Hot hosting houses: The homes we would all love to be hosting in this festive season

As the festive season rolls around, Australians are once again daydreaming of homes made for entertaining; the ones with sprawling kitchens, seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and enough space that no one's arguing over the last chair.

These are the houses where Christmas lunch turns into sunset drinks on a balmy summer's night, and where hosting feels less like a chore and more like a privilege.

From sprawling family homes with pools to architectural showpieces designed for maximum wow factor, these are the properties across the country that turn entertaining into an art form, and will have your mates clambering for a silly-season invite.

Queensland: Maleny pavilion magic

Set across 105 breathtaking acres in the Sunshine Coast hinterland's Booroobin (near Maleny), WildHaven is an entertainer's dream on a resort-worthy scale.

Designed for hosting everything from intimate gatherings to multi-day celebrations, the estate pairs a striking contemporary main residence with three luxe guest cabins and a dedicated entertainment pavilion.

'The Pavillion' is an architectural statement piece that is part-wellness retreat, part-private playground spanning 305 square metres with resort amenities, orchards and million-dollar views.

Long lunches unfold across wraparound decks and an infinity-edge pool, while the pavilion's full kitchen, wine fridges, sunken open-air lounge, dining terrace and spa and steam room set the scene for unforgettable evenings.

Of course, there's also a cinema, gym, and accommodation for guests to stay the night (and who wouldn't want to?).

Victoria: Memory-making on Mount Martha

Commanding one of Mount Martha's most spectacular bayfront positions, Cambio Al Mar guarantees memory-making entertaining.

Floor-to-ceiling glass and a sweeping curved balcony set the stage for sunset drinks and long dinners overlooking the water, while multiple living zones ensure gatherings flow effortlessly across both levels.

Downstairs, a games room, wet bar and gym open to a lower terrace, while the self-contained pool house - complete with marble kitchen, wine fridges and rooftop viewing deck - takes entertaining to the next level.

With a resort-style pool, spa, fire pit and pizza oven, this is the epitome of luxury sea-change hosting.

Queensland: Noosaville at its finest

Set right on the Noosa River, One W is a masterclass in high-end hosting in a serene atmosphere, designed by renowned local designer Paul Clout to capture the gorgeous natural surroundings.

Entertaining takes centre stage on the spectacular rooftop terrace, where you'd be forgiven for thinking you're at a private beach club.

We're talking a heated pool, spa, built-in BBQ, bar with beer taps and floating daybeds, plus sweeping river views.

Inside, open-plan living zones and a showpiece kitchen with hidden butler's pantry make catering a breeze, while a dedicated leisure room and bar extend the party across all three levels.

With smart-home control, lift access and guest accommodation, hosting here is as polished as it is relaxed.

Tasmania: Hosting with heritage

Hidden behind gates on South Hobart's prestigious Davey Street, 'The Gables' is a classic entertainer with serious grand scale and sweeping views across Sandy Bay and the River Derwent from almost every window.

Designed around hosting, the handsome Federation residence (c.1905) pairs multiple formal and informal living zones with standout outdoor amenities, including a full-sized tennis court, heated 12-metre infinity pool and spa, and a poolside pavilion made for long summer afternoons.

Indoors, an expansive granite kitchen opens to a private courtyard and balcony, creating effortless flow for gatherings large and small. With panoramic views, flexible living spaces and timeless elegance, this is hosting with heritage flair.

NSW: Whale Beach wow-factor with private golf course

Perched high above Whale Beach on Sydney's Northern Beaches, this extraordinary coastal estate that "blurs the line between luxury home, holiday villa and private playground" makes for hosting on a truly grand scale.

Architecturally designed for seamless entertaining, the stunning sandstone residence unfolds across multiple living zones that spill onto expansive terraces with uninterrupted ocean views.

A showpiece kitchen - complete with Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances and a dedicated drinks fridge - anchors long lunches and sunset cocktails, with integrated Sonos to set the vibe.

Guests can wander between the heated infinity plunge pool and spa to manicured gardens, a private golf course and shaded pergola zones. There's also separate guest accommodation for when friends inevitably get a little too jolly.