The Farmhouse at Polehanger

Just forty miles north of London, in the Bedfordshire countryside bordering Hertfordshire, Polehanger Farm is a great place to get family or friends together for a celebratory stay. This elegant 18th-century farmhouse, at the end of its long tree-lined drive, has six double bedrooms and plenty of space downstairs. Not only that, it’s pretty: both inside and out in the surrounding gardens, great care has been taken to create special spaces for guests to enjoy.

Inside, the farmhouse is quietly stylish, pared back and simple, but with sumptuous touches here and there. Curtains are floor-length, upholstery is plush, and wallpaper is to a William Morris design. All this is balanced with white walls, neutral colours and plenty of homely original features such as beams, farmhouse doors and the huge inglenook fireplace in the sitting room. Special mention also to the well-kitted-out farmhouse-style kitchen, complete with an Aga as well as two electric ovens and hobs.

Above all though, The Farmhouse at Polehanger is a modern country house, and its bedrooms and bathrooms are designed to meet contemporary tastes. Every bed here is king-size or bigger, and each room is individually designed. There’s an en-suite with the master, and two family bathrooms for everyone else to share.

Ultimately, that’s what this house is designed for: sharing. It’s a sociable space to gather people together. To that end, there are three living rooms and a grand dining room that seats all 12 guests. And should you want to come with more family and friends, it’s not out of the question – travel cots are available for infants, children can be accommodated in additional beds, and elsewhere on Polehanger Farm, there are glamping cabins that can be booked as well. Even the dog is welcome.

Outside, there’s a lovely, landscaped garden, a tennis court and an outbuilding with table tennis. And it’s possible to head out for a stroll through a riverside woodland without venturing off the farm as it spreads across 400 acres. All this means you probably won’t want to leave during a weekend stay – but should you get the urge to explore further, there are worthy places nearby. You could walk on to visit the market town of Shefford, drive 15 minutes to mooch around Hitchin, or a few minutes more to reach waterside Bedford. And to keep the kids happy, there’s always The Shuttleworth Collection, Whipsnade Zoo, or Woburn Safari Park. Then again, just like you, they’ll probably be happy to stay put at Polehanger Farm.