With the party season in full swing, what could be more pleasant than inviting friends, family or colleagues around for a lively get-together? Much more personal and a lot less fraught than an external venue - all your home comforts, no extortionate bar prices and no random strangers spoiling the atmosphere.
If you love to be the host - or hostess - with the most, take your pick from these terrific new-builds, on the market right now and waiting for the right party-loving buyer.
Grosvenor Waterside from St James, London SW1
Paul Hopkins, managing director of St James Group explains: "The largest apartment available for sale is 1,377 sq ft in size and boasts an expansive 42-ft private terrace. The huge open-plan living space is a key feature of the apartment (21ft x 23ft) which has been cleverly designed to include key dedicated zones. A comprehensive fitted kitchen is located at one end, which blends seamlessly into a formal dining area; with a further area to accommodate sofas and chairs for relaxing. Such multi-functional open-plan spaces will really come into their own during the festive season providing a superb and sociable space for entertaining."
The Quadrant at Queen Mary's Place from St James, London SW15
The Quadrant is the final phase of five-bedroom townhouses at the highly sought-after development in Roehampton, SW15. The homes boast a ‘super-room' on the ground floor - an expansive 21ft x 20ft open-plan living space perfect for entertaining, which incorporates a kitchen / dining / living area. Houses at The Quadrant start at £1.685m.
Swan Lake View from Bloor Homes, Yateley, Hampshire
Backing onto Yateley Lakes and close to the village centre, all the homes benefit from spacious, contemporary, high-specification interiors. The ‘Tundra' is a stunning six-bedroom detached home. The ground floor features an open plan kitchen/breakfast/family area with French doors leading to rear garden that runs the whole width of the house; with a further separate lounge and dining room, utility room and cloakroom which are accessed via the hallway. The ‘Tundra' is priced at £920,000 as available to purchase off-plan.
The Riverside Collection at Kingsbrook Park from Berkeley Homes, Canterbury, Kent
The Riverside Collection is the latest phase at Berkeley Homes' Kingsbrook Park and contains some of the most sought-after properties in the stunning city of Canterbury. Each property comes with its own private balcony and many benefit from views of the ancient cathedral. The generously proportioned open-plan living area has been maximised to allow ample room to accommodate a large dining table for hosting a dinner party plus a further area for seating in which to relax. Apartments are priced from £244,950.
Shaftesbury Gate from Crest Nicholson, London SW11
Crest Nicholson London's new phase of four-bedroom townhouses at Shaftesbury Gate in Battersea has been constructed with home entertaining at its core. On the ground floor, the 17ft kitchen extends effortlessly into a generous open-plan living/dining room, positioning the ground floor as the hub of the house. The architectural design affords hosts the optimum platform from which to show off their culinary skills while simultaneously remaining attentive to guests. The living/dining area has the capacity to accommodate luxurious sofas alongside a substantial dining table, making it the perfect environment in which to spend the Christmas period, whether opening presents, feasting over lunch or relaxing in front of a film. Four-bedroom townhouses are available from £1.2m.