Farmhouse kitchens and candle-lit dining rooms: Perfect places to gather together
Sawday's Expert
5 min read
For gatherings, big or small, we’ve picked out some of the very best places for hosting a get together. With grand dining rooms and convivial kitchens, this sociable collection of special places to gather your nearest and dearest will delight even the most reluctant host.
Penicuik Estate Stable Park, Midlothian
Set amidst 750 acres of serene parkland on a historic Scottish estate, Penicuik Stable Park is a magical setting for a meet up. The charming stone stable conversion combines traditional elegance with contemporary comforts, creating an inviting space for lively conversation over a sumptuous meal. With Edinburgh just a short drive away, it’s a countryside escape where nature meets culture.
Edric’s Farmhouse, Devon
Nestled in the idyllic Devon countryside, Edric’s Farmhouse is a homely haven for hosting. With a large country kitchen and a dining table that begs for a feast of local produce, it’s made for relaxed gatherings. After dinner, retire to the cosy sitting room to carry on the festivities.
Ty Coch, Gwynedd
Made up of three cottages the converted farm, Ty Coch is brimming with charm and surrounded by the rolling hills of Snowdonia. Rustle up an alfresco feast in the outdoor kitchen or congregate in The Dairy for a hearty dinner party. Its cosy interiors, complete with an open fire, make it an irresistible retreat for evenings filled with laughter, good food, and even better company.
Kingshill Farmhouse, Kent
Set on a working farm in the Kent marshes, Kingshill Farmhouse is a wonderfully unique setting for a relaxed yet refined gathering. With a farmhouse kitchen designed for culinary creations and a large dining space overlooking the garden, this home is ideal for hosting. Its proximity to the coast offers the chance to pair your feast with a seaside stroll.
Treveddoe Farmhouse, Cornwall
Treveddoe Farmhouse is the perfect mix of rustic charm and understated luxury. Hidden in the Cornish hills, its open-plan living spaces are flooded with light, making it an uplifting spot for a catch up with friends. Cook up a storm in the farmhouse kitchen, then linger over dessert with views of the rolling countryside—perfect for unwinding and reconnecting.
Hollin House, Northumberland
This lovingly restored Georgian farmhouse offers a quintessentially English rural retreat. Hollin House is perfect for an intimate dinner party, with its warm, characterful interiors and views of Northumberland’s rolling countryside. The cosy dining area, with its wood-burning stove, invites long, convivial evenings while the gardens provide a charming spot for pre-dinner drinks under the stars.
The Georgian Townhouse, York
For a touch of urban sophistication, The Georgian Townhouse in York exudes period elegance with modern flair. Its grand dining room and sleek kitchen make it ideal for a refined gathering. Located just minutes from York’s historic city centre, your guests can enjoy the perfect blend of culture and conviviality, with the option to explore the city by day and revel in fine food and company by night.
Woodchester Valley House, Gloucestershire
Overlooking vineyards and the Cotswold hills, Woodchester Valley House is an excellent place for hosting your nearest and dearest. The spacious dining area opens onto a terrace with breathtaking views, perfect for sipping wine made from the estate’s own grapes. It’s an indulgent yet inviting setting that celebrates the best of English winemaking and hospitality.
Wild & West: Warren Hill Barn, Suffolk
With its striking modern design set in the Suffolk countryside, Wild West Warren Hill Barn is perfect for a lively gathering. The dramatic open-plan kitchen and dining space is flooded with light, creating an inspiring environment for feasting and fun. Outside, the rolling fields and big Suffolk skies offer a serene counterpoint to the lively atmosphere within.
Barn Drift, Norfolk
Perched on the Norfolk coast with sweeping views of the sea, Barn Drift is an elegant choice for a group meet-up. The beautifully restored barn boasts a vaulted dining space perfect for grand gatherings, while the fully equipped kitchen is a dream for culinary enthusiasts. After dinner, step outside to the vast gardens or cosy up by the firepit.
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Emily Enright
Sawday's Expert
Emily’s desire to find exciting new places has led her to a career in travel and many who’ve travelled with her on hours of walking, as she gets her bearings and tracks down decent coffee (which she claims is impossible in France). Having worked in the industry since she left university, her job has taken her from Nashville to Northumberland, via the lavender fields of Provence. She loves any form of media, mainly as she loves to know what’s going on.
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