Approaching a grand home is an experience in itself. From long, winding drives lined with parkland to ornate front doors to spacious entrance halls replete with majestic staircases and fine art, there should be a sense of drama and anticipation for what lies within.

Luke Morgan, Director at Strutt & Parker’s National Country Department, says: “If you have the chance to build a house, make sure to make a generous entrance, even if it slightly compromises another aspect. This is where you receive your guests, where everyone arrives and how they judge your home.”

The initial approach

The first feature to consider is the driveway. Many of today’s residential developers tend to use as much of the plot as possible for the property’s floorplan, so having a long, dramatic drive is increasingly rare and can separate a luxury new build from the crowd.

Characteristics for a grand driveway include:

•Good structural repair, free from significant defects like potholes or cracks

•Well-maintained high gates or walls

•Manicured landscaping, neatly trimmed hedges, healthy trees and lush gardens

At the door

An attractive front door not only welcomes visitors in impressive style, but also conveys an overall sense of elegance and good taste that continues throughout the home. Whether it be an original listed door with ornate details signalling to its historical beginnings, or a modern door with a smart, clean finish, first impression really do count.

When deciding on the right front door, the following considerations should be made:

•If you are building a house, be sure to take great care and attention on the type and colour of the wood and the right door handles and knobs. Often these can be re-claimed or have a traditional look to them. Keep the style in line with the era and architectural details of the home – the front door should complement, not compete.

•The size and weight of the door are important factors.

•If your door is painted, the colour is a significant consideration. Choose a tone that compliments the exterior, whilst looking stylish.

Into the grand hall

A beautifully appointed entrance hall whether new or old is important. Balance if course is important; too big and it makes the other rooms appear small, and too small it can risk not making the right impression at all. Having space dedicated solely to welcoming guests is a luxurious benefit that goes beyond the average residential property.

Luke says: “To make an entrance stand out you need good light and height – they go hand in hand. I have seen houses before where they have taken a floor out to make a galleried landing and double height entrance to make it a lot more appealing. This is more common with unlisted buildings; creating a double heighted entrance with enormous light. Even if it’s a slightly smaller low beam house, it can make a big difference by opening it up.”

Our pick of the best grand entrances

•Ampney Crucis, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7

Ampney Park is an impressive Grade II listed Manor House set in beautiful formal lakeside gardens and surrounded by rolling and woodland parkland, extending to about 25.5 acres. The house itself is well laid out with elegant reception rooms and an impressive reception hall. The home’s Grand Hall has been described as “one of the most perfect early 17th Century interiors in the country.”

•South Otterington, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7

On the market for just the second time since 1926, Otterington Hall is a Grade II historic estate approached through electronic gates, along a driveway which passes through parkland and woodland. The principal reception rooms lead from the reception hall and include large, well-appointed drawing room, dining room and family room