HAVE you ever wanted to live in a house, a very big house, in the country?

Well, here’s your chance.

Whether you fancy being lord or lady of your own manor or hosting the ultimate party, Huntsham Court offers you the chance to turn that dream into a reality.

The grand Baronial mansion, nestled in spectacular rolling Devon countryside, can be all yours.

Owners Christopher Badham and Damian Llambias have worked tirelessly to create a unique venture that offers a home-from-home for those wanting to host exclusive events without hidden costs.

You can ask for as much or as little help from them as you wish when it comes to catering, moving furniture and entertainment – all they ask is for you to have the event that you want.

Whether you want the house for a private party, a corporate event, a wedding, or as a location for a photo shoot - the owners hand over the whole mansion to you to use as you see fit.

My husband and I were lucky enough to stay at the house as part of Huntsham Court’s Glitter Ball events, featuring Robin Windsor and Kristin Rihanoff from Strictly Come Dancing.

Offering two days of dance and indulgence, it was too good an offer to ignore for a Strictly superfan such as myself.

Having dabbled on the dancefloor before, we were excited to get to grips with the cha cha cha, with the professional duo showing great patience and skill to get the whole room dancing the same steps at, crucially, the same time.

The 45-minute masterclass gave a great insight into what the celebrity contestants on the hit BBC show are faced with at the very beginning.

We then enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea with the dancers.

The experience, which was an addition to the venue’s Supper Club events, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy an overnight stay at the house, which is usually only available for private hire.

This meant we could stay for the Glitter Ball Dinner, Dance and Live Show, which included a three-course menu crafted by the exclusive five-star caterers McBaile.

In between courses, we got the chance to ask the Strictly stars any burning questions about the show and then they treated us to an intimate performance in the grand hall, which was truly breath-taking.

With the sequins put away that night, we spent the next morning finding out what else the venue has to offer.

First was a spot of archery on the vast lawns at the back of the house before we went back inside to cook up a storm under the guidance of local chef Peter Mundy.

We then got one last chance to take in the beautiful surroundings.

The impressive Grade II listed house sleeps up to 80 guests in 31 uniquely-decorated bedrooms, each with their own charm, and most of which are en-suite.

The bedrooms are spacious and characterful and include interconnecting family rooms, four-poster beds, twin-bath bridal suite and a private four-bedroom Garden Wing cottage.

One thing that did take me by surprise was the lack of any locks on the bedroom doors – which the owners have done purposely because you wouldn’t find locks on your bedroom doors at home.

However, even if you are sharing the house with family and friends, I’m not sure a small lock would ruin the home-from-home feel.

The house can seat up to 120 guests for weddings and banquets and there are five grand reception rooms that can be arranged to suit each client’s individual needs.

Situated close to the Somerset border and Exmoor National Park, the Gothic house boasts excellent road and rail links to ensure all your guests can make it with ease.

It can even be reached by air, as helicopters can land within the grounds.

Huntsham Court was bought by its current owners in January 2012.

They did so after searching for a suitable venue for their own civil partnership and discovered a gap in the market when it came to large houses that offered both the size and flexibility they were after.

Finding larger stuffy and hotel-like venues, they were after somewhere that would feel more like their home.

Since then, they have lovingly restored the property, in keeping with its unique history and character, to its original grandeur but with the addition of modern touches to create a relaxed and comfortable “country home-from-home” for guests to enjoy in complete privacy, without fear of anything being too precious to hamper any celebrations.

It is available for exclusive mid-week and weekend hire, for mid-week day use only and for overnight stays, with a minimum of two nights.

What is unusual, and refreshing, for a venue such as this is that there are no set packages or hidden charges, just a one-off fully inclusive fee and, once you are in, you can create the event that you want.

Guests have complete freedom to use their own caterers and suppliers but recommendations, guidance and additional planning assistance can be provided upon request.

Five hours of planning help from the Event’s Team is included within the rental price.

A key mantra for the owners is - if you wouldn’t pay for it at home, Huntsham Court won’t charge for it. Therefore, there are no extra charges for corkage, storage, function or handling fees.

Rates

Weekend two night hire:

19 bedrooms from £9,300 to £11,300

27 bedrooms from £11,000 to £13,000

31 bedrooms from £11,800 to 13,800

Weekday two night hire:

19 bedrooms from £7,300 to £9,900

27 bedrooms from £9,000 to £11,300

31 bedrooms from £9,800 to £12,100

Mid week all day only hire: from £4,600 to £6,200