From Agatha Christie to Downton Abbey, by way of Booker-winning Kazuo Ishiguro, the British house party has an enduring place in fiction whether murder (Christie), grouse shooting and melodrama (Downton Abbey) or social commentary and unrequited love (Ishiguro). In their most classic form, a house party involves a Friday to Monday gathering centred around outdoor pursuits (largely game shooting), picnics and elaborate meals, overseen by generous, gregarious hosts. (One reason for James Middleton’s involvement is that Glen Affric is owned by the Matthews family and Middleton’s other sister Pippa married James Matthews in 2017. At House Lodge, wine, spirits and cigars cost extra. Both are something that Edward VII, who was a noted bon viveur, would consider an essential house party component.

Source: Forbes September 30, 2018 10:52 UTC