I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. I see a lot of properties for sale working here. I like a lot of them, but it takes something quite special to get me really excited. Thatched houses that look a bit like Claudia Winkleman. Houses with salmon fishing. Kitchen islands. Ok maybe it doesn’t take that much. 

However! Look at this house in Jersey and tell me that it is not very special. I have written often of houses with very slanty roofs, but this is perhaps the slantiest. It is a cathedral to late modernism. It was designed and built for Ron Hickman, who invented the Black & Decker Workmate and the Lotus Elan. It costs £6.95 million and is for sale with John D Wood International.

Hickman moved to Jersey in 1977 and created this home shortly afterwards. Named Villa Devereux, it was inspired by homes that he had seen on the West Coast of the US, but used materials local to Jersey, hence the slate roof and the granite walls. 

As you can see, on the inside at least, not a huge amount has changed from the 1970s, keeping a sort of Frank Lloyd-Wright period charm to the property. It’s one of those where I wonder if the contents are included in the sale, as the property would undoubtedly change should much of the furniture be removed. If you decide to buy this house, please let me know.

Overall, the property boasts 10 bedrooms and a whole host of amenities, such as a gym, offices, music room, an indoor swimming pool, and enough parking space, via three double garages, for 26 cars. Which makes sense, considering Hickman was a car designer.

‘Villa Devereux is not just a property,’ says Alasdair Hedley, head of international at John D Wood & Co. ‘It's a testament to visionary design and innovative spirit. Its unique blend of architectural brilliance and historical significance offers potential buyers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of living history. The expansive spaces, breathtaking sea views, and unparalleled amenities make it a true masterpiece in the luxury property market.’

Ah yes I forgot about the sea views, which are sublime. Situated near St Brelade, Villa Devereux offers searing views over the bay either from the two acres of immaculate gardens, or from the many (many) windows and balconies situated throughout the property.

Villa Devereux is for sale with John D Wood & Co International for £6.95 million. For more information and (many) more pictures, click here.

It’s hard to imagine that the original builders of the medieval mill on the north-east corner of Jersey would one day have imagined it could be used in war. Still less, we’d imagine, would they have thought that one day it would not serve its function to the community, but instead be seen more as a delightful curio in the gardens of an exquisite house.

Then again, we doubt that they’d ever have dreamed that the mill would last seven centuries; and we’re sure they’d be delighted to see that it stands to this day, as part of a £10.995 million property for sale in St Martin via Hunt Estates.

The historic Rozel Mill dates back to the 14th century and, in more recent history, it was commandeered as a lookout point by the Germans during the Second World War.

It's not hard to see why, for the views are spectacular.

On the market for the first time in 40 years, Rozel Mill as it stands today is a handsome country property only minutes away from Rozel Harbour.

Its ground floor comprises a formal dining room and a 40ft orangery that includes a bespoke kitchen, a breakfast area, a living room and a cosy reading nook.

Upstairs, the primary suite and four further bedrooms are spread over the first and second floors.

The pretty gardens feature a terrace, jacuzzi and a wonderful dining terrace on the seaward side.

A separate two-bedroom cottage offers further accommodation.

For sale via Hunt Estates at £10.995m — see more details and pictures.

Credit: Strutt and Parker

Best country houses for sale this week

An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

St Brelade — £16.25 million

With vistas across the golden sands of Ouaisne and St Brelade’s Bay, Le Val Lodge is a substantial coastal residence offering seven generous reception rooms, a modern open-plan kitchen, a study and a wine cellar, seven luxurious bedroom suites and seven bathrooms.

The gardens are a private haven offering terrific views out to sea, as well as a tennis court, an infinity pool and expansive south-facing terraces.

For sale via Living Room and Knight Frank at £16.25m

St Mary — £3.55 million

Sycamore Cottage is an idyllic family property that has been elegantly extended. Inside, the house has charming period details, including exposed granite walls, original fireplaces and wood beams.

The ground floor includes a pretty breakfast kitchen, two bedrooms and three reception rooms and large bifolding doors that lead out onto an expansive terrace. Upstairs are two further bedrooms. Outside is an adventure playground and a natural freshwater pool.

For sale at £3.55m via Broadlands — www.broadlandsjersey.com; Fine & Country Jersey — www.fineandcountry.je; Gaudin & Co — www.gaudin.je; Hunt Estates — www.huntestates.com

St Mary — £4.5 million

A beautiful period farmhouse that has been fully renovated, Maupertuis Farm now enjoys a formal dining room, a modern kitchen, a sitting room and another handsome living room on the ground floor. Upstairs, a private study benefits from a balcony, which overlooks the pool, and seven bedrooms include a spacious primary suite with his-and-hers bathrooms.

Outside, a swimming pool and pool house can be found, complete with gym and sauna. The grounds also feature a tennis court, stables and a charming orchard. Situated next to La Mare Vineyards, the property is well-positioned for northern cliff-path walks and the village of St Mary. Some 15 vergées (about 6½ acres) of fields surround the property and are currently leased to a local farmer.

For sale via Broadlands — www.broadlandsjersey.com; and Savills — www.savills.com

St Brelade — £4.65 million

The Assembly Rooms is a modernised four-bedroom property in the heart of St Aubin offering state-of-the-art living overlooking the harbour. Open-plan living spaces on the first floor are all designed around the magnificent water views and include a kitchen, sitting room and a pretty inner courtyard.

The garage, which has space for six cars, sits on the ground floor with the gym and a fully stocked wine store.

For sale at £4.65m via Broadlands — www.broadlandsjersey.com; Fine & Country Jersey — www.fineandcountry.je; Gaudin & Co — www.gaudin.je; Knight Frank — www.knightfrank.com); and Savills www.savills.com.

Some homes in Jersey are very evidently at the top end of the property market purely due to their size, and their location on a charming island with a low tax regime. Others, though, are clearly a cut above for one reason or another; and it’s one of these — Anne Port Farm, a £16 million joy on the island’s north-east side — which we look at today.

This granite-built home was erected in the 1970s in 16 acres of breathtakingly beautiful grounds which stretch across the entire expanse of Anne Port Bay. By Jersey standards, this is a big swathe of land, and the sale represents a rare opportunity to purchase a significant coastal estate on Jersey.

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Eagle-eyed readers might recognise the house and interiors: this was the home of the late George Farrow, a property developer and investor who rose from humble beginnings to become one of Britain's biggest landlords.Rosebery's auctioned off his exquisite collection a few weeks ago; and his home itself is now for sale for the first time in half a century.

Accommodation includes a dining room and a drawing room, as well as a library and large kitchen, plus a 30ft extension.

An impressive marble staircase leads up to the principal bedroom suite and two guest suites. The entire second floor comprises one vast room, ideal for housing a collection.

Outside, the summer house sits adjacent to the terrace and there is a three-bedroom cottage.

As impressive as the buildings are, the setting is just as much of a draw. Mature gardens include woodland leading to a beach with a slipway from which, on clear days, the coastline of France can be seen.

For sale via Hunt Estates at £16 million — see more pictures and details.

Photo credits: Hunt Estates / Chris Giles Photography / Roseberys

Credit: Strutt and Parker

Best country houses for sale this week

An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

Guernsey — £8,500,000

A spectacular home set in acres of prime cliff top land with stunning views over Guernsey’s south coast.

There are four reception areas, five bedrooms and five bathrooms, plus a lift and access to clifftop paths.

For sale with Swoffers. See more pictures and details for this property.

Northumberland — £3,500,000

Milbourne Hall is a 'Grade I listed property that still retains the grandeur of a bygone era', say the agents — perfectly put, we think, for this exquisitely-proportioned Georgian delight.

There are 16 bedrooms, a magnificent dome and the sort of dining room you'd expect to find in a costume drama. Beautiful.

For sale with Knight Frank. See more pictures and details for this property.

Northamptonshire — £1,950,000

A 19th century former watermill of almost 5,000 sq ft in a wonderfully bucolic location.

Almost every room seems to have a picture window looking out over the surrounding countryside.

For sale with Michael Graham. See more pictures and details for this property.

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West Sussex — £3,500,000

Aldsworth House dates back to the late 18th century, sitting in the middle of its own land and approached via a sweeping driveway.

There are nine bedrooms in the main house and various other outbuildings — including stables — with the extraordinary pool house a true highlight.

For sale with Strutt & Parker. See more pictures and details for this property.

Guernsey — £25,000,000

A home that is 'one of the finest country estates in the Channel Islands', according to the agents, a home in 35 acres with three further houses and two staff properties included.

The oldest parts of the house date back over four centuries, but it was largely rebuilt in the Palladian style, and has been beauitifully restored.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details for this property.

Credit: Alamy

The story behind The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is almost as fascinating as the book itself

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society has opened up the island’s charms to a new audience, finds Holly

Credit: Strutt and Parker

Best country houses for sale this week

An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

Bath — £4,000,000

A stone porch with Doric columns frames the entrance to this impressive, mid-19th century, semi-detached property in a sought-after location.

For sale with Knight Frank . See more pictures and details for this property.

Buckinghamshire — £825,000

A former village bakery converted into a fine home with a garden studio, in a highly sought-after position in a picturesque village.

