10 of the Best Properties for Garden Parties

Though travel is looking unlikely, you can still make the most of the sun this summer by hosting the perfect (socially distanced) garden party with friends. We have compiled a list of the most impressive properties all over the country to ensure you are the hostess with the mostest…

1. Crowhurst Place, Surrey

It is exceedingly rare to come across a property with as much character and history as Crowhurst Place – particularly one so striking. Dating back to the early 15th century, the Grade I-listed manor was once the country home of legendary heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt following the dissolution of her unhappy marriage to the Duke of Marlborough, and no doubt saw its fair share of elegant evenings. Featuring fine period interiors, the impressive home is surrounded by its own moat, and beyond that, miles of scenic countryside. The gardens and grounds, totalling over 150 acres, are truly spectacular – we’re positive that any party held here would be unforgettable. Available through Knight Frank, offers over £6m

2. Normandy Lane, Hampshire

With its distinctive shaped topiary and wisteria-clad façade, this refined Georgian home would make a wonderful setting for many a garden party. Spacious and classically-proportioned, interiors are naturally light-filled due to long sash windows and double-aspect, while chiefly among the additional features is a pampering indoor spa complex. The house occupies a coveted position with panoramic views across the sea to the Isle of Wight, and is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty thanks to its manicured gardens and immaculate lawns. Available through Savills for £8.5m

3. Staunton Park, Herefordshire

The sweeping lawns and romantic, lakeside exposition of this country home already evoke the clinking of crystal and murmurs of elegant conversation. Staunton Park is a maximalist’s dream, with dramatic living spaces, high ceilings and generous proportions, welcoming despite their obvious grandeur. The addition of an orangery makes the most of the scenic surroundings, granting wonderful views of the garden and lake beyond. Having originally comprised part of the pleasure grounds of a larger estate, the property’s gardens are suitably groomed, with previous owners participating in the National Gardens’ Scheme and keeping the grounds in impeccable condition. Available through Strutt & Parker for £1,850,000

4. Beacon Farm, Berkshire

The gardens and grounds are a particular feature of this cosy, rose-fronted home. The five-bedroom property comes with an abundance of outdoor space for games and garden parties, including beautiful flowering borders, vast expanses of lawn, a large terrace with water feature for outdoor dining and even a tree house, fully wired with electrics. With open fires and window seats, the drawing and sitting rooms are perfect for taking in south-facing views of the garden and countryside beyond, itself part of an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty. Available through Knight Frank for £2.3m

5. Maybanks Manor, West Sussex

In an exceedingly private position, this handsome country residence enjoys glorious views over the rolling Surrey Hills. Inside, the characterful home is bursting with exquisite original features, including fireplaces and elaborate ceiling cornicing. The house’s ornate, green-clad façade would make for a stunning backdrop for garden parties out on the sprawling lawns – the property includes almost 20 acres of its own land. Available through house. for £5.5m

6. Gwysaney Hall, North Wales

This magnificent, Grade II* Jacobean mansion comes with a wealth of history, and even bears the marks of one of the cataclysmic moments in British history – the front door was damaged by a cannonball during the English Civil War. One of the finest and historically significant residences in North Wales, Gwysaney Hall has all the hallmarks of an impressive period property, including formal dining rooms panelled in dark wood. Just as striking however are the expansive grounds, including an award-winning Pinetum, rose garden, woodland and endless flowering borders. Available through Strutt & Parker for £2,750,000

7. Edwards College, Cirencester

Comprising the principe part of a lovely, Grade II-listed late Georgian terrace, the period façade of this family home belies its modern interior. The property features two reception rooms either side of the entrance, both with feature stone fireplaces, which are flooded with light due to the mullioned sash windows. The four bright bedrooms have the same stylish, minimalist design, with high ceilings and stripped wood floors. Outside, the distinctive circular lawn would make the perfect setting for garden parties in the summer. Available through Hamptons International for £965,000

8. Gillsland Road, Edinburgh

An exceptional property in one of Edinburgh’s most highly sought-after residential areas, this eight-bedroom period home has been thoughtfully modernised and extended, with over 9,000sq. ft of luxurious accommodation. Contemporary in character, the polished interiors feature Crittal-style doors, high-end fixtures and marble bathrooms, but retain restored period features like ornate cornicing and fireplaces. It’s notably impressive from the rear, where a sweeping stone staircase leads down to landscaped gardens and an expansive lawn, perfect for outdoor entertainment on a suitably grand scale. Available through Knight Frank, offers over £3.4m

9. Frith House, Stroud

The delightful gardens and grounds of this charming home provide the chance to entertain with the beautiful Cotswolds countryside in the background. Frith House itself, constructed from warm Cotswold stone, has been restored to a high standard, providing excellent, well-proportioned space for family life and entertaining indoors and out. The property’s location in the idyllic hamlet of Far Oakridge puts it at a mere seven miles from Cirencester, but in a situation of total tranquility and wooded seclusion. Available through Savills for £3,850,000

10. Norfolk Road, St Johns Wood

In a rare instance for a central London property, the fabulous tiered garden of this Victorian villa is accommodating enough for garden parties. A light-filled conservatory opens out onto the outdoor dining area, where stone steps lead up to a spacious lawn and the separate guest house. The abundance of space and lush greenery lend the property an unmistakable country house atmosphere, despite the proximity of bustling St. Johns Wood High Street. If you ever find yourself wanting more, Regents Park and Primrose Hill are also within close reach. Available through Savills for £6,395,000

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The Best of the South West / London Village Homes / Properties with Grand Facades