The Best Party Houses To Book For Your Next Celebration
Nana Acheampong, Senior Fashion Editor & Broadcaster
BEST FOR EXCLUSIVITY: Wilderness
“I had an amazing birthday party weekend away with my friends at The Grange at Wilderness Reserve. I love how it felt like we were the only ones there even though there are several properties on the reserve. The Grange itself was spacious, with seven bedrooms and room for up to 14 guests. Set within an impressive 8,000-acre estate, it had beautiful surroundings and plenty of privacy. During our stay, we enjoyed the private swimming pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room. In the evenings, we gathered around the fire pit and relaxed together. We also took part in some of the 40 activities available, including woodland adventures, cycling and wild swimming in the lake.”
Visit WILDERNESSRESERVE.COM
Jenn George, Beauty Director & Acting Senior Wellness Editor
BEST FOR BLOW-THE-BUDGET: Goodnestone Park
“I had my 40th here, and it was the perfect setting for a big celebration. This 18th-century house was completely renovated and redecorated around ten years ago and now sleeps 24 people, with two additional bedrooms in a little cottage on the grounds. Each bedroom is individually designed and beautifully done, with most overlooking the surrounding parkland. Downstairs, there are plenty of spaces for eating, drinking and generally making a weekend of it, including a large dining room where we had our evening meals catered by local company Carson Kitchen. Saturday night was ‘Riders’ and ‘Rivals’ themed, and the combination of the classic country-house setting, our friends in Jilly Cooper-esque fancy dress and 80s music made it a night I’ll never forget. Luckily, the weather played ball, so the next day we shook off the hangovers with croquet on the lawn before heading to Whitstable, just 20 minutes away, for a padel tournament followed by oysters and champagne.”
Visit GOODNESTONEPARK.CO.UK
Georgina Blaskey, Senior Homes & Interiors Editor
BEST FOR BIG BIRTHDAYS: Ember
“I recently celebrated my 50th here with a group of girlfriends but Ember would be equally brilliant for a multi-generational holiday or family celebration. On the edge of the Wiltshire village of Upton Scudamore, this design-led country retreat is made for large groups. There’s so much to do on site but if you fancy exploring, Bath and Bruton are both within easy reach. The property has been meticulously restored over three years, transforming what was once a neglected building into a characterful retreat that balances heritage details with thoughtful modern touches. A former chapel is now a striking dining room, while an indoor pool, gym and games room make it perfect for relaxed entertaining. Reclaimed oak floors, limestone tiles and restored windows nod to the building’s history, while touches inspired by the owners’ time in South Africa and Asia add plenty of personality. There are nine bedrooms and a generous collection of living spaces – including the largest TV I’ve ever seen in a snug – while outside there’s a fire pit, sunken trampoline, climbing frame, giant chess set and football goals.”
Visit UNIQUEHOMESTAYS.COM
Hodge Templeman, Head Of Broadcasting & Talent
BEST FOR SMALL GROUPS: The Cliff
“We stayed at The Cliff in Brighton for a birthday with a small group of friends. Set just above Brighton marina, it has amazing sea views and feels much more like a beautiful home than a holiday rental. There are six bedrooms, so it worked really well for our group and the interiors are so cosy – perfect for this time of year. The garden was probably one of our favourite parts; there’s a pergola with comfy seating, heaters and a fire pit, so we could stay outside even when it got cooler. There’s also a sunken fire-pit area and a heated spa pool at the top of the garden, which was perfect for drinks and chatting. It’s one of those houses where you can spend the whole day together without needing to go anywhere.”
Visit DKOLLECTION.COM
Elaine Lloyd-Jones, Managing Editor
BEST FOR A GIRLS' WEEKEND: Oldestairs House
“I first discovered Kingsdown, just outside Deal, with a friend a couple of years ago. I’ve been back a few times since – she now has a cottage there – and it never loses its charm. Think coastal walks, galleries and vintage markets, plus The Zetland Arms on the beach is great if you want easy pub food – especially great mussels. In Deal, The Rose is the place to go for cocktails and long lunches, while The Blue Pelican serves excellent Japanese-inspired food. I’ve always loved the look of Oldestairs House too – the panelling, wrap-around porch and colourful interiors would make it very hard not to be happy there.”
