There's no getting away from it: £4.25 million is a lot — a lot — for a three-bedroom house. We ran a quick search and found just a handful of homes this small on sale for this sort of price; most were in central London. Most of the rest came with huge stretches of land. One was right on the water in St Mawes, Cornwall. And then there was this one: Testcombe Cottage, which is for sale with Savills.

In the case of Testcombe Cottage, on the banks of the River Test near the Hampshire town of Stockbridge, you're actually getting a two-bedroom house, plus a collection of outbuildings.

But my goodness, you can see why the asking price is this high. What a house. What a location. And what a collection of outbuildings.

Testcombe Cottage might look like it's been here for centuries, but it's actually relatively new: the main house was constructed about three decades ago, spectacularly located on its own island in the Test. This prime location, right on one of Hampshire’s most celebrated chalkstreams, is land that once formed part of the historic Testcombe estate, owned at one time by the Disraeli family.

The decor and fittings here are beautifully done, with liberal use of exposed beams and brickwork, while tile-hung external walls add plenty more character from the outside.

There are also things you'd rarely find on a true period house, the best example being the balcony at one end of the master bedroom, which has glorious views of the gardens, the river, and the countryside around the place.

As two-bedroom houses go, it's also huge: there's about 2,500 square foot of accommodation over two floors and, it could potentially be made even bigger. The agents notes its ‘excellent potential for extension or redevelopment, subject to the necessary consents’.

All of that brings us to the annexes. One of them is across the exquisite formal gardens, and is set up as a self-contained, one-bedroom home, with bedroom, bathroom and open-plan kitchen/living room. The other, a little smaller, is ideal as an artist's studio.

The highlights, however, are a magical pair of smaller buildings, which — unlike the main house — have been here for nearly 150 years, and are Grade II listed: the fishing hut and the boathouse.

Originally built in 1888 by the Disraelis, the fishing hut is described in its Historic England listing it as 'timber-framed and clad in rustic split logs in herringbone pattern with bark'.

That rather spartan description simply doesn't do justice to how pretty and romantic it is — nor does it make much of the fact that it's on its own separate island, reached via the sort of charming little bridge that looks like Monet should have painted it.

The boathouse, equally, is a dreamy little highlight within the 8.8 acres of gardens on offer. And it's useful, too, for those who wish to get out on the water, rather than just relaxing and enjoying the views, or catching a few trout. Naturally, fishing rights are included: Savills describe them as '641 yards of doublebank main river, providing generous and varied water, complemented by a further 338 yards of carrier, offering quieter, more intimate fishing.'

And if you're worried about sharing these fishing waters with others, you needn't do so: the opposite bank is currently leased by Testcombe Cottage's owners, an arrangement which could continue. As the agents continue, it makes for 'an unmistakably peaceful and private setting, and... a true sanctuary beside this most beautiful chalk stream.'

Testcombe Cottage is for sale through Savills — see more details.

Argyll and Bute — £1.25 million

Only a short boat ride is required to access the 9¾-acre Harbour Island from Crinan Harbour near Lochgilphead, and, once there, the architect-designed, recently renovated principal house offers four bedrooms.

Additionally, there are two sitting rooms — one on the ground floor and one on the first floor, the latter forming part of an impressive light-filled open-plan space with a vaulted ceiling that also features the kitchen and the impressive 30½ft by 14¾ft living room.

Glazed doors lead outside to a raised timber deck, which offers direct access to a wood-fired hot tub.

‘Harbour Island represents a onceinalifetime opportunity,’ says property agent Iona Conn. ‘It is rare to find a private island offering this level of privacy, seclusion and panoramic views, all within a remarkably short 300m [985ft] trip from the mainland.’ Additionally, there is a self-contained cabin known as The Witch’s Folly.

For sale via Savills — see more details.

Isle of Wight — £1.775 million

St Winifreds sits above Totland Bay and overlooks one of the Isle of Wight’s finest sandy beaches and the western approaches to the Solent and Christchurch Bay.

The former convent with ornate ceilings, decorative fireplaces and an elegant staircase has, over the past three years, been significantly upgraded and turned into a chic and comfortable six- to eight-bedroom home, where there is even a spacious cinema room on the first floor.

The principal rooms, such as the dining room and the 32½ft by 21ft drawing room, are of impressive proportions, making them perfect for entertaining or large family gatherings. The kitchen overlooks the swimming pool and the near-one-acre garden that is mainly laid to lawn.

For sale via Knight Frank — see more details.

Devon — £695,000

In 1373, Geoffrey Chaucer visited Dartmouth; in 1620, Mayflower briefly put into the town’s Bayard’s Cove with the Pilgrim Fathers before they set sail for America; and, more recently, Flora Thompson, author of Lark Rise to Candleford, lived in this place with an extraordinary heritage. She chose to make her home in Above Town, one of the oldest and most sought-after residential areas in this town that is on the River Dart and only a stone’s throw from the sea.

A recent addition to the market is the four-bedroomed 60, Above Town, which has a ground floor sitting room, a snug/television area and an open-plan kitchen/dining room.

There's also an alfresco dining terrace, a hot-tub terrace at the rear of the house and glorious river views.

The agent says of 60, Above Town that it ‘offers beautifully appointed accommodation, thoughtfully designed to maximise space and light.

The views of the estuary are superb, and the interior coastal design, which runs throughout the house, is both elegant and relaxed’.

For sale via Jackson-Stops ­— see more details.

Northumberland — £1.1 million

Imagine uninterrupted views stretching from Bamburgh Castle to Holy Island. Seahouse, a former colliery owner’s home that is sited a mile from Scremerston and three miles south of Berwick-upon-Tweed, offers just such views from its exceptional location, on a cliff top and only yards from the shore of the North Sea.

A substantial five-bedroom, stone Georgian property that boasts many period features (including high ceilings, decorative tiling, sash windows, feature fireplaces and panelling), Seahouse has three reception rooms — a drawing room, dining room and a smaller snug.

The imposing kitchen/breakfast room contains an electric Aga and is sited close to the boot room and tack room.

The nearby sandy beaches are perfect for dog walkers and horse riders alike and, indeed, Seahouse may interest keen equestrians, as there are almost four acres of land, some made up of paddocks, plus, for those four-legged friends, there is a timber stable block with two loose boxes.

The self-contained attached cottage has two bedrooms, making it perfect for either multi-generational living or as a commercial prospect.

For sale via GSC Grays­— see more details.

Down in the West Country, vendors are taking advantage of the longer, brighter days to launch some fine country properties onto the open market. History repeats itself, however — endlessly.

