Take your countryside holiday rental to a new level with Oetker Collection’s historic Masterpiece Estates that not only boast the utmost luxury, but also their very own host the likes of James Middleton (Kate Middleton’s brother)…
If you’ve ever wanted to holiday like the European elite, this is your opportunity. Oetker Collection’s exclusive Masterpiece Estates are the grandest of grand properties – the sort of houses straight out of an episode of Downton Abbey – and they’re now available to rent for your next countryside escape in the UK.
With each of the properties carefully selected by Oetker Collection for its privacy, enviable location and individual history, these manors and estates offer a luxurious private home, picnic-worthy meadows, private gardens and rippling waters, making them perfect for an idyllic escape with family and friends wanting to celebrate a special occasion…or just chill out.
And as if the scenic, verdant countryside of England, Ireland and Scotland wasn’t enough, guests at these grand histori houses and unique estates are looked after by a team of people along with a dedicated host (at an extra cost) who perfectly characterises the heritage of each estate and is an expert in country life. The names of some of these hosts might even ring a bell (James Middleton, anyone?)…
Their job is to be your personal guide throughout your stay, arranging and accompanying activities, offering sumptuous, tailor-made dining and ensuring an utterly bespoke – and amazing – experience overall.
Cowdray House
Surrounded by the rolling green hills of the South Downs National Park, the former home of Lord and Lady Cowdray has an illustrious history in its 110 acres of elegant parkland and private gardens. The 22-suite estate is renowned as the home of British polo, boasting the world’s original polo field and offering guests the chance to play alongside the Cowdray Polo Academy. Cowdray’s indoor and outdoor swimming pools, bowling alley, tennis court and billiards room additionally ensure plenty of activities. Guests can also stroll through the ruins of the original Tudor mansion, which was partially destroyed by fire in 1793 and today stands as a captivating memorial to the country’s heritage. Stays at Cowdray house are priced from £10,920 per night during the low season and from £19,170 per night during high season (excluding Host payment & VAT).
Farleigh Wallop
The more intimate, 11-guest Farleigh House has been owned and tended by the same family since the 15th century and its Earls of Portsmouth. Over the centuries, the most celebrated royals, adventurers and personalities of their time have stayed, culminating in a rich, thousand-year history covering the rise and fall of kings, war, treason, turmoil and servic. Spanning 4,000 acres, Farleigh House includes formal gardens, meadowland, atmospheric woodland and a lake. Tour the historical Winchester and Jane Austen country, which is just over an hour’s drive from London, or make use of the exclusive access to the croquet lawn, film room, billiard room, tennis court and swimming pool with terrace and outside dining. It’s a tough life.
Rates from £5,000 excluding VAT, which includes accommodation, dining, drinks activities and transport.
Glen Affric
The Glen Affric is a graceful Victorian hunting lodge in the Scottish Highlands. Set on the shores of a tranquil loch and surrounded by 10,000 acres of wilderness, it is the perfect setting for a walk in the hills or to enjoy a chef-prepared picnic with views of the calm water. The estate houses 10 double rooms and offers beauty treatments and massages with a resident beauty therapist, local whisky and gin tasting, sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, wind surfing and plenty more.
Rates from £7,000 excluding VAT, which includes accommodation, dining, drinks activities and transport.
Hound Lodge at Goodwood
Rich in history and meticulously restored, Hound Lodge is a peaceful, private retreat in the heart of the Goodwood Estate in the Sussex countryside. The space can accommodate up to 20 guests and offers extensive leisure facilities, such as a sauna, steam room Jacuzzi, gym and an indoor swimming pool. You’ll also find all the sporting pursuits for which Goodwood is famous, right on your doorstep. Hound Lodge offers a uniquely-stylish country escape, with a relaxed, bespoke feel and rooms that are luxuriously furnished with unique, hand-picked pieces that reflect Goodwood’s heritage.
Stays from £10,000 excluding VAT, including accommodation, dining, drinks and activities.
Kinross House
Surrounded by breathtaking vistas, Kinross House harbours 100 acres of celebrated gardens ideal for exploring. A wide variety of activities, from trout fishing and clay-pigeon shooting, to boat trips and sightseeing, make each day memorable, while the loch-side setting is one of the enviable private estate settings in Scotland. A wide variety of activities, from trout fishing and clay-pigeon shooting, to boat trips and sightseeing, make each day memorable, while the luxurious interiors, boasting many original features, are perfect for elegant suppers or opulent celebrations. This sophisticated estate dates back to 1685 and was originally designed by Sir William Bruce. Exquisite interiors and Scottish artwork decorate each of the 14 ensuite double bedrooms, while the boutique spa offers a variety of pampering treatments making it a top choice for those seeking some R&R.
Rates from £6,750 excluding VAT, including accommodation, dining, drinks and activities.
Lismore Castle
This historic castle, situated in the heart of the magnificent Blackwater Valley in England, was owned by Sir Walter Raleigh and dates back to 1170, its walls marked by Cromwellian cannon balls. It has been in the Duke of Devonshire’s family since 1753, and over the years has hosted some of history’s most celebrated figures, from Cecil Beaton and John F. Kennedy to Lucian Freud. Today, the property offers sumptuous interiors including 10 double, 2 twin and 3 single luxurious bedrooms as well as a full butler and concierge service for a resplendent countryside holiday. Activities including kayaking, fishing and horse riding are on the cards at Lismore Castle, so it’s a top choice for those who love sporting and outdoor exploration, as well as those wanting a peaceful retreat amid nature.
Stays from EUR 14,650 per night including accommodation, drinks, dining, transport and events.
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