After counting down the days and making our patio preparations for when we can safely socialise as a group with family and friends, some lockdown measures in England have been lifted, allowing us to meet with up to five other people outside, including in private gardens.

With this in mind, we have found the top homes in England with the ultimate spaces for al fresco entertaining.

1. Offley Brook, Staffordshire, 5 bedrooms

Outlands Cottage is a delightful five-bedroom character cottage with five reception rooms and equestrian facilities, situated in the small hamlet of Offley Brook, near the popular market town of Eccleshall. The cottage sits in just over two acres of gardens and paddocks with stunning views to the rear from the principal suite balcony and entertaining terrace. 

2. Orton, Cumbria, 5 bedrooms

Petty Hall is an exceptional Grade II* Listed period property, dating from Elizabethan times, and offering an an idyllic country lifestyle in a desirable Yorkshire Dales National Park location, while being conveniently located within easy reach of the M6. The property has a formal courtyard garden, as well as lawned and landscaped gardens to the front, side and rear.

3. Upton, Cambridgeshire, 5 bedrooms

This highly individual and unique Dutch gable house stands in a magnificent setting surrounded by lawns and woodland with far reaching views across the open countryside between Stamford and Peterborough. The property benefits from gardens with long, clipped hedges, extensive lawns, wild flower meadows and flag stone terraces, offering plenty of spaces for enjoying a summer's day.

4. Didcot, Oxfordshire, 5 bedrooms

This stunning Arts and Crafts style home is a private retreat, which boasts spacious, recently renovated interiors, with five bedrooms and four en suites. This wonderful family home sits on a plot of approximately one acre, boasting an outside terrace, beautifully landscaped gardens and enivable views of the Oxfordshire countryside.

5. Kenilworth, Warwickshire, 5 bedrooms

This detached contemporary open-plan barn conversion, with a total of 17 acres, benefits from a private position, which looks out on to the River Avon and the land owned by the Stoneleigh Abbey Estate. Terrace areas surrounded by formal gardens can be accessed from all ground floor rooms of the home to make the most of outdoor living.

The main house has five bedrooms, two with en-suites and it is accompanied by a detached coach house with garaging, storage and an annexe. Specialist equestrian facilities include a mange and premium stabling.

6. Sutton, Surrey, 7 bedrooms

A culmination of design, space, functionality, practicality and exceptional quality; this substantial, contemporary home offers much for modern family living and entertaining. The home has been built to a luxury specification, boasting a large open-plan kitchen, three reception rooms, four bathrooms and seven double bedrooms.

Externally, the sunny rear garden has been landscaped and designed for entertaining, hosting as well as kicking back and enjoying a peaceful afternoon.

7. Broomfield, Somerset, 5 bedrooms

Bradford Mill is a 16th-century former mill house, which has been the subject of careful and sympathetic restoration and refurbishment, now providing spacious and well-arranged family accommodation of much character.

Inherently charming, the property provides ideal relaxing and entertaining spaces for family and friends to enjoy. Within two acres of gardens, there is a heated, 24-foot outdoor pool with a changing room, a luxury outdoor BBQ lodge, inspired by traditional Finnish reindeer herders, and a thatched African hut for outdoor dining.

8. Blakedown, Worcestershire, 6 bedrooms

Tudor House is an exceptionally presented property on one of Blakedown’s most prestigious roads, New Wood Lane. Sitting in approximately 2.5 acres, with electrically operated gates and a sweeping in and out drive, this fine detached six-bedroom family home has a wealth of accommodation and stunning gardens with ample areas for entertaining.

9. Abingdon, Oxfordshire, 5 bedrooms

Tubney Manor is a delightful Grade II Listed property sitting within 1.25 acres and perfectly positioned on the edge of the sought-after village of Appleton. This incredible home offers beautiful areas for al fresco dining, surrounded by glorious Oxfordshire countryside.

10. South Sutton, Surrey, 5 bedrooms

Set within 1.25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds, this handsome 1930s mansion offers a pool complex with a surrounding patio, a low-level box-hedged lavender garden, an entertaining patio and separate guest accommodation with a gym house, kitchen, W.C. and reception room. 

Contact us

Looking for the perfect entertaining home, or for a home with other features to suit your lifestyle? Get in touch with your local Fine & Country agent who can help you with your search today.