Back in August 1980, my illustrious predecessor Michael Hanson wrote in Country Life: ‘How long is it since the estate market has been in such a parlous state, with agents having so many houses on their books for sale, but hardly a buyer to be seen? Memories are notoriously short, but it was only in 1974 that the present market collapsed after the boom years of 1972 and 1973… Yet who believes that the market will not recover eventually? The question is when.’

Fortunately, life goes on and, despite the downturn, 1980 saw the sale of a number of notable houses, among them Redlap House, a striking coastal property set in 20 acres of gardens near Dartmouth, Devon, for which selling agents Jackson-Stops invited ‘offers in the region of £250,000’.

Today, a resurgent Redlap leads the West Country charge, at a guide price of £10 million through Lindsay Cuthill’s Blue Book Agency.

For Devon-based property consultant Martin Lamb, who handled its sale in 1980, 2009 and 2015 and is currently advising the vendor, Redlap House, now set in more than 31 acres of magical landscaped gardens with its own private beach and breathtaking views over Start Bay, is ‘one of the most dramatic small private coastal estates in the South Hams, if not the entire South-West’.

Situated just outside the pretty cliff-top village of Stoke Fleming, two miles from Dartmouth and 40 miles from Exeter Airport, the discreet, foliage-clad main house — reconfigured and renovated throughout by its present owner — is approached via a long woodland drive that leads to the south-facing façade, from where meandering paths run to Redlap Cove.

With not a single right of way crossing the land, everything — from the private beach sheltered by towering cliffs to the wooded valley itself — is wholly owned by the estate.

Hidden among the trees, the 7,371sq ft main house boasts proportions that are both generous and balanced. The reception hall leads to four elegant reception rooms, each of which enjoys views either over the ornate gardens or the spectacular coastline.

The study, in particular, enjoys a mesmerising outlook down the valley to the sea and beyond to the rolling South Hams hills.

The upgraded kitchen is the focal point of daily family life — and as magnificent dramatic in its decor as the landscape around the house.

Upstairs, the light-filled, 34ft artist’s studio seems to draw in the landscape and the principal bedroom suite offers the same panoramic views.

Five further bedrooms and four further bathrooms complete the accommodation.

An impressive new addition to Redlap House is the splendid leisure complex, set away from the house and designed to echo the grandeur of the setting. A 20m (65½ft) pool under a dramatic beamed ceiling opens onto a terrace that looks out across the gardens to the sea.

Two en-suite guest bedrooms make this a self-contained retreat that is ideal for visitors or as a private wellness suite.

Redlap House is for sale through Blue Book — see more details.

Thames Ditton has been called one of Surrey’s hidden jewels. There are parks and reservoirs, golf clubs and railway stations offering easy access into London, which is just over 10 miles away. For the lucky few, there’s something else: direct access to the River Thames. Few places in Greater London’s urban jungle can offer such a mix. And in the case of River Haven, one of the village’s finest riverside homes, there’s an almost literal slice of jungle on offer: this £2.6 million house has palm trees, exotic flowers in the garden, a characterful wooden house, a tiki-bar in the garden and the sort of verandah where you’d expect to find Ian Fleming or Somerset Maugham writing their latest work on a vintage typewriter.

River Haven is a charmed spot, right on the water, with its own a slipway and a private mooring for a boat. The landscaped rear garden slopes down to the river and a terrace overlooks it, offering the ideal place for moments of quiet reflection or the perfect spot for social gatherings.

The aforementioned verandah is even better: this elevated decking area on the first floor provides riverscapes from a different viewpoint, looking across the water to the parkland that surrounds Hampton Court.

The interior is designed to make the most of these graceful watery perspectives, while the exotic furnishings and fittings (beautifully curated by the current owners, it has to be said) really add to that tropical getaway feel — not bad for a house well within the M25.

But as beautiful as it is inside, it’s the river that remains the star, and everything guides you this way, with the open plan main living space leading straight out onto that terrace. ‘There’s a nautical feeling throughout, which nods to [River Haven’s] spectacular waterside setting,’ says the agent.

For sleeping arrangements, we suspect you’ll be sorely tempted to just string up a hammock in the garden once the sun sets, but for the winter months there’s always plan B in the shape of four bedrooms. There’s a double on the ground floor, two more on the first floor, and one on the mezzanine.

The latter is currently set up as a study, and thus the ideal place to bring your own vintage typewriter (okay, laptop) to keep on working on that tropical thriller once the weather gets too cold.

River Haven is for sale via Hamptons at £2.6 million — see more details.

The Bahamas — £17.6 million

The Exumas consist of a string of 365 islands in the Bahamas, across the warm Caribbean waters south-east of Nassau — and this property is a rare chance to own one of those islands outright. It's an unspoilt, 144-acre dream island with swathes of jungle, white sand beaches and turquoise seas — seas which are sheltered by barrier islands ensuring calm, protected beaches ideal for swimming and watersports.

On top of all that, Clove Cay is close enough to Grand Exuma Airport (a 17-mile drive followed by a four-mile boat ride) to make it relatively straightforward to get to. It's ripe for someone to make this their own private paradise: there is a house on the island, albeit now dilapidated, and a boat ramp and a pier are in place. It should make restoring this island to glory a little easier.

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

Thailand — £7.2 million

A six-bedroom hilltop lodge on the island of Koh Samui, this is a house for partying: it has the usual cinema and games room facilities you'd expect, as well a 25-metre infinity pool, but it also has its own private nightclub.

Thankfully, three of the bedrooms are described as 'master suites' in their own separate pavilions, so multi-generational groups can let their hair down without keeping each other up all night.

For sale via Christie's International Real Estate — see more details and pictures.

Brazil — £2.2 million

The rainforests and beaches of Brazil meet Scandinavian design at this exotic, secluded and eye-wateringly beautiful lodge in Bahia, half-way up the country's east coast.

What a job they've done: it's not one home, but instead a series of interconnected bungalows ideal for large groups coming together — and the beauty of the place speaks for itself.

It sits within a gated community called Barracuda Villas, meaning that as well as having hotel-style facilities on site, you can also rent the villa out through the company when not staying here.

For sale via Christie’s International Real Estate — see more details and pictures.

Barbados — £32 million

A location right on what the agents call 'the most sought-after west coast beaches in Barbados' is the starting point of this property in St Peter — but the rest of the place is equally compelling.

There is a six-bedroom main house, a four-bedroom guest house, huge rooms, high ceilings, exquisitely-kept grounds, everything from a billiard room to a cocktail louge... and of course sunsets to die for. The dream.

For sale via Savills — see more details and pictures.

Bahamas — £42 million

'A masterclass in elegance and tranquility' say the agents of this 15,675 sq ft house within the gated community of Xanadu, Old Fort Bay, near Nassau.