For sale with Hamnett Hayward via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Carmarthenshire — £385,000

A beautiful three-bedroom stone cottage full of character including exposed beams and wood-burning stove, set in approx. 0.35 acres with wild nature garden.

For sale with West Wales Properties via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Devon — £650,000

A delightful period cottage providing spacious accommodation, set in half an acre with views across the surrounding countryside.

For sale with Stags via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Dumfries and Galloway — £620,000

Whitehouse is a five-bedroom Art Deco property with stunning costal views which retains many of the original features including stain glass front door and ornate fireplaces.

For sale with Galbraith via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

East Riding of Yorkshire — £650,000

Southfield is a beautifully updated and distinguished Georgian house, in a thriving East Yorkshire village two miles from the coast.

For sale with Blenkin & Co via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Gloucestershire — £3,000,000

Northwick House is a beautiful 19th century house built in Cotswold stone with interiors by the designer Helen Bainbridge, and fantastic, uninterrupted views both front and back.

For sale with Knight Frank. See more pictures and details for this property.

Hampshire — £2,250,000

A beautifully renovated five-bedroom village house with an annexe and attractive waterside garden, in a thriving village.

For sale with Knight Frank via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Hertfordshire — £3,750,000

A handsome 15th century farmhouse, extended and completely refurbished, set in grounds with stunning views across rolling countryside and woodland.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details for this property.

Jersey — £19,000,000

An outstanding estate with a 15,000sq ft home at its heart, set in almost seven acres of land and ancient woodland in the parish of St Martin.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details for this property.

Kent — £1,250,000

Bewley Farmhouse is a charming circa 1950s extended detached family home with rural views to the rear, set in a plot approaching half an acre.

For sale with Fine & Country via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Kent — £535,000

A spacious, recently extended and fully refurbished property with countryside views and off-road parking for several vehicles.

For sale with Hobbs Parker via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Kent — £2,250,000

A unique and rare Grade II listed mill house sitting astride the River Stour, set in wonderful riverside gardens and overlooking the peaceful mill pond.

For sale with Strutt & Parker via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Leicestershire — £1,500,000

A lavish six-bedroom detached family residence occupying a coveted position within a secure gated development.

For sale with Bentons via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Shropshire — £225,000

An attractive mid-terrace country property with workshop and private courtyard, occupying a sought-after village location.

For sale with Bowen via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Somerset — £650,000

A stone-built character cottage with three bedrooms, a garage and garden, in a lovely Somerset village. Previously a popular holiday let.

For sale with Cooper and Tanner via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Somerset — £950,000

A stunning five-bedroom house with fabulous views and open plan living as well as a garden studio/office and two self-contained holiday lets.

For sale with Sandersons via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Surrey — £1,400,000

Ridlands Farmhouse is a spacious property with plenty of character and period features, including ancient beams and traditional fireplaces.

For sale with Jackson Stops via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Swansea — £639,950

A charming and extended 18th century three-bedroom cottage, set in a peaceful hamlet with amazing countryside, woodland and estuary views.

For sale with Dawsons via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

West Midlands — £1,300,000

A tastefully presented detached house with self-contained one-bedroom annexe and attractive two-bedroom detached cottage, with opportunity to let.

For sale with John German via OnTheMarket. See more pictures and details for this property.

Credit: Strutt and Parker

Best country houses for sale this week

An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

St Clement — £3.8 million

This traditional granite family property sits surrounded by beautiful gardens a short walk away from the beach at Robin Bay. Large windows, high ceilings, period features, fireplaces and floors of wood, oak and stone give the house plenty of character; downstairs, the conservatory, farmhouse kitchen and breakfast room all face south with views out over the terrace.

Upstairs, seven bedrooms and three family bathrooms are spread across two further floors. The pretty landscaped gardens, which house a swimming pool, are filled with scented shrubs, roses and herbs.

For sale via Hunt Estates — see more details and pictures.

St Brelade — £6.5 million

Situated above St Aubin, La Provence Farm is a fully renovated country house with 2¾ acres of land and terrific views across St Aubin's Bay. As the name implies, it is built in Provençal style and totals nearly 8,500sq ft of living space, including seven bedrooms, four bathrooms, a large kitchen, a handsome dining room, a sitting room and a separate media room. There’s also a full leisure suite, plus a wine cellar, a games room and garaging for five cars. The gardens have been beautifully maintained, with the west-facing swimming-pool complex getting the sun well into the evening. Savills (01534 722227) and Hunt Estates (01534 860650)

For sale via Savills and Hunt Estates — see more details and pictures.

St Peter — £5.95 million

Located outside St Peter’s village, Colony House is an exceptional modern country property built to elegant Georgian proportions. The ground floor has a wonderful layout, flowing from the family kitchen through the generously proportioned reception rooms, which include a romantic orangery. There are six bedrooms and six bathrooms upstairs, with state-of-the-art tech throughout the house.

Outside, there is self-contained accommodation above the garage and the heated swimming pool comes with a pretty pool house.

For sale via Savills — see more details and pictures.

St John — £4.95 million

With incredible views out across Bonne Nuit Bay from almost every room, this charming country house blends old and new features beautifully. Built in 1904 as the summer house of a former Bailiff of Jersey, the older part of Furze Cottage retains many original details, with an award-winning modern extension adding a magnificent 32ft living room and extra accommodation.

There are five reception rooms downstairs, plus a large country kitchen. The two principal bedrooms are located in the older part of the house with a further two bedrooms in the extension. Outside, a combination of lawns and terraced areas lead on to patios and decks which are wonderful for entertaining.

For sale via Hunt Estates — see more details and pictures.

St Martin — £1.6 million

This spacious, five-bedroom property sits within an exclusive development of six modern family homes on the edge of St Martin’s village. Accommodation spans three floors with an eat-in kitchen, a large living room and an orangery downstairs; the large bedrooms are spread across the first and second floors. Outside is a wonderful walled garden and the village’s many amenities are mere moments away.

For sale via Thomson Estates — see more details and pictures

St Brelade — £9.95 million

Dating back to the 16th century, with 19th- and 20th-century additions, La Rocquaise combines wonderful character with an extraordinary beachfront location in the heart of St Brelade’s Bay. Accommodation includes four reception rooms and six to seven bedrooms, with scope for remodelling. The picturesque gardens are huge for the location, offering magnificent views out across the Bay and beyond.

For sale via Knight Frank / Wilsons — see more details and pictures.

St Lawrence, price on application

Villa Cambray is an ultra-modern property currently under construction above Coronation Park in St Lawrence. Spread across three levels, the house will comprise 8,500sq ft of built space featuring five bedroom suites, front and back kitchens, reception rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, a cinema room, a climate-controlled wine room and a leisure suite, with a lift accessing all floors.

Outside, the extensive terraces, an infinity pool and an outdoor kitchen have all been designed to make the most the south-facing position.

For sale via Living Room — see more details and pictures.

St Peter — £10.25 million

One of Jersey’s finest modern properties, built in 2011, Mon Bel has high ceilings, light-flooded rooms and generous accommodation over two floors. Downstairs, the spacious eat-in kitchen opens into the orangery and then to the poolside terrace, making this the heart of the house. The main house has four bedroom suites—as well as home cinema and a gym—with another four bedrooms available in a detached. The 11-acre grounds include landscaped gardens, a heated swimming pool, extensive terracing, farmland and equestrian facilities.

£10.5m via Savills, Hunt Estates, Fine & Country and Living Room — see more details and pictures.

Credit: Strutt and Parker

Best country houses for sale this week

An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

Not only is Grey Gables considered one of Jersey’s finest properties, but it’s also home to one of the island’s best private gardens. Located in the parish St Brelade, within easy reach of the airport and close to the beach at La Haule, this handsome Arts-and-Crafts house, which is for sale through Knight Frank and Fine & Country at an asking price of £12 million, has been refurbished to exacting standards.

The 10,452sq ft interiors provide spacious accommodation of great character. A grand entrance hall with hardwood parquet flooring and exposed timber beams sets the tone and leads to the elegant reception rooms, all of which have fine granite fireplaces.

Also on the ground floor is a large kitchen, a study and a magnificent conservatory. Upstairs is a spectacular billiards room with cathedral ceiling.

Grey Gables also has eight bedrooms, plus additional accommodation in a guest house, and a separate gym and yoga studio.

Outside are several acres of mature parkland, gardens and grounds, featuring lawns, woodland walking paths, herbaceous borders, and a rose garden plus a swimming pool and a tennis court.

Grey Gables is for sale at £12 million via Knight Frank and Fine & Country — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.

St Brelade: What you need to know

• Location: Depending on where you live in St Brelade, the airport is about six minutes' drive away.
• Atmosphere: Set in the south-west of the island, St Brelade is Jersey’s second largest parish. It has the beautiful Portelet Bay, several shops, parks and a leisure centre.
• Things to do: Explore Jenvrin’s tomb and off the coast of St Brelade, La Corbière Lighthouse. But Jersey is relatively small so the entire island, with its beaches, boating, gorgeous countryside, and shopping and culture opportunities is on your doorstep.
• Schools: Jersey has a selection of excellent private and state schools, including Jersey’s College for Girls, Victoria College and Hautlieu.Find more properties in the area.

Credit: Rosewood, Sphere estates

Six of the best beach houses for sale in the world today

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There’s no getting away from it: you can spend a lot of money on a house in Jersey.

