1 Gloucestershire

With its all-white interior, Berkeley House in Tetbury looks more like a hip hotel than a country home. Just the sort of place for a classy get-together. Sleeps 14. Three nights £1,800; thebigdomain.com, 01326 240028.

2 Devon If trad country cottages don't do it for you, could Casa del Rio, a 1930s mansion modelled on Douglas Fairbanks' Beverly Hills home - complete with pool and cinema - be the answer? Sleeps 18. Three-nights £1,828; helpfulholidays.com, 01647 434063.

3 County Fermanagh

Live like lords and ladies in this castle set in 1,200 acres of National Trust land. Sleeps 10-11. Three nights £1,700, discounts for smaller groups; uniquehomestays.com, 01637 881942.

4 Cumbria

The austere looking Stonegarthside Hall on the Scottish border doesn't scream party venue, but its remote location means you can make as much noise as you like - and the walks will help clear your head. Sleeps 14. Three nights £900; discounts for smaller groups; vivat.org.uk, 0845 0900194.

5 Cornwall

Youth Hostels don't have to mean damp socks on radiators and tinned spaghetti in a shared kitchen, especially if you rent one of YHA's huge piles exclusively. Like the five-star hostel at Lizard, overlooking the sea. Sleeps 30. Two-night weekends from £550 (available Nov -March); yha.org.uk, 0870 7708868.