There are six bedrooms, somehow 12 bathrooms, Parisian-inspired design within and a setting right on the beach that speaks for itself. As does the fact that the upholstery in the master suite is cashmere. Extraordinary.

For sale via Lyford Cay Sotheby’s International Realty — see more details and pictures.

The northern reaches of Essex are perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in the Home Counties. Gently rolling countryside, ancient woods and farmland stretching away beneath huge skies are a world away from the nightclubs and bling McMansions closer to London. There are rivers criss-crossing the landscape, breweries that have stood on the same spot for centuries, and ancient mills of the sort immortalised by Constable in The Hay Wain, which while painted in Suffolk, depicted a mill pretty much on the border with Essex.

Another of those mills is now for sale, and it's an idyllic place that's been the subject of a labour-of-love restoration. Strutt & Parker are handling the sale of The Mill House in Hartford End, with an asking price of £4.95 million.

This Georgian home dates to the late 18th century, with the buildings having long been recognised for their beauty and significance. The original house is Grade II-listed, while the watermill itself is Grade II*-listed — yet listing and condition don't always go hand in hand, and when owner Barry Mather bought it in 2013, it had been long neglected.

The main house was unloved rather than decrepit, but the watermill had lain essentially untouched for two centuries, with the roof said to be on the verge of collapse. Mather Barry brought in architects with experience of saving historic buildings, and worked with English Heritage to restore what could be saved and faithfully replicate what could not.

The result, as you see in the pictures here, is pretty spectacular.

The original Georgian house (on the right of the picture at the top of the page) and the brick-built watermill (on the left) were brought together as one building, more than doubling the floor space of the house. Inside, that means a change in character between one side — the traditional 18th century residence with high ceilings and beautiful windows — and the other, where the old mill's interior have been reimagined with modern fittings sitting alongside ancient beams and other original features.

Several of those original elements have been cleverly incorporated into the design. The white weatherboard lucam and winch — once used to haul wheat into the mill — are intact, as is a former hoist door in the centre of the the first floor façade. The latter is now in the principal bedroom, and a full-length glazed window installed into what would once have been a working opening, giving views of the River Chelmer from the bedroom’s sitting room.

The main bedroom is one of the house's real highlights — the agents describe it as 'having the feel of a five-star hotel — with its en-suite, two dressing rooms and seating area.

Equally impressive is the huge open plan kitchen, dining and living space below with ancient beams holding up the structure and giving huge character, particularly effective with the swish charcoal units setting off the wooden beams, exposed brickwork and white walls.

In total there are seven bedrooms in the house, and just under 7,800sq ft of living space. Almost all the rooms have views out over the river, though couple of bedrooms plus the sitting room and drawing room look out instead over the charming walled gardens.

What was once a hard-working mill has become a blissful country house, then; but this property is still also a hard-working spot, since the owners converted some of the many outbuildings into a series of office units.

It'd make the house an ideal place from which to run a small business — or they could potentially be repurposed for other uses. And if working from home is not for you, the benefit of being in Essex is that London is just over an hour away via road or rail.

The Mill House in Hartford End is for sale via Strutt & Parker at £4.95 million — see more details.

Many houses on the banks of the River Thames seem almost shy about their location. They might be set back a bit from the water, for example; or hidden among the trees, seeking out privacy while retaining the views that make them so special.

Sagamore — for sale at £5.25 million in a spot near the Oxfordshire town of Henley-on-Thames, and on one of the prettiest stretches of the entire river — is the exact opposite. It stands tall, bold and proud within yards of the water's edge, positioned just-so in an elbow of the river, as if it's an actor stretching its arms our to soak up the applause. Small wonder, then, that this was for many years the home of a real-life showman: the singer Vince Hill, a pop star of the 1960s who had a huge hit with the definitive recording of Edelweiss.

Hill and his wife Annie lived happily at this beautiful spot on the river for many years. Annie died in 2016, and Hill lived here until he passed away in 2023.

This is a true family home: six bedrooms, six reception rooms and three floors, with plenty of outdoor space, a huge kitchen-diner and two separate 'wet' boathouses, the type which let you get in and out of your boat under cover and away from the main flow of the stream. It's nice to know that there's no need to take your chances on a rickety jetty here — and as someone who ended up falling in the River Severn at Ironbridge a couple of years ago, I know of what I speak.

As well as the main accommodation in the house there are also extensive cellars, whose walls still bear graffiti daubed during the Second World War, presumably by bored children awaiting the all-clear siren following an air raid.

There are a few upgrades needed here and there — not least in the gardens, terraces and patios — but this is a fine home, from the hallway with its stained glass window, to the dining room with its stone fireplace, to the high spec kitchen whose appliances are, we understand from the agents, included in the sale.

As nice as all that is, though, the real draw here is, of course, the river. Views of the water are there from most of the rooms, the terraces offer places to sit out by the water's edge, and there's even a dual-aspect 'river room' above one of the boat houses.

No wonder the agents are marketing this as 'one of the most iconic and substantial riverside mansions on this superb reach of the river Thames'.

Sagamore is for sale via Knight Frank at £5.25 million — see more details.

Two centuries ago, in a village that forms part of an estate granted by Henry VI to King's College, Cambridge, the former vice-provost of the college — a man named John Tomkyns — came to settle in Dorset. For a man of such standing a fine new rectory was deemed appropriate.

The result was the house you see on this page, now called Stour Provost Manor, but it's a place that was for many years known as The Old Rectory. As the house approaches its 198th birthday, it's for sale via Knight Frank — and the present owners have dressed it up to be the most extravagant Christmas present imaginable.

There's tinsel and trees, poinsettias and baubles, holly and ivy and angels and fairy lights, turning this Grade II-listed home into the sort of place that you'd love to host a Christmas party.

The house has been on the market for a little while (and was also for sale for a spell in 2022), so it's perhaps not surprising to see this clever little bit of marketing — although the £5.5 million asking price puts it out of last-minute Christmas shopping impulse buy territory.

It's probably also a doubly clever move. Stour Provost Manor is one of those houses that is very evidently a dream home in summer: there are wonderful grounds, a tennis court and lawns that stretch down to the River Stour. At this point in its path, the river is wide enough, deep enough and slow-moving enough for wild swimming to be possible, and the house has a small wooden jetty to enable you to get in and out of the water easily. So it's nice to show buyers that this home is ideal year-round.

Inside, the house is the very picture of late Georgian charm and grace. It was designed by William Wilkins, professor of architecture at the Royal Academy, who modelled it on his own house in Cambridge — a home which, sadly, was demolished in 1955.

Wilkins had actually worked with Tomkyns during their time together in Cambridge, collaborating on several new buildings and other words at King's College, including the entrance screen and gateway next to the chapel.

