The Manor House – Ashby St Ledgers, Northamptonshire

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Rooms and gardens by Lutyens, a mention in the Domesday book, the home of the Gunpowder Plot – The Manor House is certainly not short on history. It is also not short on charm, comfort and the mod cons we’ve come to expect when hiring a private house. Ideal for a family get-together, the sprawling golden house sleeps 18 and resides in 30 acres of glorious gardens, including a lake and walled garden. This is a children’s paradise: there’s a former medieval kitchen turned playroom – complete with pirate shack – heated outdoor pool, tennis court, bridge for Pooh sticks and enough space for nannies, grannies and everyone in between. The interiors might not be what you’d expect: an eclectic, clever curation of the classic and contemporary has been overseen by the owner, who made the bold but brilliant decision to paint it white throughout. Steeped in history yet with a firm foot in the world of luxury private house hire, you will struggle to find a more interesting venue. If only walls could talk…

Weekends from £5,500
+44(0)7946 343383; ashbymanorhouse.com

Want to find out more? Visit the hotel's website.