Great homes for entertaining!

Ever fancied having a bit more space to entertain friends and family? Well we've tracked down five of the best Shropshire homes on the market which each have unique features that make them superb for guests and gatherings, from an Irish pub to a cinema!

The Thrashing House at Ashford Bowdler, Ludlow, is a luxuriously appointed two-storey barn conversion of outstanding quality, providing bright and spacious accommodation and three reception rooms that make it ideal for entertaining.

It also has four bedrooms (two of which have spa baths), two staircases, fabulously fitted kitchen, and, best of all, an optional holiday cottage within, which could provide marvellous guest accommodation if required.

The easily-managed surrounding gardens are designed for low maintenance and there's a double garage and extensive parking.

Offers around £454,000 through Nock Deighton on (01584) 875555.

Mount Pleasant Cottage in Hilton, near Bridgnorth, could be described as the ultimate 'party home' - it's an imaginatively converted property with exceptional open-plan living space that offers space and flexibility, as well as a sun-terraced garden which provides a superb area for entertaining.

The majestic sitting room merges into a dining area and comprehensively fitted kitchen, all opening through French doors onto a landscaped garden bordering fields.

As well as five bedrooms, there's a luxurious bespoke bathroom, complete with a four poster president air bath and rose marble tops - a treat for guests staying at the house!

Mount Pleasant Cottage is on the market for offers in excess of £445,000 through Nick Tart Estate Agents on (01746) 711442.

The Timbers at 16 Grooms Lane in Kemberton, Shifnal, is a striking, characterful, 17th century home, packed to the rafters with original fetaures like exposed beams, leaded light windows, original oak work and an Inglenook fireplace.

Best of all, The Timbers has a hidden surprise: commissioned in recent years beneath the property, and accessed through a secret door, lies a suite of rooms, comprising a temperature-controlled wine cellar, a play room, a glass-backed recording studio, a sauna and an 'Irish Pub' designed by the Irish Pub Company to include a full working bar and toilets. What more could you want?

The garage also houses a commercially-equipped gym with Sky, while the walled private gardens surrounding the cottage have the benefit of a hot tub. Your guests will probably try to move in with you!

Offers around £819,000 through Berriman Eaton on (01746) 766499.

Meadowcroft in Newport is a striking, architecturally designed house set in tranquil countryside, standing in beautiful landscaped gardens with a meandering stream - a wonderful place for dining al fresco!

Built by the present owners and completed in 2006, the house has some wonderful features including a spacious hall with a travertine marble floor, a stunning bespoke kitchen with an Aga, an adjoining breakfast and sitting room with an internal stone mullion window looking down the hallway, and an oak-framed conservatory.

There's also a games and cinema room - perfect for film buffs - which is wired for surround sound and double doors opening to a veranda, as well as a luxurious master bedroom suite and bathroom with a Porcelanosa Jacuzzi bath.

And there's more! Outside in the stunning grounds of around 4.4 acres, there's a heated swimming pool and an oak-framed tiled pergola, as well as a hot tub and summer house or plant room and a 2000 gallon rain harvester to ensure that all storm water can be recycled for use in the garden.

Guide price £1,200,000 through Savills on (01952) 239500.

Lower House Farm Barn in Cleedownton, Ludlow, is an individually designed, four-bedroomed barn conversion with magnificent country views and extensive south-facing gardens, making it the perfect spot for hosting outdoor events, parties and even the odd wedding!

Inside, there are two main reception rooms plus an office, a good-sized kitchen with Aga, laundry room, four good-zied bedrooms, two bathroom and a ground floor cloakroom with WC.

The gardens are a particularly special feature of the property, and also include a large double garage and workshop, a paved sun terrace, a greenhouse, a vegetable garden and an adjoining paddock with a separate entrance from a bridal path.

Offers around £435,000 through Nock Deighton on (01584) 875555.

4 Orchard Park in Maesbrook is a superbly presented modern executive home in a stunning rural location, with convenient access to Shrewsbury and other local centres.

Its spacious and versatile accommodation includes rooms which are perfect for entertaining, such as an exceptional kitchen with an Aga and granite tops, as well as a family room, four reception rooms and an entire second floor which makes an ideal self-contained living space for teenagers!

There are also six bedrooms and landscaped spacious gardens which have been laid out for easy management.

The vendors will consider a part exchange or chain breaking proposal.

Price £625,000 through Morris, Marshall and Poole on (01743) 247755.