Stour Provost Manor is for sale at £5.5 million via Knight Frank — see more details.

The beautiful Beaulieu River and the prestigious 7,000-acre estate that takes its name are two of the jewels in Hampshire’s crown. A series of secluded properties built on the waterfront in Dock Lane, Beaulieu, from the early 20th century onwards are among the most sought-after in the county and one of the earliest examples, The Rookery, is now on the market. George Clarendon of Knight Frank in Winchester is handling the sale, at a guide price of £5.25 million.

The Rookery is one of the original six houses were sanctioned by John, 2nd Baron Montagu (1866–1929), the grandfather of the present owner and a motoring pioneer, between 1909 and 1914. They’ve been much sought after ever since — as have other properties along the river, where from the 1920s wealthy industrialists, businessmen and architects built holiday homes with private moorings overlooking the water and surrounded by the woods of the estate.

Today, meandering Dock Lane is lined by no fewer than 54 houses and is listed by property website Zoopla as the most expensive street in Hampshire, where the average cost of a home was reckoned at £3,670,466 in February 2021; one of them, the 1930s Tudor-style Spearbed Copse, — owned by the Showering family of Babycham fame — came to the market in 2016 with a guide price of £8m, and which puts into perspective the asking price for The Rookery. It might have less than two acres of land, but this is a coveted location that commands a premium.

Approached via a long gravel driveway, The Rookery was constructed in 1909 in the Arts-and-Crafts style. Beautifully maintained by its current owners during their 25-year tenure, the main house offers 3,419sq ft of light and cheerful living space, including an entrance hall, dining room, sitting room, billiard room, study and a newly built kitchen on the ground floor.

Above, there are five bedrooms, three shower rooms and a family bathroom on the first floor.

Period features, including Crittall windows and open fireplaces, abound throughout. Further accommodation is provided in a large, three-room outbuilding, once used as a cottage. There is also a double garage.

Outside, the garden is laid mainly to lawn, with a south-facing terrace leading off the main reception rooms. A sheltered pool and pool house are perfect for summer days. A flight of stone steps leads down to the garden and through a secure gate to a further lawned area and the jetty that offers direct access to the Beaulieu River.

All this beauty sits at the heart of one of England’s great landed estates. Beaulieu can trace its origins to 1204, when King John gave the land to monks of the Cistercian order. The Abbey they founded grew in size and status until the Dissolution in 1538, when the Beaulieu estate was surrendered to the Crown and sold that same year to Thomas Wriothesley, 1st Earl of Southampton, a direct ancestor of the Montagu family that still owns it.

The estate is situated on the southern fringe of the New Forest National Park and occupies a glorious elevated setting overlooking the picturesque Beaulieu River, which rises near Lyndhurst in the heart of the New Forest. It then flows south across heathland to the village of Beaulieu, where it becomes tidal and passes the hamlet of Buckler’s Hard before entering the Solent at Needs Ore.

The river has been key to the development of the Beaulieu estate by successive owners, among them John, 2nd Duke of Montagu, who founded the ship-building village of Buckler’s Hard in the 1720s — now the setting for the prestigious Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour and marina.

The Rookery is on the market via Knight Frank in Winchester at £5.25 million — see more details.

Marlow — £6.25 million

A beautiful, unlisted home full of character is always a great find, and Glenmead — in the exclusive Quarrywood Road, Marlow — is just that. This splendid riverside villa sits in just under an acre of lovely private grounds, with 150ft of river frontage with direct access to the Thames, a deep-water mooring, a full-size tennis court and pavilion and uninterrupted views of Lock Island and Marlow Church.

It was originally built in the 1920s and altered in the 1950s, with the addition of the striking neo-Georgian stucco façade, sash windows and portico entrance.

Hamptons sold the house in 2015 to the present owners, who have modernised and improved the interior with an extensive programme of renovation that has seen the installation of a new kitchen and new bathrooms, with cosmetic redecoration throughout.

The property offers 5,168sq ft of light-filled living space on three floors, including a reception hall, four reception rooms, a study, state-of-the-art kitchen, wine cellar, domestic offices and six double bedrooms with bathrooms en suite. Amenities include a gym, games room/studio and extensive private parking.

For sale via Hamptons — see more pictures and details.

Henley-on-Thames — £850,000

A three-bedroom flat, second-floor flat on a small island in the Thames, linked by a footbridge to the centre of Henley.

The agent's description of it as a 'penthouse' might initially seem a little fanciful, but it's the entire top floor for sale, with 1125 sq ft, river views on three sides and balconies on two, and there is mooring for boats in the communal gardens.

While you're living on the water, the property is linked to land and there's a separate garage included.

For sale via Savills at £850,000 — see more details.

Wargrave — £1.9 million

You can practically stick your feet out of the door and tip your toes in the river at this seven-bedroom detached house in a village near Reading, right where the Thames meets the Loddon.

The price includes the house, gardens and even a cottage on the grounds.

The catch? As the pictures here show, the place is crying out for a refurbishment, having been in the same family for 80-odd years. But the work will surely be worth doing for a house which includes mooring, riparian rights and is close to Wargrave station, making it commutable to London.

For sale via Ballards — see more details.

In folklore, mermaids (‘mere’ meaning sea and ‘maid’ meaning young woman) are sea-dwelling creatures with a human upper-body and fish-like tail, traditionally associated with seductive songs, dramatic storms and shipwrecks. Nowadays, they’re altogether more benign. Think Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Aquamarine, the 2006 teen fantasy-romance film.

Much like the sea and its contents — real and imagined — mermaids have always had a captivating allure over us, appearing in art, operas, books and, of course, on big and small screens. They even pop up in the written reports of Christopher Columbus, made while ‘exploring’ the Caribbean. The navigator, who paved the way for European colonisation of the Americas, was convinced he had seen one, but it was most likely a manatee.

Mermaids do not appear in any of Ian Fleming’s James Bond novels, but the author is believed to have written plenty of them in Mermaid Cottage — which is now for sale with a guide price of £1.75 million.

The three bedroom, two bathroom beachhouse, set in a breathtaking location in between the White Cliffs of Dover and St Margaret’s Bay, water practically lapping at the front door, is part of a small enclave of four properties. Bizarrely, Fleming isn’t even its most famous owner. That accolade goes to Sir Noël Coward, the singer-songwriter and playwright, whom we have to thank for Blithe Spirit and Private Lives. Coward was renowned for his wonderfully flamboyant nature, and, while living here, had his valet roll out a red carpet across the beach, every day, which he would then walk down and into the sea.

