Standing on the threshold of the Ridout’s manor house in Surrey, the warm and comforting aroma of spicy candles and burning logs, waft across the hallway. Follow your nose and you enter a large comfortable sitting room with two oversize sofas centred on the blazing wood burning stove, tucked below a marble mantle shelf lined with candles and fresh pine branches.‘We were lucky enough to buy the side of the house which included the ballroom and front door, ’ Sarah unfolds the story. ‘I am sure that over the years lots of happy parties have taken place here leaving their residue of positive joyful vibes. The relaxed atmosphere was one of the attractions that persuaded us to buy the house.’‘The house was built for George Baker as a wedding present from his parents who were significant landowners in this area in the early 1840’s” says Sarah. ‘We benefitted from their generosity, inheriting these exceptional big light rooms with high ceilings, large bay windows and quality stone fireplaces.’