Party House: seven homes designed for entertaining
With the festive season in full swing, we thought we’d share some homes designed for entertaining.
Homes well-equipped for parties aren’t just about having acres of space, they’re about intimate dining rooms, a discreet balcony for a romantic rendezvous or outdoor space for fireworks. Here are some of our favourites.
Warley Close, London E10
The current musician owner of this sprawling warehouse conversion has double-height shelves laden with records, and decks set up with a sound system. We like to think the space has seen more than a few nights of dancing.
Crowan, Cornwall
This former vicarage estate set in rolling Cornish countryside is one for a weekend blowout. Start with a banquet in the double-height dining room, roam around the three acres, go for a late-night swim in the swimming pond and, when it’s time to call it a night, take your pick between one of the three self-contained cottages or the six-bedroom main house.
Stoney Street, London SE1
Partying with a view of London’s skyline is a privilege not normally associated with being at home. At this penthouse near Borough Market, however, the sixth-floor living space is backdropped by a spectacular cityscape, and, come summer, the doors can be swung open for a BBQ on the wrap-around terrace with views of the city’s most iconic buildings, including St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Parkham Wood House II, Brixham, Devon
The well-preserved 1960s interiors of this original home overlooking Brixham in Devon is well-appointed for a sophisticated soiree. Don your black tie, make a cocktail, put on some jazz and head out onto the balcony for sea views.
Marina, St Leonards-on-sea, East Sussex
A late 19th-century extension to this seafront house is fit for a king … quite literally. The space, which incorporates stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings, was built as a billiards room for Kaiser Wilhelm II. While the current owners are using the space as a living area, a billiards table is calling out to be reinstalled.
Television Centre I, Wood Lane, London W12
This penthouse is on the eighth floor of Television Centre’s Crescent, a building that was designed with entertaining in mind.
The luxe-feeling apartment was conceived by interior designer Fran Hickman, and would make for the ultimate all-night party pad, with three private terraces, two lounge areas and a kitchen that can be shut off after dinner is wrapped up.
Powis Mews, London W11
The gallery-like scale of this converted warehouse in Notting Hill makes it a fitting venue for a private view, musical performance or film screening. Head upstairs from the studio space for a drinks reception in the living space, where a terrace can host any overspill.