The home, built in 1929 in the Art Deco style, was once part of a thriving community. The area was also a popular holiday destination with Fleming coming down on the weekends to take stock and write. Unfortunately the Second World War dealt it a bad hand with many of the buildings badly damaged, not by the Nazis, but by the practising commandoes and Canadian forces. Thankfully, the four cottages survived unscathed.

The current owner has completely and carefully renovated and modernised the house over almost two decades — using a soothing palette of white and blues that somehow doesn’t look overly nautical (an easy trap to fall into when you’re decorating this close to the sea). Look out for the white wood kitchen with its smart gold fittings and two-part butler’s sink, the roll-top bath in the powder blue clapboard bathroom and bespoke, and handmade joinery throughout — in a matching shade of blue. Large picture windows in multiple rooms frame the utterly unique and uninterrupted view.

Outside, the same colour has been used to paint the window and door frames, and the garden gate. There’s also a separate gym and workshop, and a manageable garden, expertly landscaped by an RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner with hardy coastal plants.

According to the agent, Strutt & Parker, ‘St Margaret’s Bay is a sheltered haven, with a clifftop mainly in the care of the National Trust’. There is a popular café, an inn, and golf courses nearby, plus unique entertainment in the form of cross-channel swimming. France is only 21 miles away and this, apparently, is a favoured place from which to embark…

If you do decide to dip your toe into the water, make sure you keep an eye out for mermaids.

Mermaid Cottage is for sale at £1.75 million — see more pictures and details

Few people who’ve spent much time on the south coast of England can have failed to look dreamily across the Solent to the Isle of Wight, spy a wonderful looking home on the sheltered north shore, and wonder what it might be like to live in one of those homes beside the sea.

That dream is up for sale at the moment via Ed Sugden of Savills and Charles Spence of Spence Willard, who are handling the sale of the spectacular Fishbourne Quay House.

Located on Ashlake Copse Road in Fishbourne — not to be confused with the ‘other’ Fishbourne, near Chichester — this dramatic, contemporary creekside home designed by ground-breaking The Manser Practice and extending to just over 7,000sq ft. And as fine as the home itself is, it’s all about the view over water.

The agents quote a guide price of £4.75m for the house set in some 5¾ acres of landscaped gardens and grounds that include ownership of the creek to mean low water, pontoon mooring, a massive swimming pool and mesmerising coastal views.

Constructed on the site of a former boatshed where Thrust 2, holder of the land speed record from 1983 to 1997, was built, the house also scooped a Sunday Times British Homes Award in 2014. Part of the foreshore is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a haven for wildlife.

Fishbourne Quay House incorporates a wide array of spectacular architectural features with a fun yet practical design that makes the most of the ever-changing coastal scene. The separation of living spaces and bedrooms, divided by the voluminous entrance hall, which overlooks the creek, works well, the whole finished to an impeccable standard, using high-quality fittings and materials, including granite, Italian marble and limestone.

Both the ground and first floors offer an interesting mix of reception rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, with a vast living room, high-spec kitchen, utilities, wet room, guest-bedroom suite, two further bedrooms and bathrooms and a bunk room on the ground floor; television room, library, luxurious principal bedroom suite and two further double bedrooms with bath or shower room on the first floor; and garaging, games room, plant room and boat storage in the basement below.

And finally, a special mention for the home office:

The view from the desk is truly something special — though how anybody gets any work done when they could just plop in to one of those easy chairs and stare out across the creek is another question entirely.

Fishbourne Quay House is for sale at £4.75m — see more details and pictures.

In 1930, William van Alen wanted to design the tallest building in the world. His problem was that H. Craig Severance also wanted to build the tallest building in the world. Van Alen was the architect of the Chrysler building, while Severance was in charge of 40 Wall Street. How to win?

What van Alen did was hide the spire of the Chrysler building inside the crown of the building, and then wait until 40 Wall Street was finished. For a month, Severance’s building was the tallest, until van Alen revealed his spire, and victory was his.

I assume that something similar, albeit on a smaller scale, took place on the mean streets of Cliff Hill in Gorleston. For number 24 on this street is just a bit taller than all the other period homes that flank it, courtesy of this magnificent lookout on its roof. It is for sale with Sowerbys for £550,000.

More homes should have lookouts, if you ask me. How else are you to appreciate a view, or be able to see your enemies approaching from afar? How else are you supposed to enjoy a cup of tea while looking down on your pathetic neighbours? All of these are very reasonable things to consider.

Number 24 Cliff Hill is listed Grade II and dates back to the 1850s, and is very much of the rich Victorian seaside tradition. Set over three floors (four floors, if you include the lookout), the property offers five bedrooms and bags of character.

Highlights include the first floor sitting room, to maximise sea views, the garden room, the snug and of course the lookout itself. Plenty of period features remain, making this an elegant home in one of Norfolk’s better seaside towns.

But that’s not all. The property comes with a separate two-storey accommodation space, that could serve a variety of uses, a basement and a very well planted and spacious garden to the rear. Gorleston itself offers plenty in the way of things to do, should you be tempted to leave your lookout.

24, Cliff Hill, is for sale with Sowerbys for £550,000. For more information and pictures, click here

I’ve never known much of the Teifi Estuary or Cardigan (other than that my dad wears them) but, having now gazed upon the yellow walls of Brynymor House, I would like to know more. Such is the power of good photography and an even better subject.

It’s odd to think that a building that is essentially a box with a hipped roof could be so beautiful. There is elegance in simplicity. And Brynymor is nothing if not extremely elegant. It is for sale with Country Living Group for £1.9 million.

In about 1800, when the property was built, Cardigan was the busiest port in Wales. As a result, Brynymor was built by a successful sea captain as a ‘statement house’. And what a statement it is. Listed Grade II*, the property had been in the same family’s ownership for generations, until it was purchased off market by the current owner, who has spent a significant amount of time and money restoring it. As such, it is probably in the best condition it has ever been in. Just take a look for yourself.

Situated over three floors, the property offers six bedrooms and two large reception rooms, as well as a large kitchen with island. The kitchen is also home to a wood-pellet fired stove, which provides heat to the home as well as cooking meals. There is also a basement. The majority of the bedrooms and the two reception rooms take advantage of the glorious views out towards the estuary.

The interiors are nothing short of outstanding, decorated in a playful and colourful style all while paying respect to the period features of the house. I would like to know where the current owner gets their wallpapers, that’s for sure.

Outside, the property sits in 4.5 acres of gardens and grounds, most of which is woodland. Its position takes advantage of the astounding scenery, and the formal areas of lawn lead right down to the water’s edge, where you’ll find a boat shed and private slipway.