Take Eden House, for example, currently for sale with Savills at £25 million. It’s a magnificent, 16,000sq ft property with utterly marvellous views across to St Brelade, set in three acres of secluded gardens.

Then there’s the equally eye-catching Grey Gables, a place which has something of the air of a Connecticut Country Club, and described by agents Fine & Country as ‘one of Jerseys finest homes’ — it’s on the market at £12 million.

Both beautiful homes which will no doubt find the right buyer once the world gets back to normal; but their relative pricing did make us wonder something rather remarkable. Is Maufant Manor the first £5.95 million home which we might describe as a ‘bit of a bargain’?

This five-bedroom home that’s tastefully and immaculately presented is a five-bedroom house that comes with two separate cottages (of three and two bedrooms), all within 33 acres of gently rolling Jersey countryside which prompts joint agents Wilsons and Knight Frank to describe it as a ‘prestigious country estate’. It’s easy to see why.

Homes with this much land are a rarity in the Channel Islands, and it’s well used. The property provides a mix of formal gardens, orchards and agricultural lands, with a feature lake, as well as a sheltered heated swimming pool and hard tennis court.

Inside, the property has been sensitively modernised to the highest standards, with three reception rooms and a lovely family kitchen which leads through to an orangery and the gardens beyond.

There are, nominally, three bedrooms on the first floor and two more on the second floor — we say nominally, since two of the first floor rooms lead through to large secondary rooms which could as easily be children’s bedrooms, dressing rooms or studies. One of the latter even has a wisteria-clad balcony overlooking the gardens.

The two cottages — suggested as being ideal for guests or staff — in the grounds offer further accommodation.

Jersey’s capital, St Helier, with its many amenities, is only three miles away.

Maufant Manor is for sale via Wilsons and Knight Frank at £5.95 million — see more details and pictures.

How to buy a home on one of Britain's picturesque tidal islands, from Jersey to Northumberland

Island life without needing a ferry? Tidal islands can offer the romance and glamour of living on a charming dot

Credit: Broadlands

A dream house on Jersey with a ‘Batcave’ garage built in underneath

Perched above Gorey Harbour is a house that's remarkable even by Jersey's lofty standards.

Credit: Getty

Jersey and Guernsey property: Is it immune to Brexit, and what you could get if you make the move

Country Life's property correspondent Penny Churchill explains what potential buyers on the two largest of the Channel Islands need to

Angus – £3,000,000

Commanding position above the banks of the River South Esk with potential for commercial use. 8 reception rooms,16 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, renowned walled garden, estate courtyard with exciting conversion possibilities (STP), 5 estate cottages, about 40 acres of magnificent parkland, fishing on River South Esk.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.

Credit: Strutt and Parker

Best country houses for sale this week

An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

Berkshire — £3,250,000

Compact residential amenity estate with development potential (STP), available to purchase for the first time since 1917. 4 reception rooms, master bedroom with en suite, 5 further bedrooms, range of outbuildings, BBQ hut, vegetable garden and family shoot.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.

Cornwall – £2,250,000

A stunning state-of-the-art property, enjoying magnificent sea views, with extensive landscaped gardens leading directly onto the beach.

For sale with Jackson-Stops. See more pictures and details about this property.

Gloucestershire — £1,600,000

Lincroft House is a most charming grand village house, Grade II-listed, in a secluded position near the village centre in Bourton-on-the-Water.

For sale with Hayman-Joyce. See more pictures and details about this property.

Gloucestershire – £3,450,000

Extensively refurbished Grade II listed Cotswold house. Drawing room, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, orangery, 2 bedroom detached coach house, gardens and paddock.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.

Hampshire – £11,000,000

A conveniently positioned estate in rolling countryside with a diverse income stream. Attractive 17th century house with5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and potential to extend (STP). A range of historic converted farm buildings including listed barn used for weddings, events and opera, 2 self-contained apartments, 6 further houses, estate cottages and former hop kiln converted into 4 offices. Productive farmland with a mixture of arable, pasture and woodland.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.

Hampshire — £3,950,000

A beautifully presented period country home enjoying approximately 7 acres of parkland style gardens and grounds, set within the New Forest.

For sale with Caldwells. See more pictures and details about this property.

Hertfordshire — £1,350,000

A peaceful rural retreat with some of the best outriding in the Chilterns on the doorstep, and within an hour's drive of London.

For sale with Powells. See more pictures and details about this property.

Jersey – £15,500,000

A rare opportunity to own one of Jersey’s beautiful granite manor houses which has its origins in the twelfth century and is believed to have been occupied by King Charles II for a time. It stands in 17 acres (38.2 vergees) of landscaped gardens, lawns, sand school and surrounding land. It also benefits from a swimming pool, tennis court, vinery and has four additional properties on the estate.

For sale with Hunt Estates. See more pictures and details about this property.

London – £3,150,000

This elegant and spacious apartment features a grand reception room with impressive ceiling heights, offering 4 large sash windows that provide direct views across the park. 3 reception rooms, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, terrace, balcony, underground parking space and porter.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details about this property.

North Yorkshire — £650,000

A unique house with stunning sea views in picturesque Staithes, North Yorks Moors National Park.

For sale with Esale Harrogate. See more pictures and details about this property.

Northamptonshire — £2,650,000

A magnificent Grade II listed seven bedroom historic country house set in beautiful grounds of over seven acres, located in the tranquil village of Fotheringhay close to excellent schools.

For sale with Norton Rickett. See more pictures and details about this property.

Credit: Strutt and Parker

Best country houses for sale this week

An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

People lucky enough to own a house in Guernsey are not easily dislodged and Swoffers are delighted to be selling – for the first time in 60 years and at a guide price of £5.25m – the landmark Dolphins, an impressive three-storey family house set in a glorious clifftop position in the south-coast parish of St Martins.

Built in 1938 and in need of some updating, it offers some 3,500sq ft of accommodation on three floors, including five bedrooms and four reception rooms, which have fabulous views over the gardens towards the sea, or across its own adjoining acres, six in all, still a serious amount of land in Guernsey.

A family member explains how, in 1949, ‘our grandparents and mother returned to England after three generations in India. They sold the family home in Sussex and bought Dolphins, having seen it advertised in The Times. Our grandparents fell for its beautiful views and garden and settled happily into island life, as did our parents when they moved into the house in 1977. My sister and I spent many happy holidays as children, enjoying the beach below the house and camping in the orchard, as did my own children, and, now, we, too, have made our lives on the island’.

Dolphins is on the market with Swoffers at a guide price of £5.25 million – see more details and pictures.

One of Jersey’s most prestigious estates has come to the market: the historic St John’s Manor in St John parish, on the island’s north coast. It's been launched via Savills, and priced at £22 million.

Payne’s Armorial of Jersey (1859) describes the manor house as being ‘approached through a long and stately avenue of firs (and) built in the Italian style, with the arms of its present and former owners ornamenting the façade, and pleasantly situated in the midst of the pleasure grounds, which are, in style and extent, unequalled in Jersey’.

In the first volume of Old Jersey Houses (1965), the late Joan Stevens, a Jersey historian, maintains that the manor should be known as Le Manoir de St Jean La Hougue Boete, after the Boete family who owned the land in Norman times.

Mrs Stevens writes about successive owners – among them the de Barentin, Lempriere, Journ-eaux, Le Febvre, de Carteret, Le Maistre and Le Couteur families – and the many changes they made to the building, so that, today, little of the original remains. In fact, one wing of the manor, as it appeared in Payne’s Armorial, was destroyed by fire shortly after that work was published.

Approached by a long and impressive east carriage driveway, the elegant, 10,000sq ft manor house stands in a wonderfully secluded position, surrounded by more than 15 acres of magnificent landscaped gardens and grounds enhanced by a serpentine, a wildlife lake and an enchanting Japanese water garden and further protected by parkland, some 58 acres in all.

Also within the estate grounds is a consecrated private chapel, along with a tennis court and leisure pavilion, an indoor swimming pool and enclosed squash court, stabling, garaging and a splendid walled flower and produce garden.

The main accommodation within the manor includes several fine reception rooms, six bedroom suites, a study and office suite, plus a full range of domestic offices. Secondary buildings include two guest lodges, staff units and a three/four-bedroom estate manager’s house.

For the past 40 years or more, St John’s Manor has been home to the present Seig-eur de St Jean de Hougue Boete, the Canadian-born John W. Dick – a widely travelled international businessman, diplomat and Ambassador-at-Large for the Republic of Rwanda.

For Mr Dick, ‘Jersey is perhaps the most remarkable and amazing country in the world – the best possible place to live’.

St John's Manor is on the market with Savills at a guide price of £22m – see more details and pictures.

Credit: Broadlands

A dream house on Jersey with a ‘Batcave’ garage built in underneath

Perched above Gorey Harbour is a house that's remarkable even by Jersey's lofty standards.

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Try their delicious recipe for red gurnard.

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Buckinghamshire – £3.25m

An outstanding period manor farmhouse in a peaceful edge of village setting.

On the market with Knight Frank. See more details about this property.

Cumbria – £1.1m

Design award-winning idyllic country retreat located less than 30 minutes drive from the Lake District, Oxenholme 14 miles. Surrounded by stunning gardens overlooking a lake and benefiting from separate annex.

