By Kylie MacKenzie
This grand English country house and park rental in the Berkshires is, by all accounts, quite extraordinary. Owned by a family of artists, scientists, writers and filmmakers, Benetfeld is referred to by the listing agents as an experimental and immersive space—both bold on the outside and welcoming on the inside.
Gleaming chandeliers hang above modish style furnishings, pop art embellishes 18th Century walls and communal spaces call out to guests wanting to host book readings, creative endeavours, dances, weekend retreats or formal celebrations.
Within touching distance of London, Windsor and Ascot, the house was built in 1775 by Onesiphorus Elliot. There are eight double bedrooms on the first and second floor (for up to 16 guests), a well-equipped orangery kitchen with a La Cornue Chateau vaulted double oven and parking for 10 cars on the private drive. Weekly self-catered rates from 5,995 (British pounds) includes a welcome food hamper and kindling to start the fire. Babies, children and well-behaved pets are welcome!
