Words: Izzie Price
Wimbledon may be over for another year (and what a Wimbledon it was); but there’s no reason you can’t continue to take inspiration from the greatest tennis tournament in the world. If you were watching Djokovic in those final hours of his triumphant road to victory and thinking, ‘Why don’t I play more tennis?’, our response would be: ‘Why, indeed?’
We’ve already established, after all, that tennis is one of the most attractive hobbies for men; and, luckily for you, there are some outstanding UK properties currently available: with some utterly breathtaking tennis courts. No more excuses now, gents; if you’ve been meaning to perfect that backhand for years, now’s the time. If you’re going to up your tennis game, you may as well do it in plenty of style: and if these properties have one thing, it’s style, style and style again. (Ok, that was technically three things. You’ve got us there.)
Faldonside House, Scottish Borders
Imagine playing tennis in the Scottish Borders; a cool Scottish breeze stopping the oppressive heat from getting in the way of your game, those plunging green hills on all sides and a jug of Pimms waiting back at the house. And it’s not just any house; this is a Georgian country home, spread over three floors, in a breathtaking parkland setting. Plus, it’s undergone an extensive refurbishment over the past few years; so it’s a period property with up-to-the-minute modern comforts.
But back to the tennis court. It’s a hard court, and those surroundings (44 acres of parkland, to be precise) are second to none — we can safely say you won’t be thrown off your game by any traffic noise here. And if you get bored of playing round after round of tennis, you could take a break for some trout fishing on the Tweed, take a stroll around the walled garden, or inspect the golf greens.
Dairy House, Hampshire
A Grade II listed Queen Anne country house, this property is the epitome of charmed luxury country living. Bay windows abound, natural light is rife and you’re guaranteed a picture perfect country lifestyle: both due to the attractive red brick exterior, and the warm, sunny interiors.
But onto the reason we’re all here: the tennis court has a hard surface, and boasts a charming view of the (highly productive) kitchen garden. It’ll be a bit like you’re living in an Agatha Christie novel — without the copious murders, hopefully. Plus, there’s an indoor swimming pool in a quintessential country barn, beyond which lies the ‘party barn’: just the thing for when the tennis part of your tennis party has concluded.
Pollingfold Manor, Surrey
It’s another historic Grade II listed country house; and it blends traditional with modern in a seamless blend of luxury living. Nestled in 5.4 acres, the house benefits from a breathtaking lake (just imagine Sunday afternoons spent by the lake, with a book of your choice and a luxury cider in hand…), herbaceous borders and a knot garden with an ornamental pond: plus a tennis court, of course.
The court is blessed with lush greenery on all sides, and it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from the house; so when temperatures are soaring and the sun’s blazing, it’ll be a matter of seconds to dash to the kitchen for some ice cold lemonade.
Queens House, Hampshire
Put simply, everything about this property is spectacular — in fact, it’s so spectacular that it’ll subtly influence and uplift your tennis game, so that you’ll be playing unfailingly spectacular tennis before you know it. The house splendidly resides in its own private park, and takes the form of an expertly restored Victorian period property; and its character is second to none.
There’s the tennis court, for one thing: so pristine it could have been airlifted straight out of Wimbledon and deposited in Hampshire. The court comes with its own pavilion: perfect for all those tennis parties we very much hope you’ll be throwing; and if you need to take a break from all that tennis, the indoor swimming pool, spa complex and gym should have you covered for all relaxation- or activity-centred eventualities.
Far Stanley Farm, Gloucestershire
Ah, the Cotswolds. One of our favourite places for a luxury staycation; and at Far Stanley Farm, life will be one long divine holiday. Privacy and seclusion are the name of the game here; the house resides at the end of a long country lane, so you won’t have to worry about any unwanted spectators assessing your tennis proficiency.
Once a humble Cotswold stone farmhouse, the property has been remodelled and extended so that it now comes equipped with the very latest modern standards and clocks in at approximately 16 acres. The views from the tennis court are so jaw-dropping that you’ll have a hard time keeping a volley going; and that’s if you can tear yourself away from the charming stone sun terrace.
Munstead Court, Surrey
Where do we start with Munstead Court? We should start with the all-weather tennis court, surrounded as it is by lush greenery and graceful folds of willow branches — but we also can’t stop thinking about the outdoor bar. Or the breathtaking sunken garden; or the walled courtyard; or the sun-dappled pond.
On reflection, we’d better tell you about the house itself: built in 1905, it’s another country home that merges historic period features with the latest modern conveniences. Stone fireplaces seem to pop up around every corner, to say nothing of the leaded light windows: and the plentiful accommodation will suit you down to the ground, for when you invite all your friends down for a day of tennis and an evening of much-needed revelry.
Widworthy Barton, Devon
We’ve shot back to the Elizabethan era here, at this Grade II listed Manor House residing in a considerable 43 acres. If you’re after a historical property, this truly is the one for you: the oldest parts of the house date back to the 13th century, and it was owned by the Chichester family (themselves descendants of William Widworthy, who is the earliest recorded Lord of the manor) until the 18th century.
But on with the tennis (history is wonderful, but it won’t get your tennis to a Wimbledon standard). The well-maintained court can be reached via a charming winding stone path, and its rolling green surroundings are second to none. And when the heatwave (eventually) strikes, you can intersperse the tennis with dips in the 1.25m deep swimming pool, and grilling your meat of choice on the surrounding barbecue area. There you go: that’s your country weekend sorted.
Looking to buy a little further afield? Take a look around Johnny Depp’s sleepy French village estate…
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