On the market with MSW Hewetson. See more details about this property.

Florence – €2.9m

Apartment near the Ponte Vecchio spread over the 3rd and the 4th floors, about 200 sqm with panoramic views and in good condition.

On the market with Aste Giudiziarie. See more details about this property.

Guernsey – £9.75m

One of Guernsey’s most important homes.

On the market with Knight Frank. See more details about this property.

Hampshire – £1.75m

A striking contemporary house with equestrian facilities.

On the market with Knight Frank. See more details about this property.

Kent – £1.75 million

A magnificent Listed Grade II country house providing substantial accommodation and converted granary annexe, amid park-like gardens and grounds.

On the market with Jackson-Stops & Staff. See more details about this property.

Oxfordshire – £1.95 million

Prominent modern living amongst stunning gardens.

On the market with Savills. See more details about this property.

Somerset – £1.3m

A beautifully renovated modern five bedroom family house set in a beautiful tranquil location with wonderful views.

On the market with Strutt & Parker. See more details about this property.

West Sussex – £5.5 million

Described as “the best of the bunch”, this is a magnificent Lutyens masterpiece in stunning rural surroundings.

On the market with Savills. See more details about this property.

Credit: Strutt and Parker

Best country houses for sale this week

An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for

Nine very special properties, as seen in the pages of Country Life

We look back at the places that have come to the market via Country Life in the last week or

De Montford House, on the market with Broadlands Jersey, enjoys a glorious elevated position overlooking this picturesque harbour and the beautiful sandy beach in Grouville Bay.

It's a newly-built home: the original property on the site was demolished to make way for this new house, which has been designed, built and finished in sumptuous fashion (even by Jersey's standards) and has all the latest gadgety included. You can control the house's smart features from the other side of the world, should you so desire; or, more practically, you can turn up the air condition / heating while you're waiting at Gatwick for the hop across the channel.

There's an indoor pool beneath the roof terrace, with glass sections in the terrace floor (or pool ceiling depending on how you look at it) to let in light below – and, we suppose, offer views from above.

Beyond that are a cinema room, gym, three lavishly-appointed bedroom suites and separate accommodation for either guests or staff.

What caught our eye most, however, is the underground garage with room for at half a dozen or more of the supercars so often seen speeding around Jersey's roads.

Built into the hillside below the house, it's the next best thing to having a Batcave beneath your home – the perfect place to keep your collection of classics in pristine condition. How nice not to have to worry about putting up the roof on your vintage 1960s Ford Mustang every time you come home...

Batman and Robin had to make do with a fireman's pole, but De Montford House has a lift (which also goes to all the other floors of the house).

The house looks across to one of Jersey's finest landmarks, the 13th century Mont Orgueil castle, which is now used as a museum and wedding venue.

Beyond that, France is so close as to be comfortably in view from the house – and with the harbour almost at your feet, it's ludicrously easy to get across.

"It is also only 14 miles to Carteret," says Roger Trower of the selling agents, Broadlands. "You could have a boat moored in the harbour and be in Carteret for lunch in less than half an hour!"

See more details about the house on the Broadlands website.

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Glorious Guernsey – where the living is easy

The world is a different place since we last visited Guernsey in the summer of 2014. Then, we celebrated its proximity to the UK, its laidback lifestyle and the relaxed nature of its residents—‘less showy than Monaco; not as Home Counties as Jersey,’ we said. Fast forward 24 months, and the twin unsettling plates of international terrorism and increased interest from HMRC on tax arrangements for the wealthy are shining a torch on islands like Guernsey.

For a long time, the island has been criticised by some for being like England was 30 or 50 years ago; now, that time warp—in which children can grow up free to roam without fear, houses and cars are left unlocked and life is lived largely outdoors rather than glued to a PlayStation—has a certain attraction.

Whereas, once, the island was known as a place for retirees, now, wealth generation is happening earlier and more families are moving to Guernsey. Cast your mind back to a classic country childhood, in which children rushed out of the door in the morning, clutching a packed lunch, and weren’t expected back until teatime—we reveal how that unfettered, free-spirited experience can be replicated on the island today.

This year brings a crop of interesting houses to the market on Guernsey, including a fort with planning permission to be transformed into a spectacular design-led home, as well as a number of special houses that haven’t come to the market in 20 years. In addition, we talk to agents about what’s driving the market in 2016.

One of the most common complaints of modern life is the lack of hours in the day. With the advent of smartphones and remote working, the lines between work and home are forever being blurred, but one thing that Guernsey can give back is quality of life. When the commute is reduced to minutes rather than hours, we find out what leading lights on the island do with all that extra spare time.

Finally, despite its rather diminutive size, don’t assume for one minute that you’d get bored on Guernsey. From crabbing and kayaking to cocktails and classic cars, the concierge at the foremost hotel on the island reveals his top tips for making the most of time out on the island.

** Read our magazine online and find out more about this charming island

Arabella Youens explores some appealing houses for sale on Guernsey this summer

For a newcomer to the island, it’s a challenge to pinpoint what it is that makes Guernsey feel at once familiar and, at the same time, slightly irregular. The landscape of patchwork fields, narrow lanes boarded by high hedges and steep, wooded valleys descending to the rocky shore could be Cornwall. The bungalows that line some of the roads are wearily reminiscent of Worthing.

The shops lining St Peter Port’s picturesque harbour front include high-street heavies such as Marks & Spencer and Boots scattered among other, independent outfits, but it’s refreshingly free of the neon blights that can detract from other south-coast resorts. This isn’t a place to show off designer labels and chain restaurants have a short history here—Pizza Express opened and closed within a short space of time. ‘That’s part of Guernsey’s charm,’ explains Simon Torode of livingroom.

‘We have our own good restaurants and people here eat out a lot. There’s never a dress code and no one will turn you away. You could be sitting next to a billionaire, but you’d never know it as he’d be wearing flip-flops. Famous people don’t need security here—people don’t even blink at the sight of them.’

After what all agents describe as a challenging few years, this summer sees the launch of a clutch of fine, historic and interesting houses to the Open Market—those properties available for just about anyone with a European passport to buy—that, it is hoped, will pique the interest of newcomers to the island.

Shauna Clapham of Swoffers already senses that this summer will be productive and reports a ‘signficant interest in Open Market homes’ in recent weeks. ‘Guernsey comes into its own in the springtime—the wild flowers are vying for position in the hedgerows and we all start to enjoy the wonderful outdoor life that the island offers.’ She’s marketing three houses that haven’t been on the market for 25 years or more, including the spectacular Beaucamp de Haut estate, which is set in more than 30 acres—one of only a handful of houses with this amount of land on the small island—and offers total privacy. The house is a substantial 18,000sq ft and comes immaculately presented, with a tennis court and a swimming pool in the grounds.

‘We’re also launching Le Clos au Comte, which has a really interesting history,’ says Shauna. ‘The house sits in the heart of Guernsey’s countryside, has some sea views and boasts almost 10 acres of land. It dates from 1591, but, in the mid 1960s, the then owner rebuilt the house, stone by stone, in a different location within the grounds.’

Today, Swoffers is asking for offers in the region of £5.5 million. The vendors are Ole Henriksen and his wife, a Danish couple who have been resident on the island since 1985. The property has an artist’s studio, a smaller studio and a cinema and the couple planted 400 trees in two acres to form a mature woodland, ‘which is rare in Guernsey’.

In complete contrast, Ross Le Marquand of Cooper Brouard is looking for someone with a bit of imagination to take on the spectacular Fort Richmond, which has a commanding position on the west coast of the island and a guide price ‘in excess of £2 million’.

Built when Napoleon III was amassing troops on the French coast, the fort has undergone various incarnations under the ownership of the States of Guernsey and now needs someone with energy and vision to transform it into a remarkable home. ‘The challenge will be creating a home out of a building that was originally designed to keep people out,’ says Ross. ‘However, there’s scope to create something that captures the historic spirit of the fort, while being practical and contemporary at the same time. A part-covered, part-terraced top floor would take advantage of the 360° views that run all the way up to our northern isle, Alderney.’

Although houses on the island—particularly those on the Open Market—don’t come cheap, one misconception many outsiders make is that they all cost in the multi-millions. ‘Actually, the starting point for something modest is about £500,000,’ says Richard Fox of Martel Maides. ‘Everyone knows that the island has significant financial advantages for residents, including no Inheritance Tax or Capital Gains Tax, but what’s also worth noting is that the cost of buying a property is significantly cheaper than in the UK. There’s a maximum 3% tax on the property purchase and that doesn’t increase if the house is deemed to be a second or additional home.’

When compared to buying a £2 million holiday house in a popular resort in Devon or Cornwall and paying £213,750 in Stamp Duty the savings are significant. ‘You would pay only £60,000 here and the hour’s flight from Gatwick is arguably easier than the long drive down the A303,’ adds Richard.

Additionally, if you’re a boater, there’s so much more to do here than just running up and down the coast. ‘There are all the other islands in the Bailiwick—Sark makes for an easy day trip—as well as the coast of France for longer cruises.'