Elsewhere on the property, you’ll find a large and productive kitchen garden and a bespoke greenhouse, while the footprint of the original stone cottage that occupied the site remains and provides an ‘exciting opportunity’, according to the agents. Two timber-framed garages can also be found adjacent to the driveway.

The centre of Cardigan is walking distance away, which is surprising given the private nature of the property. Cardigan has a wealth of amenities and recent investment has seen the restoration of the castle, an award-winning theatre and cinema and a large range of shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Brynymor House is for sale with Country Living Group for £1.9 million. For more information and pictures, click here

It is nothing if not a nice day outside, and when it is a nice day outside I like to think of places I would rather be than typing emails on my computer inside. These include, but are not limited to, places such as: the park, a beer garden, the South of France, The Alps (Austrian, French, Italian, but not Swiss) and the shores of a loch in Scotland.

Annoyingly, the yoke of Capitalism demands that I remain in situ, doing the emails, so instead I must fantasise. Luckily, the kind people of Galbraith sent me this rather charming former bothy called Waterfall Cottage, which is for sale for offers in excess of £350,000. It falls firmly under the ‘shores of a loch in Scotland’ category of places I would rather be.

As discussed, Waterfall Cottage is a former bothy that has now been transformed into a comfortable single-storey home with four bedrooms. Its hillside position means it has excellent views over the surrounding countryside, including Loch Tay, and the 2.45 acre garden extends right down to the shoreline. The gardens also feature a mature orchard with a variety of fruiting trees.

The rooms within Waterfall Cottage make the most of that view, none more so than the sunroom, which offers a triple aspect. The property also benefits from a galley kitchen, a sitting/dining room and two bathrooms.

The property is situated just to the south west of the village of Fernan and close to Kenmore, where you’ll find a primary school, general store with post office and the well-known Kenmore Hotel.

For those into the more adventurous side of things, a whole host of water-based activities can be enjoyed on the loch itself, and the area is famous for its salmon fishing on the River Tay as well as trout fishing in the loch. There are also lots of opportunities for walks, riding, golf and cycling. I think I would just sit and enjoy the nice view from the balconies. At least on a day like today.

Waterfall Cottage is for sale with Galbraith for offers in excess of £350,000. For more information and pictures, click here

A riverside cottage has come up for sale that will be a dream property for pretty much anyone, but especially for those who like messing about on the water. It’s on the market for £1,500,000 via Marchand Petit.

Number 1 Noss Mayo hugs the side of the picturesque Yealm Estuary in Devon, with direct access to the River Yealm via its own private quay. Just head down the steps and you’re standing at the water’s edge — bliss. And that's just the start of its charms.

Rebuilt about 20 years ago, this cottage, located on The Point in Noss Mayo, offers panoramic views across one of the West Country's most picturesque estuaries.

Inside, its decorated with great charm. The ground floor is dominated by a fresh and modern shaker-style kitchen, with a black AGA. We’ve got our eye on the window seat in that curved bay window — it’s a great spot from which to admire the views.

Also on this floor is a cosy room that could be used as a study or fourth bedroom, plus a cloakroom.

Up to the first floor, the sitting and dining room has French doors that lead out onto a charming terrace and a wood burning stove that’s sure to keep the cottage warm when temperatures drop.

Three light and airy bedrooms, all with estuary views, sit at the other end of the cottage. The master bedroom has window seats, dressing area and an ensuite bathroom, while the third also has a dressing room that could be used as a study. There’s a family bathroom too.

But there’s more to 1 Noss Mayo than the cottage itself. The sale includes a summer house — the prettiest we've seen in a long, long time — with another wood burning stove.

There's yet more further down the hillside in the form of a self-contained annexe with sliding glass doors that open straight out onto a terrace and covered courtyard overlooking the estuary.

The annexe is currently set up as a bedroom. And what better view to wake up to? But it ‘is an exceptionally versatile space and would make a wonderful work from home office/studio or simply to be enjoyed as additional independent guest accommodation,’ says the selling agent.

1 Noss Mayo comes with a garage and ‘off road area’ for two cars and storage for sporting equipment.

The twin villages of Noss Mayo and Newton Ferrers straddle the Yealm Estuary. If you can be lured away from the water here, there are long walks along the estuary and around the National Trust headland of The Warren.

And for a local beer and a bite to eat, The Ship and The Swan inns are a hop, skip and a jump from the cottage.

1 Noss Mayo is for sale with Marchand Petit for £1,500,000. For more information and pictures, click here.

Progress always has a price. In the early 1970s, the county of Rutland and surrounding areas was in desperate need of a new reservoir to supply the farms, villages and towns nearby — and the cost of creating what is now the largest reservoir in Britain was the destruction of two of the villages which once sat in the middle of the water: Nether Hambleton and Middle Hambleton.

Sad as it is for entire villages to be lost beneath the water, the appalling drought in 1976 — just a year after the project was finished — showed that the planners had been right to think ahead. And while most of the houses in the two aforementioned villages disappeared, a handful of homes in Middle Hambleton survived — including Orchard House, a beautiful place that's come up for sale via Savills in Stamford with a guide price of £3.5m. And as you'd expect, it's a charming place with wonderful views across the water.

The house, built on two storeys of coursed rubble under a stone-tiled roof, dates from the 17th century and, according to Historic England, comprises ‘several cottages laid out in a long range of two different builds, with a wing of a different build and probably of later date’.

Largely hidden from view behind a tall hedge, Orchard House stands in 7¼ acres of landscaped gardens and grounds that run down to the shore and include an adjoining paddock. All of this enjoys — as you'd expect — spectacular views over Rutland Water, as do many of the houses nearby: what remains of Middle Hampton was merged with Upper Hambleton to become, simply, Hambleton, a village that is set on a long peninsula that comes out in to the middle of the lake, and has become a much sought-after place to live.

A central, stone flagged reception hall leads to formal dining and drawing rooms and a warm and cheerful living room. A large open-plan kitchen/breakfast room forms the heart of the house, with views over the gardens to Rutland Water in the distance.

An oak staircase leads to three first-floor bedrooms and three bath/shower rooms, with a fourth bedroom on the second floor.

And the gardens? I think it's fair to say that they speak for themselves.

As for the reservoir itself? Rutland Water, which is filled by pumping water from the rivers Nene and Welland might originally have been designed to provide water for the East Midlands, but it's become so much more than that. The reservoir is now also a major sporting centre, where visitors can enjoy sailing, fishing, walking and cycling along a 25-mile perimeter track.

Large areas of wetland at its western end form a nature reserve, a haven for a resident population of rare birds, including ospreys, which were introduced in 1996.

Orchard House is for sale via Savills in Stamford with a guide price of £3.5m — see more pictures and details.

Are you one of the Cornwall devotees who trundle down the A303 and A30 to get your fill of sun, sea, sand and surf?

