Suffering from delusions of grandeur? Longing to release the inner squire? Purley Hall may be the answer.
Set on 25 acres of classical gardens and parkland, the ten-bedroom manor house is located in Berkshire (pronounced Bark-shire), just west of London. Built in 1609 in the Jacobean era by the grandfather of Queen Anne, the Hall has been modernized and elegantly pared down without losing any of the essential period detailing. To install yourself, go to Purley Hall for rental details.
Above: Large bay windows overlook the grounds.
Above: An original wooden staircase with a decorative strapwork ceiling typical of the period.
Above: The drawing room with stained hardwood floors. Wooden shutters are used in lieu of curtains, keeping the look spare but comfortable.
Above: A modern chaise longue in front of one of the bay windows.
Above: An original mantelpiece.
Above: A series of arches in the hallway, a motif with a nod to the Renaissance.
Above: A simple fireplace with stone hearth (L). Wooden floors painted gray (R).
Above: Wood paneled walls and wooden floors, both painted white to match the walls.
Above: An all-white bedroom accented with dusty shades of pale blue.
Above: Intricate wood carvings above a fireplace.
Above: A bedroom in shades of blue and white with a decorative collection of plates.
Above: The extensive grounds of Purley Hall.