He admits that buyers don’t choose to buy in Guernsey as an alternative to the South-West as much as you might expect, but it isn’t unknown. ‘Coastal resorts in the UK have gone up in value significantly, whereas the market in Guernsey has been static for the past seven or eight years, so the value differential is big. Plus, people often say that Guernsey is like England “diluted with influences of France” and you do get that sense of being somewhere slightly foreign,’ Richard comments.

South Africa-born Craig Whitman of Swoffers says that, when his father calls him from Cape Town, he often asks: ‘How is heaven?’ ‘In terms of safety, the outdoor lifestyle, the sailing and the beaches, it’s pretty special, but the one thing often missed is that Guernsey is actually affordable,’ says Craig.

‘Yes, there are exceptionally expensive homes that serve the super-wealthy who come to live here, but the spread is vast. You could easily sell your London house for £1.5 million and find something nice here.’

Fermain House in Village de Putron, just outside St Martin, is a good example. On the market jointly with livingroom and Martel Maides for £1.995 million, the house is a newly built, New England-style home with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, an immaculate kitchen/breakfast room and a south-facing garden with a dining terrace.

** Read more about beautiful properties for sale

What are the tax laws on Guernsey?

Although it's sometimes dubbed the ‘Monaco du nord', Guernsey's beneficial financial climate isn't quite the same as that of the Principality: you pay tax but at a lower rate. Unlike Jersey, there are no entry requirements. Your tax treatment is determined by your residency status, which, in turn, is set by the number of ‘midnights' you spend on the island.

You can fall into one of three categories: solely resident, resident only and principally resident, but if you spend fewer than 91 days on the island in one year, you're not considered resident at all.

Guernsey tax law allows a resident only individual to elect to pay a flat rate of annual tax of £27,500 and a relatively recent draw for high-networth individuals resident on the island is that they can take advantage of a tax cap: on tax arising on non-Guernsey source income, it currently stands at £110,000 and the cap on tax on worldwide income is currently £220,000. Many relocation experts based on the island warn that it's important to be vigilant about cutting ties with the UK if a person intends to move to Guernsey: HMRC has been known to have its curiosity piqued should golf-club memberships be maintained on the mainland.

Buying a house on Guernsey - open market and local market

Although there are no restrictions on owning property in Guernsey, there are restrictions on occupation under a system of Open and Local Markets. Local Market properties in general can be occupied by people who were born in Guernsey or those who, although not born in Guernsey, have lived on the island for a number of years. The rules concerning who's a ‘qualified resident' are very complicated and, in any case where there's doubt, Guernsey's Housing Department should be consulted for advice. Open Market properties can be occupied by local or non-local residents.

There are approximately 1,600 Open Market properties on the island. Generally, they're occupied by ‘non-locals', as they tend to be more expensive than Local Market houses-as a rule of thumb, by about 30%. Anybody resident in an Open Market property can work on the island without the necessity of a local licence to do so.

The process for buying property on the island is, however, one thing that can feel distinctly foreign; title deeds are sometimes in French. The whole procedure, from instructing your advocate to completion, takes about a month on average, although contracts can be passed more quickly in urgent cases.

Completion itself takes place in a conveyancing court before a Jurat of the Royal Court and both purchaser and vendor must attend in person or by power of attorney

Why is Guernsey best for business

Country Life talks to Jon Moulton from Better Capital about doing business on Guernsey

‘The island is a great place to do business. Not only because of the beneficial tax laws (there is no corporation tax, there is no VAT and Income Tax is 20%), but because there is less red tape, which means there are fewer forms to fill in. Not that the island is a free-market desert island, but it can be easier to get things done.

In fact, we have a very high standard of integrity, shaped by a strong Institute of Directors and a great Chamber of Commerce; the banks work well and it's relatively easy to get direct access to government. The Minister for Commerce and Employment is extremely keen to support new business ventures on the island: this could be anything from a coffee shop to a multimillion- pound hedge fund. The talent pool of people is extremely good, although with 1.5% unemployment, it can be tough to source the manpower you want and there is competition for key people.

One big difference over here from the mainland UK is that the government is made up of independent members who are all locally elected, which means party politics doesn't get in the way of decision-making based on what's best for the island and its future.' Jon Moulton, Better Capital (www.bettercapital.co.uk).

** Image from www.visitguernsey.com

* Search properties for sale on Guernsey

The property market in Guernsey is like the English Channel on a good day: a pleasant calm just enlivened by the gentle ripples of an optimistic breeze. It hasn't always been like that in recent years. In 2011 and 2012, confidence on the island took a knock as the effects of the downturn reached its shores. ‘Guernsey always lags behind the mainland market,' says Richard Hardie of Livingroom. ‘When the UK went through the downturn, it took a while for us to notice, but then it started playing catch-up-we're affected six months to a year later.'

The impact was relatively modest -by its very nature, the island's market tends to be rather stable, according to Matthew Henry of Swoffers. Figures by the Guernsey government show a drop of 9.1% in seasonally adjusted, median prices for Open Market property - the kind open to people who are not Guernsey's Qualified Residents-between the first quarter of 2012 and the same period in 2013 and a five-year dip of just 2.2%. Nonetheless, it was enough of a wobble to put off some sellers. ‘When the market slowed down, a lot of vendors chose to let their houses out,' explains Ross Le Marquand of Cooper Brouard.

Now, however, the tide has turned. Data from the Guernsey government already shows a 3.6% rise between the first quarter of 2013 and the same period in 2014, to reach a seasonally adjusted, median property purchase price of £1,081,563.

‘The first quarter of 2014 has been more active compared to the same time last year,' comments Chris Lovell of Lovells. ‘The Open Market is narrow and thin, so it's unwise to judge it on the performance of just one quarter, but year-on-year, the market has improved.' With both the British and the world economies on a much stronger track, sellers have regained their confidence, according to Mr Le Marquand. ‘People are returning to selling because they are more optimistic.'

This means that the island's open market has a wider range of properties for sale than it's had for most of the past 30 years. ‘In the 1980s, there were times when the island had fewer than 10 properties for sale on the open market, so it's good to offer people choice,' he adds.

This breadth and quality of stock, combined with a renewed sense of optimism, are conspiring to draw buyers off the fence. ‘If you're a cash buyer, you're in a particularly strong position,' notes Mr Henry. ‘You're able to come in and buy what you want at a reasonable level.' And because Guernsey has a wide mix of property periods and designs, this year's ample supply also means buyers can find precisely what they want. ‘From a 16th century farmhouse to an architectdesigned, contemporary villa, you have a choice of styles,' reports Mr Hardie. ‘If you have a decent budget, you can even build your own property.'

Among today's buyers are many early retirees or businessmen who are rethinking their career and often wish to move their business to a friendly, well-located jurisdiction. A leading financial centre, Guernsey is a supportive environment for enterprise and offers some significant benefits to residents, including lower corporation tax, a standard income-tax rate of 20%, and no VAT, Capital Gains or Inheritance Tax. Plus, notes Mr Lovell, ‘the level of legal services is extremely high across the board and accountancy and administration standards are extremely efficient. Guernsey is very well regulated, but it's also practical in the way it does business.'

People, he continues, find good, prompt advice in an English-speaking environment and, as a result, feel confident that their business will thrive and expand or that they'll easily be able to develop a new business from the island. That said, adds Mr Henry, ‘people wouldn't move here if it didn't also offer an excellent quality of life.'

Luckily, he adds, ‘there are lots of good reasons to be here.' Take leisure, for example. Opportunities are countless and not only for keen yachtsmen (although boating is obviously top class). Guernsey has a vibrant community with plenty of excellent restaurants, cafes and cultural events, according to Mr Hardie.

Sport is exceptional, too - ‘we really punch above our weight as an island,' says Mr Henry, especially in cricket and football. ‘The Football Academy really invests time and money in young people.' Mr Lovell also mentions netball, cliff walks and wind-surfing. But, really, he adds, ‘from bowling to sand-racing, the number of sports catered for here is enormous.'

A very central location, at least from a European perspective, great transport links to both the UK and France, and mild, sunny weather also contribute to making the island hugely attractive to business people, as well as older retirees who just want to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle. However, many young families have also swelled the ranks of buyersin recent years, according to Mr Hardie. The reason for this is simple:

‘There are few places in the world where you feel safe-and Guernsey is one of them.' The island is a ‘sheltered environment' in which the young can enjoy the same carefree childhood their parents experienced.

Add to this a range of easily accessible, good schools, and it's easy to see why any family would be eager to move to Guernsey. ‘Children can cycle or walk to school,' explains Mr Hardie, who adds that families also get more quality time together. ‘The island is small-it takes at most 20 minutes to get anywhere-so once you finish work, you can go to the beach, out riding or boating or even visit another island.'

With so much on offer, buyers are likely to resume flocking to Guernsey in great numbers. Agents certainly believe that sales will increase in 2014 and that 2015 will be even rosier. ‘Now that the economic turmoil, some political uncertainties and the extreme weather are behind us, we're set for improvement in turnover, which will ultimately push up prices,' explains Mr Le Marquand. ‘All the ingredients are there for steady growth.'

