Every house should have the potential to be transformed into a great party space, but some have to work less hard than others.
After rounding up the best UK houses for entertaining, we’ve turned our eyes across the pond, searching the US property market for homes fit for celebrating. From a New York loft with soaring ceilings to a historic Modernist mansion in Laguna Beach, these houses are designed for a big guest list.
Former NYPD gym in Nolita, New York
4 bedrooms; $18.5m via Douglas Elliman
It will be a struggle to pack this duplex to the rafters, considering the ceilings are 25-ft-high. Housed in the NYPD’s former gym in Nolita, the Manhattan property has been redesigned by feted ‘New York Five’ architect Charles Gwathmey over four years, and includes a glass-floored library. Just the thing to wow guests.
The Spanner Residence in Woodland Hills, California
3 bedrooms; $1.395m via Crosby Doe
The Spanner Residence was designed in 1968 by master architect Rex Lotery with the lofty ambition to fuse light and space. The result is a dramatic, multi-levelled abode filled with unexpected nooks and corners, including a dark room, a library and a wine cellar. There is potential for more party space – the asking price includes the empty lot next door.
Country estate in Millbrook, New York
4 bedrooms; $4.995m via Houlihan Lawrence
At first look, this is an unassuming farmhouse set up a country lane. But it might be hard to make visitors leave when they discover the swimming pool, spa, rowing lake, tennis court, gym and fully equipped party barn. For more intimate family gatherings, the main house has a cosy kitchen, with a roaring fire.
Tropical garden apartment in Manhattan, New York
3 bedrooms; $14m via Douglas Elliman
Outside and inside combine in this appropriately situated Greene Street oasis. Filled with tropical plants, with two terraces, a reflecting pool and a dining table that seats 24, this Manhattan apartment will persuade visitors they have accidentally strayed into a jungle.
The Smoke-Lyster Residence, Laguna Beach, California
2 bedrooms; $4.298m via Unique California Property
A piece of Modernist history, this Californian property adjoining the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park was designed by J. Herbert Brownell for a maths professor in 1974. It’s a location prized for its privacy and serenity, so gather guests for a quiet celebration around the fire pit or simply enjoy the beach views.
Woodstock Farm, Woodstock, Vermont
9 bedrooms; $9.25m via Architecture for Sale
Designed by master architect Rick Roy, this Vermont farmhouse is set in 200 acres near the picturesque Vermont village of Woodstock. Why not stage a festival to rival the one in Woodstock, New York? Or just welcome friends to enjoy the spring fed swimming pool, on-site basketball court and extensive nature trails into the forest.
Musician’s residence in Millbrook, New York
6 bedrooms; $9.85m via Sotheby’s International Realty
The former home of composer Marvin Hamlisch was designed by architect Paul Gleicher with entertaining in mind. Made up of a compilation of restored buildings, some dating from 1839, the property has is a great barn at its heart with 40m ceilings and an immense floor-to-ceiling wood burning fireplace around which to gather all your favourite people.
Read next:
7 UK properties designed for entertaining
The world’s most expensive properties sold in 2017
