Thinking of retreating to the country this New Years? The Sybarite has you covered with our top picks of the most breath-taking estates in the UK to rent for you and up to 18 friends.

Aynhoe Park

Aynhoe Park was originally built in 1615, but it has been rebuilt, remodelled and embellished many times since then, as time, tragedy and the imagination of its owners changed its face across the centuries. Just 50 minutes from London, Aynhoe Park sits amid the hamlets and patchwork pastures of Oxfordshire, on the edge of the Cotswolds. At the heart of 250 acres of capability brown Cotswolds countryside, the 17th-century stately 28 bedroom home is a house of stories and surprises.

Inshriach House

Inshriach House was built in 1906 by the Blacks (of the Glasgow publishing family) as a shooting lodge. It has been brought into the 21st century with the addition of a wood pellet hot water system and a set of solar panels on the roof. Downstairs there are two drawing rooms and a library opening off the hall where there is a dining table to seat 20. There is a formal dining room for 12 and a sunroom for the summer. Upstairs there are beds for 17 (5 doubles, 2 twins, 3 singles) and the house has its 3 original Edwardian bathrooms (one with a shower).

Maison 5

Maison 5 is a stunning 3 bedroom town house, sleeping 6 guests, located right in the heart of Harrogate’s town centre. Oozing style and sophistication, this is shabby chic at its best – a self-catering town house with a difference. Bespoke pieces run throughout this property giving it a real sense of individualism, from unusual lighting to inventive storage and hanging solutions. Bedroom 2 (king bed) and Bedroom 3 (double bed) are located on the first floor, along with the house bathroom. Each bedroom is equipped with Smart tv. The super stylish bathroom has bath/ over head shower, basin and WC, check out the tiled floor, under floor heating and traditional radiator.

Weir House

Weir House, set in its own pretty garden, is the biggest and most beautiful of all Bruern Holiday cottages. In fact, it’s so big, with five en-suite bedrooms, a games room, a drawing room and a dining room, as well as a big kitchen that the word cottage is a bit of a misnomer. Bruern offers the comfort and attention to detail of a good hotel, combined with the privacy, independence and space of your own home, amidst the civilised ease and style of English Country House living. Weir House sleeps 10 , with 2 doubles ensuite and 3 twins ensuite.

Email info@thesybarite.org to book any of these properties. Subject to availability.