THREE OF THE BEST PROPERTIES FOR SALE ON GUERNSEY 

Les Preaux, St Martin

This magnificent seven-bedroom property, which comes to the market for the first time in 37 years, once played host to George V. Lush grounds complete with a tennis court and an indoor swimming-pool complex complement the airy, elegant house

£3.325 million through Livingroom (01481 233008;www.livingroom.gg)

Les Lohiers Farm, St Saviour's

Selling agent Matthew Henry calls five-bedroom Les Lohiers ‘a classic Guernsey house'. Originally dating from the 15th century, it was remodelled in the late 1700s and beautifully extended in recent years by converting some attached barns. A magnificent double-height conservatory links the charming older rooms to the renovated barns. £4.25 million through Swoffers (01481 711766; www.swoffers.co.uk)

Le Manoir, St Martin

This four-bedroom Georgian house's beautifully proportioned interiors retain period details, such as the marble fireplaces.

£4.95 million through Cooper Brouard (01481 236039; www.cooperbrouard.com)

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Completed in 2001, Daisy Hill House ranks among the finest, of Channel Island homes. Protected by several acres of beautiful gardens and grounds which include a tennis court and both indoor and outdoor swimming pool complexes, this is one of the most prestigious houses on the island.

Accommodation includes five reception rooms, a billiard room, and a splendid family kitchen plus ‘chefs kitchen', games room/cinema, and six immaculate bedroom suites. Facilities include a passenger lift to all levels, full air conditioning, in-house air quality control system and full in-house audio/visual entertainment system. The interiors of Daisy Hill House have been finished to an extraordinarily high standard.

Outside are the extensive lawns and numerous specimen trees, a cascade water feature, a fruit and produce garden, a Victorian-style glass house, and a wildflower meadow. Extending along the full south facade of the house is an extensive granite-paved leisure sun terrace. Additional nearby agricultural land forms part of the Daisy Hill Estate (the total land area extending to 27 acres or 59.4 vergees).

Daisy Hill house is located close to the historic harbour of Gorey on Jersey in the Channel Islands - a popular retreat for wealthy businesspeople from the UK and Europe.

The guide price is £19m. For further information please contact Knight Frank on 020 7861 1707 or visit www.knightfrank.co.uk.

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This unique property comprises a windmill overlooking the Royal Bay of Grouville towards the castle at Gorey on the east coast of Jersey. The windmill has been linked to the single storey structure below and accommodation now comprises lots of unusual, and quirky, family living space.

Accommodation in total comprises: entrance hall, cloakroom, drawing room, conservatory, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom suite and three further bedrooms plus a family bathroom and an observation deck.

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Surrounded by open fields on all sides, the property commands some breathtaking views, and features enclosed sunny gardens, swimming pool and ample parking.

The house is situated on the Rue du Moulin de Beauvoir, ten minutes from Gorey in Jersey in the Channel Islands.

The guide price is £2.1m. For further information please contact Savills on 01534 870 074 or visit www.savills.co.uk.

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Over the past 12 years, the average age of incoming residents Guernsey has dramatically dropped. What was once a sleepy back-water with a reputation for attracting rich retirees from Britain escaping a Capital Gains liability or the future burden of death duties, is undergoing something of a re-brand. Young, entrepreneurial and family friendly is the message that's rapidly overcoming the once headline-heavy tax-friendly enticements.

‘There's been a massive resurgence of interest in Guernsey,' explains Simon Torode, a Guernsey-born, former advertising creative who lived all over the world before coming home and setting up the boutique agency, Living Room. ‘There are lots more people coming to the island, looking at properties and coming on tours with us. But it's not just that-the variety of people coming to the island has also broadened.'

Shauna Clapham, a director of Swoffers, says the lifestyle is now as big a draw as the benevolent tax regime. ‘As more people come to the island, their perceptions are being radically changed. ‘I don't think it's a demographic shift per se, but it's a fact that there's a very vibrant young community living here. 

 We now have plenty of locals who've done their stint in London or New York, but now have a family and are returning to the island to take advantage of all it has to offer: you can still do City business here, but with an island lifestyle.' She cites a recent conversation with a banker, who had just moved his family to the island. ‘He can now dash out and see his son in the school play because it's a five-minute drive away-impossible in his former life.'

Running on the beach before work, traffic jams that last no more than 10 minutes and evening boat trips to restaurants around the island certainly paint a beguiling picture for harassed financial directors looking for an escape route from the Square Mile.

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Labour's plan to introduce a 50% rate of Income Tax for high earners with effect from April 2010 has sparked a surge of activity in the property market in Guernsey, where recent high-profile incomers include private-equity supremo Guy Hands, one of Britain's richest businessmen, who moved to the island in May.

As Matthew Henry of estate agents Swoffers in St Peter Port explains: ‘Despite a slowdown in the number of open-market sales completed in 2009 only 30 houses sold so far this year, compared with 66 in 2008 and a historic average of 100 sales a year we've seen a marked increase in enquiries from UK buyers, especially since themiddle of July. The net result is that Britons have been involved in six out of eight open-market sales agreed in recent weeks, at prices ranging from £800,000 to £4 million.'

Mr Henry adds: ‘The market may have slowed, but open-market prices have hardly fallen at all.' He quotes a guide price of £4.75m for eye-catching Fieu le Rouet, with its soaring roofs and three-storey tower at Les Vardes, on the southern edge of St Peter Port. But not only does the house form part of the Guernsey skyline, it also boasts some of Guernsey's most dramatic sea views: from the north of the island, Alderney and the French coastline, to the harbour at St Peter Port itself, the floodlit Castle Cornet and the offshore islands. Fieu le Rouet stands in a private one-acre walled garden and has a reception hall, two reception rooms, a twin-level conservatory with an indoor pool, four bedrooms and four bath/shower rooms.

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And £4.25m is the guide price quoted by Swoffers for imposing Vue du Lac at Fermain, near St Peter Port, which stands in 3.8 acres of beautiful gardens and grounds on the slopes of a wooded valley leading down to one of Guernsey's most picturesque bays.

Built of the soft pink local granite, the house has been substantially extended and refurbished by its English owners, who plan to build a new house elsewhere on the island. Vue du Lac has entrance and reception halls, drawing and dining rooms, a farmhouse kitchen/family room, a suite of leisure rooms, including a library and a spectacular pool room, and five bedroom suites.

Over in Jersey, Philippa Evans-Bevan of Savills' newly established property-management arm in St Helier has noted a change of pace in the market, too. Jersey itself has also moved up a gear, she says, and is now attracting younger families from all parts of Britain, thanks to much-improved airline connections and good schools, such as St Michael's prep school and Victoria College in St Helier. Unlike Guernsey, Jersey operates a stringent financial qualification process for prospective residents, so a spur-of-the-moment move is rarely an option. On the other hand, given the finite number of houses available for sale in Jersey, such regulation undoubtedly helps to keep price levels more or less stable.

Jersey-born Michael Dean, who heads up Savills' Jersey sales operation, has counted many properties in, and is now counting some of them out.

The pick of his current port-folio is Beau Desert in Rue de la Retraite, St Saviour, three miles north of St Helier, for which Savills (01534 722227) quote a guide price of £5m.

One of a group of important manor houses scattered throughout Jersey, Beau Desert dates from the 1400s, and was probably involved in the great rebuilding of the Elizabethan era. It was further extended in Georgian times and again in the late 1800s, when the Victorian tower was added. Enclosed by 20ft-high granite walls to the north and west, and beautifully restored by its Scottish owner, who has lived there for 30 years or more, Beau Desert has four fine reception rooms, six bedrooms, four bathrooms, a snooker room and a staff cottage. Amenities include a tennis court, a swimming pool and a pool house with a gym and a sauna.

The enthusiasm of its owner, a passionate gardener, is particularly evident in Beau Desert's (pictured) enchanting botanical gardens, first created in 1903, where a phenomenal range of species continues to flourish in the benign Jersey climate.

Having sold Victorian Pont Marquet House and its adjoining two-bedroom cottage in St Brelade to its present owners some 26 years ago, Mr Dean suggests that the rambling, three-storey, six/seven-bedroom house now needs ‘a bit of titivation', hence the realistic £1.35m asking price quoted by the owners, who are downsizing. The ideal family house, Pont Marquet stands in 1.7 acres of sunny, west-facing gardens and grounds bordering the Railway Walk in a particularly pretty part of St Brelade.

If time and speed are of the essence, then Knight Frank (020-7629 8171) and St Helier-based Le Gallais (01534 766689) are offering that rarest of specimens, an ‘unqualified' Jersey residence that is, a house that anyone can buy and live in without purchasing restrictions. Small, but perfectly restored, Les Petit Cateaux in Trinity parish has two reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, an orangery, three bedroom suites, and a ‘fabulous' Mediterranean swimming-pool area. It also has planning consent to considerably extend the house. The agents quote a guide price of £2.25m for ‘the ideal getaway, lock-up-and-leave or family home'.

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This substantial property with extensive views over St Brelade’s Bay also has planning permission to substantially extend and improve the accommodation including an indoor pool and a gym.

The property currently composes four reception rooms, five bedrooms, conservatory, dining room, study, kitchen/breakfast room, and a private gated driveway.

Sitting in a very desirable area in one of the most desirable communities in Britain, this property can only be bought with somebody who has been granted permission to live on the island. Those wishing to take up residence on Jersey have to apply to the Government to be assessed for entry to the island by emailing Mr Nigel Philpott at nigel.philpott@jersey.com.

