a two-bedroom cottage in the grounds with its own garden and parking area.
Davis & Bowring (01524 274 445)
