Since the pandemic, a wealth of bijou hotels and country piles have popped up in and around the capital, offering boltholes for burnt-out city slickers to decamp under the ruse of getting some R&R.
The beauty of these places is that they offer the freedom to party like no one’s watching while also waking up to a breakfast, a massage and the realisation that someone’s cleared up all the bottles from the night before. Here are some of the best party pads near(ish) you.
Elsker
Set in the bucolic Cotswolds, Elsker is an eight-bedroom luxury home, sleeping up to 16 guests. It has everything you need for a weekend getaway with extended family or a relaxed hen or stag do. The property is self-catered with a state of the art kitchen that includes twin ovens and an industrial-sized barbecue which make cooking a doddle. If you fancy a night off, head down the road to Dormy House for an eight-course tasting menu at MO. Elsker is the perfect place to decamp in a heatwave. With a library, sprawling garden and pool, you won’t bat an eyelid at the 40C heat.
Prices start from £9,510 per week; hillsidehangouts.co.uk
Kin House
Kin House is a Georgian manor house in Wiltshire which has just been lovingly restored to its former regency grandeur by design maestros Barlow and Barlow. Kin House caters to those looking for a hotel experience in a super private setting; this is the place to come for a luxury holiday with your family or a wild time followed by a wellness weekend. But beware! You will probably be scrabbling to move into a country pile after a couple of days — the rolltop bath in your room, private chef and burnt orange negronis are difficult to give up.
Prices start from £10,000 for 24 hours hire; kinhouse.co.uk
Sandlings Barn
Surrounded by wild meadows, ancient woodland and on the shores of its own stretch of secluded beach on the River Deben in Suffolk, Sandlings Barn is a special place. In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the surrounding farmland is in the process of being rewilded by owner and journalist Daisy Greenwell. Expect wild swims, long walks and excellent bird-watching. The barn sleeps six and dogs are welcome. The perfect mini party pad.
Prices start from £1,131 per week; suffolk-secrets.co.uk
Sense and Sensibility
Imagine Georgian colonnades, cavernous libraries and brooding, romantic heroes. OK, maybe not the heroes, but Jane Austen would approve of this party pad nonetheless. Straddling Norfolk and Suffolk, this pile is perfect for those who want a bracing dunk in the Norfolk Broads or a walk to the village for coffee. The crowd who come here are outdoorsy, partial to hunting, kayaking and horse riding by day before letting loose on the drinks cabinet by night, Book for a birthday party or big anniversary.
Prices start from £6,46 for two nights; plumguide.com
The Hobart Spring
The Hobart Spring dates back to the 1470s and is heaving with period charm. Made up of seven bedrooms, it’s loved by families and parties with children, probably because of the in-house babysitting service and catering. Guests can do archery, yoga or a day trip to Paris on a private jet organised by the host, a former pilot. The Hobart Spring is in the Norfolk Broads and is a short drive to Great Yarmouth, so there’s no shortage of activities for those with itchy feet.
Prices start from £4,321 for three nights; plumguide.com
Hinwick House
This Grade I-listed Queen Anne manor house in Bedfordshire was modelled on Buckingham Palace and has a bedroom dedicated to Queen Victoria. With more Persian rugs and crystal chandeliers than most of us have had hot breakfasts, this is a party pad for anyone looking for old-school glamour where money is no object. Only a 90-minute drive from London, you can come after work and arrive just in time for a five-course dinner prepared by the private chef.
Prices start from £6,910 for two nights; plumguide.com
A World Together
Nestled on Osea Island, off the coast of Essex, this 10-bedroom property is truly regal. Just make sure you like your guests as the road is only accessible for a few hours each day during low tide. But even if a frisson might arise there’s plenty of space for everyone with two living rooms, a croquet pitch, a football pitch, a tennis court and a pool. Osea doesn’t have any shops so bring enough supplies. Whether you want a unique beach retreat or a wild party with no neighbours, this is the place for you.
