Party season is upon us: from end-of-year celebrations to festive banquets and cosy family gatherings, it’s time to raise a glass (or two) with the ones we love. While there’s little we look forward to as fine dining in a first-class restaurant or a tipple at a top-tier bar, there’s something extra special about hosting at home. And who could resist an invitation to a house party when the venue in question looks anything like the properties in this piece? From a stunning apartment with impeccable London views to a house with a swimming pool-cum-dancefloor, here are five event-ready homes fit for entertaining.
Portland Place, Marylebone, London
This beautiful Grade II*-listed property in Marylebone is perhaps one of the most exquisite homes we’ve ever seen. Built in 1775 by acclaimed architect Robert Adam, this house unfolds over 20,987 sq ft and has 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. Not only does it provide ample space for hosting, but has awe-inspiring interiors that will impress guests too. From the chic swimming pool to the handsome wine seller, every room has been beautifully crafted from the finest materials, such as marble and hand-painted wallpapers. When it comes to entertaining, catering can take place in the large industrial kitchen, while guests gather in the gorgeous pearly-hued dining room for an evening of good food and conversation.
Knightsbridge, Knightsbridge, London
There’s just something about the spirit-lifting interiors of this Knightsbridge home that gets us in the mood to celebrate. The home is abrim with photo opportunities galore: from printed wallpapers to mirrored walls, large-scale oriental artwork and jewel tones aplenty, the scheme is fun and fabulous throughout. Elsewhere, there’s a snug book-filled library that calls for cosy conversations and a joyful disco ball-lined hallway that leads to a spa and steam room. The star of the show, however, is the swimming pool-cum-nightclub: situated on the lower-ground floor, this ingenious space can be transformed whether one wants to dance or splash the night away. Yes, it’s as spectacular as it sounds.
Strand, Covent Garden, London
From St Paul’s Cathedral to The Shard, 20 Fenchurch Street (also known as the Walkie Talkie) to The Leadenhall Building, London is far from short of iconic landmarks. Few homes, however, frame views of all the aforementioned, which is what makes this apartment in Covent Garden so special. Positioned on the seventh floor of a modern development, this four-bedroom home has two terraces that overlook the City of London and beyond. A pair of private viewing points to watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve? Yes, please. Inside, the open-plan kitchen, dining and living space are equally appealing, thanks to magnificent features such as glass chandeliers, luxurious materials and an elegant colour scheme. All that’s missing is the champagne.
Bishops Avenue, Hampstead Heath, London
If you’re searching for somewhere to throw a sophisticated soriée, look no further than this elegant Edwardian home in Hampstead Heath. Its vast and voluminous living spaces, which feature period detailing and lovely proportions, measure more than 18,000 sq ft and unfold over four floors. The behemoth basement plays host to a huge swimming pool, sauna and gym, as well as accommodation and amenities for staff, while the ground and upper floors are home to the light-filled living quarters. The most show-stopping spaces include the open-plan reception, dining and music room. Picture guests arriving to a musician playing the gorgeous grand piano, before enjoying a cocktail or two in the reception and finally sitting down for a first-class feast in the dining room. Chef’s kiss.
Academy Gardens, Kensington, London
A traditional home with many rooms has its charm but sometimes, when it comes to hosting, there’s nothing better than one large open-plan space. This impressive six-bedroom apartment in Kensington proves our point: the remarkable living and dining space has soaring double-height ceilings and a large footprint meaning it can comfortably hold a crowd. In the same space, an ornate staircase that descends
from the second floor packs in a palpable sense of splendour, while a grand piano makes a fine backdrop and calls for musicians to conduct sing-a-longs into the night. A separate kitchen, meanwhile, offers space to prepare canapes and cocktails, while six double bedrooms (five of which have en-suite bathrooms) provide extra space for guests to stay.