The guide price is £3,500,000. For further information on the property please contact Savills on 01524 722 227 or visit www.savills.co.uk.

Find more luxury property for sale in February on our dedicated webpage. 

Belvedere House arguably has the best views in Guernsey. The 200 year old house on the edge of the Fort George development has a panoramic outlook over the harbour of St. Peter Port and further to Alderney, Herm, Sark, Jersey and the French coast. The elegant, Regency style house was for many years in possession of the War Department, and was previously used as quarters for Army Officers. Then in 1958, it was sold to The States of Guernsey Government, which no longer has any use for the building and it is hoping that its sale will raise many millions which can go towards major infrastructure projects, such as schools and hospitals. 'The sale of this imposing and magnificent property will be one of the most significant transactions in Guernsey s property history,' says Matthew Henry, managing director of Swoffers. The house has simple symmetrical lines and Venetian windows, both classic features of Palladian design. The interior, however, has suffered from being run as an institution. Some original features do remain the brick fireplaces, shutters and some internal doors; also a few of the lovely old drainpipes and wrought iron railings still exist. The guide price is to be in excess of £5m and it is anticipated that a further £3m will be needed to restore the interior. Belvedere House is available to non-residents and will be sold by public auction on 12th June. Swoffers, 01481 711766, www.swoffers.co.uk

As part of the Guernsey government's plan to streamline its £1.5 billion property portfolio, historic Belvedere House at Fort George, St Peter Port one of the island's most familiar landmarks is to be sold through local agents Swoffers (01481 711766) by public auction on site, on Thursday, June 12. A guide price of 'excess £5 million' is quoted for the 7,000sq ft Palladian mansion, which stands on a dramatic cliff-top site, with sweeping views across St Peter Port harbour and the islands of Alderney, Herm, Sark and Jersey to the French coast. Its disposal will be followed by that of other redundant state-owned properties, including the prestigious Guernsey Post offices at Nelson Place, St Peter Port and quirky Vale Mill a disused windmill and former German observation post in the north of the island through rival Guernsey agents Martel Maides (01481 713463). * Search for prime property for sale in the Channel Islands The long-projected sale of Belvedere House follows the death last year of the mansion's distinguished long-term tenant, Capt Michael Mellish, former ADC to the island's Lt-Governor, who, as the last remaining officer of the garrison, was granted a unique dispensation from the War Graves Commission to be buried at nearby Fort George Military Cemetery. The massive fortifications at Fort George were built over 30 years from 1780, to boost the island's defences against the threat of invasion from France. Belvedere House was built between 1780 and 1816, to house the garrison's senior officers. In 1940, the British Government withdrew from Fort George, and Guernsey was overrun by the advancing German forces, who installed a large coastal battery on the site. Then, in June 1944, the RAF launched a major attack on the fort, leaving Belvedere House one of only a handful of garrison buildings left standing amid the rubble. Post-war, the house remained in the hands of the War Department, until Capt Mellish took up residence in 1949. In 1958, Fort George was bought by the state for £24,103, and, later, the whole site, with the exception of Belvedere House, was sold for redevelopment as an exclusive Open Market enclave, where trophy cliff-top houses now routinely fetch £6m or more. As the only original period house remaining, selling agent Matthew Henry sees Belvedere House as the undisputed future jewel in Fort George's crown, notwithstanding the substantial investment needed to remodel the interior. The extraordinary coastal views more than make up for the small garden, Mr Henry says breezily. Too much, rather than too little, land has been a factor in the relatively slow progress of the sale of Jersey's most expensive property, the 10th Earl of Jersey's spectacular, 61-acre Radier Manor estate at Grouville, which was launched on the market with a £12.5m price tag in July last year, through Knight Frank (020 7629 8171) and local agents Le Gallais (01534 766689). 'Although UK and international buyers are excited by the rarity value of a manor house in Jersey being surrounded by its own complete estate, local buyers tend to prefer a large house with just a few acres of garden,' explains Peter Edwards of Knight Frank, who says the agents are nonetheless 'inching' their way towards securing a deal. The main Regency-style house was built in the early 1800s, and substantially enlarged and remodelled by the dashing 9th Earl, George Francis Child-Villiers, grandfather of the present earl, who moved there from England in 1947. But the 9th Earl's greatest contribution was the creation of Radier Manor's spectacular gardens, with a grand elevated garden terrace, sweeping lawns, a large lake, and lavish plantings of camellias and shrubs to lead the eye down the valley to the sea. Extensive accommodation in the main house includes four grand reception rooms, an upper drawing room, master and guest suites, four more bedrooms, three more bathrooms, plus a covered swimming pool. An adjacent courtyard comprises a mews gallery, a separate two-bedroom flat, a cinema/games room, barns and garaging; a further two cottages and three lodge houses are scattered around the estate. The land a mix of paddocks, pasture and farmland is still home to the 9th Earl's famous herd of prize Jersey cattle. * Search for prime property for sale in the Channel Islands

Guernsey is a beautiful place to live and work in and has been attracting people to its shores either on a permanent basis or on holiday for decades. Those relocating to the island do so for a number of reasons whether it be to take advantage of certain favourable tax structures, its relatively safe environment or simply its natural beauty. More recently the island s thriving offshore finance industry, which has developed significantly over the past 40 years, has led to a higher influx of new residents ready to take full advantage of the enviable life/work balance it offers. Situated approximately 70 miles south of Weymouth and only 20 miles west of the French coast, the Island is small, with an area of just 25 square miles and a population of about 60,000. Newcomers from Britain may well struggle with the pronunciation of some of our names and street names, but essentially there s a British feel, despite the fact the island isn t part of the UK. Sterling is our currency, but we produce our own notes and coins, and although there are still a few residents who can speak the local patois a form of Norman French we re English-speaking. The island has full fiscal and legal autonomy, with our independence dating back to 1204. The island is fiercely protective of its autonomy, and although part of the British Isles, it s neither part of the UK nor England, therefore enjoying a unique constitution. Given its size, it s no surprise, therefore, that Guernsey land and housing are at a premium. Although there are no restrictions on owning property in Guernsey, there are restrictions on occupation. Residential properties in the island are split into two categories: Local Market and Open Market. Local Market properties in general can be occupied by people who were born in Guernsey, or for those who, although not born in Guernsey, have lived here for a number of years. The rules concerning who s a Qualified Resident are very complicated, and in any case where there s doubt, Guernsey s Housing Department should be consulted for advice. Open Market properties can be occupied by local or non-local residents. There are approximately 1,600 Open Market properties on the island. Generally, they re occupied by non-locals , as they tend to be more expensive than Local Market houses. The average Open Market house can be several times more expensive than a similar one on the Local Market. Anybody resident in an Open Market property can work on the island without the necessity of a local licence to do so. A person who s not entitled to live in the EU, however (because of immigration restrictions), can t live in either Open or Local Market property. The process for buying property on the island is, however, one thing that can feel distinctly foreign in fact, title deeds are sometimes in French! The whole procedure, from instructing your advocate to completion, takes about a month on average, although contracts can be passed more quickly in urgent cases. Completion itself takes place in a conveyancing court before a Jurat of the Royal Court, and both purchaser and vendor must attend in person or by power of attorney. No contracts are signed consent is verbal. The conveyancing court is quite an experience in itself. Whether you re a first-time buyer or otherwise, the whole process of buying property can be stressful, particularly in a strange jurisdiction. We ll ensure that you re kept fully informed all the way along, and providing expert advice and guidance at each stage. For further information, please contact jason.morgan@careyolsen.com

