Let's get this party started

The party barn is taking off like never before, finds Madeleine Silver

- Annuciata Elwes

DISCO balls, insists David Henderson, head of Savills’s Stow-on-the-Wold office, are non-negotiable items when it comes to finishing a party barn. There are those with kitchens where caterers can effortlessly beaver, ones with nightclub-worthy sound systems, a mezzanine to accommodate overflowing overnight guests and sprawling windows to let light flood in. Nonetheless, it's the disco balls that set the tone. Welcome to the modern party barn: the ultimate good-time utopia, devoid of the toil of a home gym or the practicalities of a home office—and a world away from the draughty, hay-bales-and-a-hi-fi set-up of yesteryear.

‘Entertaining spaces have always been a key part of the English country house, but, in recent years, party barns have become increasingly versatile and sophisticated,’ says interior designer Emma Sims-Hilditch. ‘Traditionally, these spaces might have been used as billiard rooms or shoot-lunch venues, but, today, they are designed to host everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations.’

'They're a world away from the draughty, hay-bales-and-a-hi-fi set-up of yesteryear'

Although some agents might not be able to estimate the premium buyers are willing to pay for one, Mr Henderson apportions 'really good additional value'. He continues: 'I'd put a strong $1 per square foot on them, because they're such versatile buildingsthey're a place to host small family gatherings and large events. If you have a guest room above one and a kitchen in it, your friends can stay and enjoy their own private space, too.'