Visit KEEPERSCOTTAGES.CO.UK
Plus, here are some more of our favourite properties to have on your list…
Hound Lodge
Goodwood Estate
Tucked away on the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, Hound Lodge is a ten-bedroom lodge with en-suite rooms, a private chef and butler, making it particularly well suited to group celebrations and large-scale entertaining. The interiors, designed by Cindy Leveson, give the lodge plenty of character, while its location on the estate means there’s a range of activities available. Guests can arrange flying experiences from Goodwood Aerodrome, driving and racing experiences at Goodwood Motor Circuit, or make the most of the spa and wellness treatments. Elsewhere on the estate, there’s a farm shop, a private art collection and ancient woodland to explore, giving guests plenty of reasons to make a weekend of it.
Visit GOODWOOD.COM
The Adria, South Kensington
For something a little different, The Adria offers the chance to take over an entire townhouse hotel in South Kensington. The 22-suite property is available exclusively, effectively turning a central London hotel into a private house for the weekend. It has previously hosted full takeovers and brand activations, making it a unique option for a private celebration. Despite its size, the property has a residential feel, with a series of drawing rooms and communal spaces, a garden room and afternoon tea room, alongside wellness facilities including a sauna and gym.
Visit THEADRIA.COM
The Water House
The Water House in Suffolk is a design-led stay with its own event space, making it particularly suited to celebrations and larger gatherings. Set within five acres of private grounds, there’s a BBQ area, hot tub and croquet lawn, while the 14th-century cottage has been transformed inside with bold, eclectic interiors by designer Shaun Clarkson. Original beams and inglenook fireplaces sit alongside vibrant prints, chintz wallpaper and carefully sourced 20th-century furniture, giving each room its own character. The house sleeps eight, with an additional annex for two, while the Greenhouse event space can accommodate up to 20 seated or 60 standing. A dedicated concierge can also arrange everything from hampers and private dining to wellness workshops.
Visit CURIOUSRETREATS.CO.UK
Silchester Farm
Silchester Farm in Hampshire has two large private properties that work particularly well for group celebrations. The Farmhouse sleeps 15 across seven bedrooms, with a large open-plan kitchen and dining area overlooking the gardens. It’s a good option for families and groups of friends who want plenty of space to cook, eat and spend time together. Prices start from approximately £1,600 per night. Meanwhile, The Barn House sleeps 12 across six bedrooms and has a more relaxed feel, with space for long dinners and cosy evenings around the fire. There’s plenty to do beyond the houses, with a tennis court, swimming pool and bikes on site, plus seasonal dining experiences and events throughout the year. The Trough Farm Shop is also handy for local produce, coffees and light lunches.
Visit SILCHESTERFARM.CO.UK
Nedging Hall
For a party house that feels properly special, Nedging Hall is hard to beat. This Suffolk Pink country house is available for exclusive hire, with nine individually designed bedrooms, a billiards room, drawing room, tennis court and a pool house with a saltwater pool and sauna, all set within more than 80 acres of grounds. It’s the sort of place designed for long lunches, late-night drinks and big celebrations – and we can vouch for it: our senior art director celebrated her 30th birthday here. Just over an hour from London, it sleeps up to 24 guests.
Visit NEDGING-HALL.CO.UK
The Sea House
For a stylish seaside escape, The Sea House sits on the quieter end of Camber Sands with direct access to the beach. It’s designed for relaxed family and group getaways, with a large main entertaining space, a separate snug for quieter moments and an outdoor patio overlooking the sea. On a clear day, you can even see France from the bedroom. Think lazy breakfasts outside, sunset walks along the beach and evenings with a game of boule and a drink in hand.
Visit THE-SEAHOUSE.COM
The Moult
The location and views are the real draw at The Moult. The pink house is hard to miss, particularly from the ferry between Salcombe and South Sands, and makes a striking setting for a big family get-together or group weekend. Spend the day out on the water, exploring the coastline and surrounding coves, or make the most of the house itself with its pool, gardens and expansive views. Salcombe and the surrounding villages offer plenty to do if you want to get out and about, while the house makes an equally good base for a slower weekend.
Visit THEMOULT.CO.UK
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