Well, this house in one of North Cornwall’s most sought-after spots may speak to you.

Megizzy knocks the socks off some of the dustier holiday homes in the area. Not only is the five-bedroom house sleek and modern, but it’s hard-working and functional too. Megizzy was designed and built by a family of four who fell in love with its position on Tristram Cliff in the ever-popular village of Polzeath. And who wouldn’t? That view of the coastline is spectacular.

And now it’s on the market for £3,950,000 with John Bray Estates.

Completed in 2018, the house ticks the boxes for contemporary design, including spacious south west-facing terrace with a sunken dining area, an EPC rating of ‘B’, and plenty of glass (you’ll need a good window cleaner here). But it’s also got a family-friendly design that is hard to beat. It features a lower ground floor arrangement of double showers, wetsuit room and dog-washing facilities — so no sand will get strewn across the rest of the house. There’s also a dormitory with four (yes, four) built-in bunk beds and smart house technology. Fingerprint entry from outside is an absolute winner, surely.

If you want to raise the bar higher, there’s plumbing for a sauna and steam room. Yes please!

On the ground floor, there’s an open-plan kitchen-dining-sitting room with bi-fold doors opening out onto the terrace, pantry, snug, study and cloakroom. And up on the first floor, there’s five bedrooms and four ensuite bathrooms. All-in-all, Megizzy can ‘comfortably’ sleep 12. There are coastal views from all the principal rooms, says the selling agent.

Megizzy is moments from Polzeath beach so there’s no battling it out for a space in crowded car parks. In fact, the house has off-road parking for several vehicles and boats as well as a double garage — currently set up as a games room — and outside shower.

‘The vendors have created a very clever house; high end design and spec dovetails seamlessly with down to earth practicality,’ says Josephine Ashby of John Bray Estates. ‘The position is stunning, just a few paces from the beach, direct access to the South West Coast Path and within moments of the facilities of the town. The views are glorious. It’s an easy and beautiful house to live in.’

Much is written about this corner of North Cornwall. But for readers in need of a brief overview, there’s watersports galore nearby at Rock and Daymer Bay. For golf enthusiasts, St Enodoc Golf Club and The Point at Polzeath have 18-hole courses. And there’s no shortage of sandy beaches and blustery clifftop walks. There’s also a vibrant local food scene.

Megizzy is for sale with John Bray Estates for £3,950,000. For more information and pictures, click here.

The location of Stuckendroin feels like the sort of place you'd have to travel for hours to find: wild, beautiful, impossibly romantic.

Yet this glorious property, which is presently for sale via Strutt & Parker at £3 million, is only a 48-mile drive from Glasgow.

Your £3m buys a vast amount of land, set in the wilds of the Trossachs National Park with 2¾ miles of frontage onto romantic Loch Lomond.

The estate comprises 3,511 acres of in-bye pasture and paddocks, rough grazings, woodland and open moorland, plus the main farmhouse.

There is also a cottage and agricultural buildings, including a game larder — the owners operate a deerstalking business and culling programme alongside sheep farming. And here are some sheep to prove it.

The three-bedroom, modernised farmhouse has a biomass system, which generates an annual income of £2,000–£3,000 through the Renewable Heat Incentive. Not enough to live on, but a nice little bonus.

The main draw, though, is the chance to live in a simply wonderful part of Britain.

Many beautiful homes around the country in recent years have ended up being rented out as Air BnBs and the like. But not Stuckendroin: the owners have very much been occupiers too, and it's not hard to see why.

For sale via Strutt & Parker at £3m. See more details and pictures.

What else you could get

Stirlingshire — £2.5 million

A magnificent lakeside property that has been a private home, a boutique hotel and, more recently, a hugely popular wedding venue.

What the new owner does with it will be fascinating to see, for with a location this wonderful your imagination can run riot.

For sale with Savills at £2.5 million. See more pictures and details for this property.

The South Hams in Devon is not a place where you want to drive. We went there a year or two ago — and absolutely loved it — but did start thinking in 'Devon miles', as opposed to just 'miles'. It's a landscape dotted with narrow routes, with grass growing down the middle and the brambles often tickling both sides of your car at once. Three miles can take a good half hour.

So if you were to live in this utterly delightful part of Britain, we'd thoroughly recommend either a house that's walking distance from where you need to get to, or located right on the water, meaning that you can zip around in your boat. And today's property just so happens to offer both options: the Loft is a Grade ll-listed penthouse apartment taking up the top floor of The Pottery in Dartmouth, and it's right on the water.

As well as being a gorgeous residence, it's also the perfect spot from which to watch people messing around on boats, compete in whatever regatta is taking place, or head down and get out onto the waves yourself.

The building — which dates to 1819 and is a 10-minute stroll from the town centre — has in past lives been a paper mill, bakery, brewery and, most recently, Dartmouth Pottery. Today, though, it's a five-bedroom, four-bathroom flat overlooking the River Dart.

Obviously in the summer it'll sell itself, but for the winter it's good to know that there's a fire and underfloor heating to keep you warm beneath the vaulted ceilings and exposed stone walls.

And if you really must bring your car? There is private parking, as well as a basement for storing all your watersports kit.

The Loft is for sale via Marchand Petit at £2m — see more details and pictures. 

Credit: Paul Massey

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Sometimes a property is so chocolate-box perfect if's hard to believe — and in the case of this house, even the name is like something from a story book: Cubby Close Cottage, which is up for sale.

The house is a delightful three-bedroom, thatched home set in as pretty a slice of countryside as you'll find in the West Country, at the heart of the National Trust's 6,000-acre Killerton Estate.

Inside, the house has been recently refurbished, but it's kept many charming period features — not least a glorious country kitchen with a huge traditional Aga set in an alcove created from ancient gnarled beams that date to the cottage's 18th century origins.

The thatched roof, you'll be glad to know, was re-done in 2017, so you'll not need to worry about anything more than standard maintenance for some time to come.

It's not a huge place. There's a living room and the kitchen/breakfast room, plus a utility room, bathroom and conservatory downstairs.

Upstairs are three modestly-size bedrooms, and another bathroom.

The gardens are three-quarters of an acre, but you're entirely surrounded by fields and woodland, with the River Culm close by. And yet despite this bucolic, secluded feel, Exeter is just eight miles away — it's a thatched country dream that's eminently commutable.

The agents, Bradleys, have it listed at £650,000, which — given its status as part of the wider estate — you might have guessed buys you not the freehold, but a 90-year lease.

Still, the ground rent is set at £10 a year, so no outrageous service charges here, and we're fairly sure you can trust the National Trust not to pop a couple of extra zeroes on the end of that figure any time soon.

