From its bustling metropolises to quaint villages, the UK offers diverse locations for luxury living. Spectacular residential properties range from historic country castles to cutting-edge city apartments. In this new series, <em>The National</em> showcases the best and most luxurious the UK has to offer. <strong>Featured property…</strong> Cherry Hill, Wentworth Estate, Virginia Water, Surrey. Guide price: £30 million (US$39 million) <strong>The story…</strong> Cherry Hill was built in the 1930s by British architect Oliver Hill - the designer of the British pavilion at the Paris Exposition of 1937 and renowned for his luxurious interiors. Hill was inspired by the calm and cogent white Modernist houses of the 1920s, especially those designed by the modernist German-American architect, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe - designer of the Barcelona Pavilion. The drawings of Hill were brought to life by another famed figure in his field, the master builder WG Tarrant, responsible for the erection of much of the Wentworth Estate. <strong>Famous former owner…</strong> The house exudes conviviality and this aspect was a clear attraction for one former resident - the then US ambassador to the UK, John Hay “Jock” Whitney. Whitney served under US President Eisenhower and was a gregarious type, friendly with luminaries such as Princess Margaret and Grace Kelly. <strong>Key details...</strong> Situated in 4.1 acres (14,506 sq ft) on the main island of Wentworth Estate, Cherry Hill is a sustainable modern home with all the space, amenities and services an owner would expect from a property in the elite postcode. Six bedrooms, six bathrooms and five other rooms are all fitted and finished in a palette of fine stone, choice veneers, chromed steel and glass - and complemented by immaculately landscaped gardens. The building is on three levels which allows for a generous part double-height reception room. Other noteworthy features include two guest bedrooms adjoining a south-facing balcony, a spa and relaxation suite, and the house's most dramatic contemporary feature - an underground indoor swimming pool with a floor which rises up to create a spacious level entertainment space. The east courtyard has been rebuilt and now houses a basement cinema, study, laundry and wine cellar with a subterranean link to a new single-storey, standalone pavilion which provides guest accommodation, a new plant room and a large garage. <strong>How it compares to other houses in the estate…</strong> There is nothing like it in any of the major private estates close to London. Its neighbouring houses were either built earlier in the 20th century or are newer houses in the neoclassical style. <strong>Standout design elements...</strong> The master bathroom is finished in vein cut calacatta zebra marble tiling. And at one end of the drawing room there is a three-tonne onyx wall. <strong>Golf lovers’ paradise...</strong> Cherry Hill sits in the heart of the main island and is adjacent to the Wentworth West Course, home to the BMW PGA Championship, and host of the 1984 Ryder Cup. <strong>Location, Location, Location…</strong> There are few places as well located to enjoy some of the country's most prestigious events. As well its golfing locus, it is perfectly situated to visit Royal Ascot and the Cartier International Polo at Smith's Lawn. It is also within easy striking distance of Central London, served by the Virginia Water railway station. <strong>Who would it suit…</strong> Because of the space it is perfect for international buyers. For those with young families, it is also girded by a raft of outstanding schools including Wellington College, Eton College, Hall Grove, Lambrook, Papplewick, St George's Windsor Castle and St Mary's Ascot. For international schooling there is TASIS Egham and the ACS schools in Egham and Cobham. <em>Cherry Hill is on the market with Savills and Knight Frank. Scroll through this gallery to see it in all its glory...</em>
