As the temperature drops and the year draws to a close, there’s nothing more inviting than a warm kitchen filled with simmering pots and lively conversation. From a former bakery to a contemporary conversion in the city,
here we pick six homes that call for cosy family suppers, sumptuous feasts and everything
in between.

Blenheim Grove, London SE15
There’s nothing more tempting in the dead of winter than the prospect of an intimate home-cooked brunch with friends. The kitchen of this three-bedroom house in Peckham sets the stage for culinary inspiration with its abundant natural light, warm ash cabinets and view of the garden, all adding to a feeling of calm.

Renovated by Jonathan Nicholls, a partner at Hayhurst and Co. it is part of an extension at the rear of the house that complements the Victorian style of the original building, retaining all of its charm. Keep things simple for a lazy Sunday: pop down to Bellenden Village for fresh bread, cheese and natural wines at The General Store and end the day with a walk up the road at sunset to enjoy stunning views of London from Telegraph Hill.

St Francis House, Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire
This former religious retreat in Hemingford Grey, Cambridgeshire is the perfect setting for an extended family reunion. The spacious kitchen fitted with copper sinks, a walk-in larder and pantry will delight even the pickiest of chefs. But if that isn’t quite enough, the house comes with its very own orchard of fruit trees and vegetable beds so fresh ingredients for culinary experiments are always close to hand. St Francis House has five bedroom suites, a large garden and plenty of parking: think boisterous gatherings and family recipes passed down to grandkids over the stove.

Berens Road, London NW10
Pass the modest gates of this house near Portobello Grove and you could be forgiven for thinking there was little of interest beyond. A former factory building has been creatively converted to a multi-storeyed home that is fitting for a sit-down dinner with friends. Pop down to nearby Chamberlayne Road where you’ll find everything you need for a feast, whether that’s cuts of meat, fresh vegetables or winter blooms for the table.

The open-plan living and dining space will accommodate all your favourite people around a table heaving with sharing plates and bottles of wine. And if a classic movie is a part of your Christmas tradition, steer everyone to the studio across the courtyard with some popcorn: a 7.1 speaker home cinema awaits.

Wisteria House, Blunham, Bedfordshire
What do you get if you cross a Georgian house, former bakery and a cart barn? Wisteria House situated in the village of Blunham in Bedfordshire is the charming result. While the days of early morning baking might be long gone, it’s clear that, in this modern renovation, the kitchen remains the beating heart. Equipped with a Fisher & Paykel range and an electric Aga, the bright and spacious room can accommodate a crowd and is sure to inspire some hearty casseroles, stews and puddings to usher in the festive season.

Chandler’s Reach, Rye, East Sussex
This five-bedroom house perched on the banks of the River Rother has views across Romney Marshes and carries distinct influences from the Deep South. While the English weather may not lend itself to the vision of al fresco meals on balmy nights, we think the house’s warm and expansive living spaces could be the perfect setting for a magical weekend get-together with friends.

We picture a long and leisurely dinner
with local seafood and crusty bread followed by a hot toddy on the terrace
under the stars. Factor in a lie-in followed by a fry-up the next morning and
you could convince your guests to squeeze in a riverside ramble before the
drive home.

St Ann’s Court, St. Ann’s Hill, Surrey
Once owned by Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera, this iconic country house designed by Sir Raymond McGrath in the 1930s is a gleaming jewel set within an eight-acre site in Surrey. The main ‘Round House’ wraps together multiple living spaces like stylish slices of a modernist pie.

This is a home that invites exploration. We suggest keeping things mobile with cocktails, finger food and hot bowls for guests throughout the night. After a pitstop at the Mondrian-inspired kitchen, herd the party over to the 19th century Coach House for an impromptu jamming session in the professional recording studio ’til the early hours.