Best country houses to rent across Britain
Renting doesn't have to mean compromising on space, style or history.

After a two-year bull run, uncertainty is back in the property market. Prices are already falling by pretty much every metric, and on Friday the Halifax reported a fourth consecutive monthly drop.
Opinion is split over just how far house prices will fall, but most economists predict an overall drop of somewhere between 5% and 12%. If the drop ends up somewhere in the middle of that range, it'd look like little more than a pause for breath on the long-term graphs, as Halifax's Kim Kinnaird points out: 'It’s important to recognise that a drop of 8% would mean the cost of the average property returning to April 2021 prices, which still remains significantly above pre-pandemic levels.'
That's all well and good, but what about those who have to move sooner rather than later? If you've found your forever home, you can afford it, and don't want to lose it, then diving in regardless is always the way forward.
For those simply needing a new place to live, renting for a while might seem attractive: Halifax's numbers show that the average house price dropped by over £4,000 in December alone (down from £285,425 to £281,272). The monthly rental cost for the average house is less than half that.
While there's nothing quite like finding and owning a home from among the best country houses for sale, there are some lovely country houses available for rent across the nation — including places that would never be put up for sale. 'Renting a property on a rural estate has always been highly desirable and allows you to live somewhere that would never be able buy,' says Hannah Bloxham, Director of Land Management at Strutt & Parker.
So with that in mind, we've taken a look at what's available to pick out our list of the best country houses for rent in Britain right now.
Gloucestershire — £20,800 per month (£250,000 per year)
Pinbury Park is a small country estate of 85 acres within Cirencester Park, part of the renowned Bathurst Estate, that has welcomed guests including Queen Mary — The King's great-grandmother — and Rudyard Kipling.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
There are four bedrooms in the main house, glorious gardens, a half-mile private drive and far more besides, including a separate detached cottage, a pair of semi-detached cottages, tennis court and swimming pool.
For sale with Strutt & Parker. See more pictures and details for this property.
Oxfordshire — £151,667 per month
An eye-watering monthly rental cost that's almost, but not quite, the most expensive in the country (there's a place in Knightsbridge listed at over £200,000 a month). But you can see why: Kirtlington Park House, dating back to the 18th century, sits within breath-taking Capability Brown designed parkland, a truly spectacular country seat available on a temporary basis.
What's more, you can dip your toes in without committing to months in the place. This stunning Grade I listed country house with its fabulous state rooms can be taken as a retreat for a weekend away or a special celebration, available for as little as two nights at a time.
For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details for this property.
St John's Wood, London NW1 — £108,333 per month
Hanover house is a John Nash-designed residence arranged over five floors, situated right next to, and enjoying views over Regent's Park.
There is a wealth of period features, a private terrace and patio, separate mews house and garage — and it's available for short lets on a furnished basis.
For sale with Chancellors. See more pictures and details for this property.
East Sussex — £8,000 per month
A delightful country house near Polegate, a few miles inland from Eastbourne, set amid 40 acres of grounds and with five bedrooms.
It's been exquisitely restored to make the most of the exposed beams and parquet floors, while there is also a separate cottage, workshop, gym and outdoor swimming pool.
For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details for this property.
Aberdeenshire — £2,200 per month
Why rent a house when you can rent a castle? That's what's on offer at Pitfichie Castle, in a thriving village 20 miles west of Aberdeen.
It's a 16th century pile with all the fantasy ingredients you'd want in a castle: a minstrel's gallery, Great Hall and 'Laird's Dining Room'. And all at the price of a two-bedroom flat in Croydon https://countrylife.onthemarket.com/details/12518343/.
For sale with Aberdeen Property Leasing. See more pictures and details for this property.
Somerset — £12,000 per month
The spectacular ivy cladding sets the scene, and an interior full of twisting staircases, stone-built fireplaces, portrait-clad walls and wooden beams deliver everything you'd expect of an old country house.
As you might have guessed, Maunsel House — with its 13 bedrooms — has been used in film and TV productions, and clearly could be put to all sorts of different uses, subject to permission.
As well as the fine house itself, there's a great location close to the Quantocks, and with easy access to the M5 from where Exeter and Bristol are both in easy reach.
For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details for this property.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
The Talented Monsieur Mille: The haute horologist who stopped time is celebrated in a new book
A new coffee table book by Assouline celebrates one of today’s most daring and innovative watch brands.
By Chris Hall Published
-
Name that castle, and Robin Hood's day job: Country Life Quiz of the Day, June 18, 2025
From manatee flatulence to the first ATM, Wednesday's quiz asks the important questions.
By Country Life Published
-
Sir Michael Caine's former home on the Thames is a testament to idyllic living and good taste
At Rectory Farm House, luxury and modern convenience blend seamlessly with rural England. Is this the house that Jaws 4 built?
By James Fisher Published
-
How to stand out from the crowd in the most British of outfits — morning dress
Morning dress has remained largely unchanged since the 19th century, but breaking with convention can be chic.
By Will Hosie Published
-
White sand beaches, smuggler's coves, teeming wildlife and a ruined castle in a Scottish island that's on the market for the first time in almost a century
Just off the west coast of Scotland lies Shuna Island, a true playground of open spaces, natural beauty, wildlife, beaches and — yes — a castle. And it's looking for a new owner.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
'One of the 10 most perfect houses in Britain' has come to the market at £9.5 million
Penny Churchill looks at the magical Maperton House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
17 outstanding homes for sale across Britain, from under £250k to £6.5 million, as seen in Country Life
Something for every budget in this week's round up of homes across the country that have come to market via Country Life.
By Toby Keel Published
-
An utterly charming island home in Scotland with gardens so beautiful they made the cover of Country Life
An Cala on the Isle of Seil has a fascinating history that is only enhanced by its amazing setting.
By James Fisher Published
-
Soft tones and a sense of place: A Mayfair duplex that breaks the modern mould
A new designer-led residence at 60 Curzon in Mayfair reminds us that everything new doesn't necessarily have to look it.
By James Fisher Published
-
'The very best North Yorkshire has to offer': The £25 million Kirkham Estate
With 1,103 acres and on the market for the first time in a century, we've got a new frontrunner for the sale of the year.
By Penny Churchill Published