Five minutes away from the financial temples and bustling street of St Peter Port, a sea the colour of cornflowers gently laps the blanket soft sand of Pembroke Bay, on Guernsey s north coast. That sight alone is enough to make anyone want to live on the island. But it s only one of the reasons many Britons are drawn to the Bailiwick. Guernsey s benign tax regime a flat income tax of 20% and no corporation, capital gains (CGT) or inheritance tax has historically lured buyers from British shores. However, the introduction of taper relief in the UK and the rise in number of wallet-friendly destinations across the world have slightly dampened tax-driven demand over the past few years. Five years ago, most people s reason for moving here was tax, says Matthew Henry of local estate agents Swoffers. Now, it s almost a second priority although lately there was a concern about the change of leader in the Labour Party and we have people now actively looking to move. The island is no longer seen as just a quick fix to a CGT liability, agrees Richard Fox of estate agents Martel Maides. The recent declaration regarding levying tax on non-domiciled [residents] in the UK will undoubtedly be of some benefit to Guernsey but the island now competes with far more alternative jurisdictions that offer their own attractions. No, what really draws property buyers here is the fact that Guernsey which forms the Bailiwick together with the islands of Herm, Sark, Alderney, Brecqhou, Jethou and Lihou offers a quality of life that s hard to match anywhere in the British Isles. Guernsey is becoming an attractive home for an increasing number of people who appreciate its informal, laid-back lifestyle, says Ross Le Marquand of Cooper Brouard estate agents. Whether it s the picturesque cliffs and beaches or the sophistication of the fine dining, there s something for everyone. Families moving to the island get access to good jobs, better schools and swift medical care. We enjoy a high standard of education, and the College of Further Education has been at the heart of developing Guernsey into a centre of excellence by providing a wide range of training for the island s finance industry, says Mr Le Marquand. Guernsey is now a financial centre that spans investment advice, fiduciary services, accounting, personal tax planning and much more. At the same time, treble-locking the front door with a high-security key is hardly a requirement here, and the streets are a safe place to walk even in the evening. We have people who moved over here whose children are now looking at coming because they ve seen the benefits of the Guernsey lifestyle, says Mr Henry. If you leave the island at 7am, you can be in central London at 9am like most commuters but you also have the beaches and good schools here. The other main attraction is that this is a safe environment. Even better, Guernsey has all the advantages of living abroad mild, sunny weather, a slower pace of life, secret little coves and endless expanses of sea and beach with none of the challenges. Language, driving style and even high-street brands are the same as in the UK, and the culture and education system are very similar. The island remains a very desirable place to live, with a quality of life that s particularly reminiscent to many of a time since past in the UK, says Mr Fox. Those of us who have chosen Guernsey as our home enjoy island living, like a sensible tax regime and a quality of life which is relaxed and uncomplicated and yet very competitive, adds Chris Lovell of Lovells estate agents. We are conscious of the need to keep up with the changing patterns of life, but we do so with taste and dignity and retain the character and charm associated with traditional values. Alas, paradise comes at a price. In 2007, the open market the segment of the Guernsey property market open to incomers saw plenty of activity. Both the number and the value of transactions have grown over the past year compared to previous years, probably by about 15% over the past 12 months, says Mr Lovell. Mr Henry s company, Swoffers, estimates that the cumulative value of open-market homes increased by 57% last year. One of the reasons for this, explains Cooper Brouard s Mr Le Marquand, is that Guernsey tax initiatives [no corporate tax from January 2008] attracted new business to the island, key personnel required housing and open-market property provides a simple solution. The highest recorded price paid for this type of property was broken three times. This also buoyed confidence, further stimulating sales. According to Swoffers, the average value of open-market sales reached £1.494 million last year a 47% increase over 2006 and a staggering 95% rise over 2002 after some transactions achieved dizzying figures of just under £8 million. Of course, warns Martel Maides Mr Fox, the concentrated activity at the higher end of the price range distorts statistics, so it would be wrong to look at increases in average values as telling you anything particularly relevant . Plus, he adds, the market became steadier at the tail end of last year and has remained so thus far. However, Swoffers Mr Henry believes demand is now picking up pace. We may not see the same level of activity as 2007, but I think we ll still see a good year. In any case, even in a steadier climate, prices remain substantial because property supply is strictly limited. In a bid to protect local residents, Guernsey has long controlled its housing market. The majority of the stock is reserved for qualified residents, such as people who were born and have continuously lived on the island. Incomers can only purchase the 1,700 or so properties that are listed in the Register of Open Market Homes and, particularly in recent years, only a handful of these have come up for sale at any given time. The undersupply of new instructions can be put down to new residents actually becoming part of island life and staying longer, says Mr Fox. On an average year, open-market sales are in the region of 85 to 95. In an exceptional year, like 2007, they barely go above 110. Land is a finite resource on any island, and we do have a shortage of housing, resulting in fairly high prices, but these aren t out of line with many popular areas of the UK, Europe and further afield, says Mr Lovell. Prices start at around £750,000 and rise rapidly according to location, size and quality of accommodation. This state of affairs is unlikely to change in the near future, and, although Mr Lovell points out that the island is not immune from the uncertainties of the wider world, it means that Guernsey is less prone to be affected by the property slump that threatens to cast its shadow over the UK. There is a feeling that less valuable property has probably topped out, but higher-value homes are still seen as having potential for capital growth, says Mr Fox. And this, together with the strengthening Euro, which has made traditional European destinations somewhat more expensive, makes a prestige home in Guernsey an appealing investment option. Historically, Guernsey has always retained its prices, even when other jurisdictions haven t, says Mr Henry. But then, he adds, property investment, although important to buyers, is more than matched by the other reasons for moving here the tax implication and the lifestyle. Not to mention the beaches. Portinfer Lodge, Vale, Guernsey Portinfer Lodge has many draws for a buyer a picturesque five-bedroom home, an idyllic setting on the island s west coast, brilliant blue sea views from several rooms but what makes it really special is the walk out from the back garden straight onto the beach. Imagine strolling along the shore every time the urge strikes and for those who can t contemplate even taking a few steps, there s an outdoor swimming pool with a Jacuzzi for soaking up the waters and the panorama. The property, which has been recently renovated but could benefit from further upgrading of a few internal rooms, also comes with a two-bedroom local market cottage. The asking price is £1.95 million through Swoffers (01481 711766; www.swoffers.co.uk). Merton House, St Andrews, Guernsey The striking Art Deco façade of Merton House stands dazzling white and supremely elegant against a verdant backdrop of lush gardens and mature trees. Sensitively restored, fitted and furnished, the five-bedroom house nonetheless doesn t scrimp on modern comforts, such as the open-plan kitchen with granite worktops. Outside, there is a patio and a seating area encircled by flowerbeds that s perfect for outdoor relaxation. Selling agents Martel Maides are seeking offers in the region of £2.75 million for it (01481 713463; www.martelmaides.co.uk). Le Pont Renier, St Peter Port, Guernsey Selling agents Cooper Brouard call five-bedroom Le Pont Renier, near St Peter Port, an outstanding family home . A pretty period façade hides spacious interiors that blend traditional style (open fireplaces, roll-top baths, an Aga in the kitchen) with contemporary solutions (concealed storage cupboards) and comforts (a Jacuzzi in the conservatory). There s also a one-bedroom self-contained wing for relatives or staff. Lush terraced gardens border the house and are home to a swimming pool, a pond and a vine house. Price is rigorously on application to Cooper Brouard (01481 23603; www.cooperbrouard.com).

According to the recent Wealth Report 2007 by Knight Frank and Citi Private Bank, which examines the property buying habits of the seriously loaded, the new rich have a problem. As their numbers increase, they are running out of the right kind of property to buy, which last year resulted in prices for the world's most expensive properties rising by 14%, com-pared with 9% in the prime residential market as a whole. The really rich are 'different' from the rest of us, so, naturally, the criteria they employ when buying a property are different too. Time 'the one thing which cannot be bought' is a key factor, so convenience and accessibility are crucial, not only in terms of the commute to work, but also in terms of access to leisure pursuits. Luxury is important, prestige even more so. Privacy is seen as a mark of both, and, as well as time, is one of the most significant issues for high net worth individuals (HNWIs). The UK-based HNWIs see tax as the most important strategic issue for the future. Increasingly, the report concludes, the compulsion of the super rich to remain exclusive and 'ahead of the game' will drive the demand for locations served only by private jet, and 'island locations will become ever more desirable'. Only two properties located within an hour of the British mainland appear to tick all the boxes. The first is the remarkable Ocean House overlooking Rocquaine Bay on Guernsey's dramatic west coast priced at £8.5 million through Swoffers (01481 711766) and Martel Maides (01481 713463) in Guernsey, and Knight Frank (020?7861 1707) in London. The brainchild of East Anglia-based developer Michael Carr and his wife, Joy, the inspirational 11,000sq ft house was designed by architect Roger Baldwin along the lines of an early Frank Lloyd Wright 'prairie house', to blend seamlessly with the contours of the pine clad Guernsey hillside. The other overriding aim was that all the main rooms should take full advantage of the spectacular views, whether the occupants be 'standing, sitting or lying down', Michael Carr explains. Certainly, everything about Ocean House is designed to take your breath away from the boldness of the flowing internal layout to the interaction of the over hanging roofs and balconies. It took the Carrs and their team five years to design the house and get their plans approved, and three years to build it, sourcing materials from all over the world granite from China, roof tiles from India, windows from the US, doors from Sweden, fireplaces from Holland, and maple from England, Germany, Holland and Scandinavia. Everywhere, the impression is one of light and space, but Ocean House is still a practical family home, with an informal sitting room, open-plan dining and drawing room, a library, a kitchen/breakfast room, four/five bedrooms, an indoor pool complex and a snooker/media room with, wait for it, a tangerine snooker table. The 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens and grounds have been designed, no less imaginatively, as a series of sheltered spaces, each with its own theme, from Tuscan to Provençal and Japanese. In total contrast, Bishopscourt at Kirk Michael, Isle of Man currently on the market through Chrystals (01624 812236) and Knight Frank (020?7629 8171) at a guide price of 'excess £6m 'is arguably the island's most historic house. Founded by Bishop Simon in about 1247, the oldest part of the 17,904sq ft house dates from the late 14th century. For six centuries, Bishopscourt was the seat of the Bishops of Sodor and Man, during which time the medieval hall and original pele tower have survived 'the hazards of neglect, fire, and restoration' wrought by successive bishops. In 1858, Bishop Powys replaced the Georgian chapel with the present Victorian Gothic one, and the present house was rebuilt in a similar style following a fire in 1893. Since 1979, Bishopscourt has been privately owned, and, in recent years, was the home of Lancashire industrialist William Lomas, until his premature death two years ago. Mr Lomas completely renovated the house, which has five splendid reception rooms, eight bed-rooms, extensive staff quarters, a massive coach house, outbuildings and 10.5 acres of gardens and grounds.