Definition

Noun: A large, often impressive residence located in a rural area, typically on a substantial estate. Historically, it refers to the primary or secondary home of a wealthy landowning family, distinct from their urban residence.

Usage

The term "country house" specifically refers to the building itself, situated in the countryside. It implies a degree of size, permanence, and architectural significance, often associated with leisure, estate management, or a retreat from city life.

Examples

• Many English country houses are now open to the public as museums or hotels.
• The family spent their summers at their country house in the Cotswolds.
• The novel is set in a grand country house during the Edwardian era.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a place in the country": This is a common phrase meaning to own a country house or a rural retreat, often implying wealth and status.
  • They are successful enough now to afford a place in the country.

Variants and Related Words

• Manor house: A type of country house that was historically the chief house of a feudal lord or landed gentry on an estate.
• Mansion: A very large, impressive house. A country house can be a mansion, but a mansion is not necessarily in the country.
• Estate: The large area of land, including the house, gardens, farms, and woods, on which a country house is situated.
• Cottage: A small, modest house in the country, which is not a country house.

Synonyms

• Rural residence
• Manor
• Hall (as in "Wentworth Hall")
• Seat (as in "the family seat")

Antonyms

• Townhouse
• City apartment
• Urban residence

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "A weekend in the country": Often implies staying at a country house.
  • We've been invited for a weekend in the country at the Ashbys' place.
• "Country house party": A social gathering, often spanning a weekend, held at a country house.
  • The mystery novel revolves around a murder at a country house party.

Noun

1. a house (usually large and impressive) on an estate in the country