Cubby Close Cottage is for sale at £650,000 — see more details and pictures.

Credit: Paul Massey

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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

The landscape immediately south of the Lake District 'tends to be bypassed by people belting up the M6 to join the queues of traffic into Windermere and Ambleside,' wrote Fiona Reynolds of Arnside & Silverdale in a piece for Country Life in 2020. Yet this is no poor relation: it was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1972, which — as Fiona points out — makes it 'equal to the Lakes and other national parks in its beauty and significance.'

It's in this peaceful and idyllic setting that Thomas H. Mawson, founder of the Institute of Landscape Architecture, created a masterpiece. After a career spent making landscapes for royalty across the world — from the Maharajah of India to Queen Alexandra of Denmark — Mawson brought his family to Silverdale, and the Grey Walls Estate.

The garden he laid out here is thought to be his last, and made purely for his family; and a 5.75 acre portion of it is up for sale with an 'offers over £1m' asking price.

The natural limestone here supports rare trees and shrubs, with terraces offering glimpses of the sea, an orchard and woodland glades, within the Silverdale National Landscape.

As you might expect for your £1m, there is more than just a garden for sale here: it also includes the pretty, one-bedroom summer house you see in the pictures — and, crucially, planning permission to expand the house into a proper three-bedroom family home.

Having a chance to specify your own home exactly as you'd wish it to be is part of the appeal, but of course it's the grounds that are the main draw. As the images on this page show, it looks stunning at the moment — but it's not always been that way since it was first made in 1926. As few as 10 years ago, it was overgrown, but rescuers have restored ‘the gardens, now a truly magnificent finding,’ say the agents Armitstead Barnett, in ‘a patchwork of hills, woodland and ever-changing tidal reaches’.

For sale at offers over £1m via Armitstead Barnett — 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

I receive a lot of emails each day. I would argue that I probably receive too many emails each day. As a result, it takes something quite special, beyond the clickbait subject lines, to grab my attention. As you well know by now, I am always on the lookout for exciting houses for sale. When an email with the subject line ‘A Highland haven on the shores of Loch Lomond’ wanders past, I am powerless to resist. 

Resistance is, indeed, futile. What could you possibly be doing that is more important than gazing at the many vistas, views, hills, woodlands and pasture of the Stuckendroin Estate? I think far better to daydream about your new life as a landowner in the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. A dream you can achieve with Strutt and Parker for £3 million.

Like all good estates, it comes with not one, but two homes. The main house is a four-bedroom farmhouse situated on the easter side of the estate, mere metres from Loch Lomond itself. It could do with a little renovating, but the difficult stuff has already been done: double glazing, a new roof, private water and biomass heating and hot water. 

The other property is a single-storey two-bedroom cottage currently in use by the farm/estate manager, that could also do with some renovations. Both properties have their own enclosed gardens.

Not that space is an issue mind, considering the estate offers about 3,625 acres of land in total. We’ve asked experts here at Country Life if that’s a lot and the answer has been a resounding yes. It is, in fact, heaps. 

There are many things you could do with this land. You could continue to use it to graze the 250 Cheviot breeding ewes. You could go deer stalking. You could improve the many peatlands on the estate. You could plant lots of trees. You could just go for lots of very nice long walks. There is, to use an overused word, lots of potential.

Considering its size, the property is in a remarkably convenient location, with the village of Ardlui one mile to the north, while Tarbet and Arrochar are both within 10 miles. Glasgow itself is only 48 miles away, while there are plenty of amenities associated with Loch Lomond nearby. 

The Stuckendroin Estate is for sale with Strutt & Parker for £3 million. For more information and pictures, click here

If sailing’s your scene, you’re in luck: a house has come up for sale in the historic coastal town of Emsworth, Hampshire. Here, you might take the helm of Grade II-listed Ivy House, a handsome, late-18th-century property with a large, three-storey, Victorian rear extension, which stands in a prominent position on King Street, a quiet no-through road leading down to the beach, to which it has access via a shared private path.

Launched in August with a guide price of £3.25m through the Chichester office of Strutt & Parker, the house was built in 1790 by a Mr King, a prosperous merchant who supplied the materials used to build Emsworth’s once-thriving fleet of oyster boats from a timber yard behind the house.

In 2018, Ivy House was acquired by its present owner, a retired Winchester GP and a lifelong sailor. The setting is at the northern end of an arm of Chichester Harbour, 2½ miles from Havant, eight miles from Portsmouth and nine miles from the cathedral city of Chichester; the good doctor was persuaded to move to Emsworth in part for its two sailing clubs. The port has easy access to the calm waters of Chichester Harbour, with the Beaulieu River, the Solent and the Channel beyond.

With more than 5,000sq ft of accommodation arranged over five levels, the house, which has a distinctly nautical feel, has undergone a comprehensive restoration including the re-tiling of the roof, the installation of a new heating system and three new, high-spec bathrooms, and the replacement of old windows with double-glazed wooden sashes.

A neutral colour palette is used throughout and warm-toned wooden flooring creates a sense of cohesion between the living areas. These comprise a front-facing family room, study, dining room and a raised sitting room overlooking the harbour — as indeed is the bathroom which, if you dare, allows you to soak in the tub while watching the boats bob up and down in the harbour.

In total, Ivy House offers four reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, seven bedrooms and two bathrooms, with planning consent to convert the vast loft into a further room with high-level views across the Emsworth water to the Isle of Wight.

For sale via Strutt & Parker — see more pictures and details.

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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

I’m not sure what it is about living next to water that has such a pull on me, but when the time comes to move out of London, you better believe that I will be looking for somewhere that will at least indulge me with a pond.

If you are thinking that the time to move waterside might be now, then Grove Cottage on the Percuil River near St Mawes might be just the thing. For sale with Lillicrap Chilcott for £1.75 million, the property is one of only a handful of private homes for sale on this unspoilt stretch of river.

This idyllic cottage is listed Grade II, has three double bedrooms and, of course, river access through a jetty and detached boat house. It also comes with about 1.5 acres of landscaped waterside gardens.

Despite its listed status, the property has seen a host of improvements and refurbishments from its current owners. Most excitingly is the brand new kitchen/dining room, which features a half conservatory section that allows lots of light to filter into the large open-plan space, as well as offering views out over the river.

Further improvements have been made to the rear of the property, allowing for the extra bedroom as well as a utility room and extra bathroom.

The property also features an annexe that can be used as an extra bedroom or just somewhere to sit and enjoy the scenery, as it comes with a large balcony overlooking the river.

The gardens and grounds are exceptional as well, painstakingly planted to create an oasis of calm in Cornwall. Areas of lawn are surrounded by planted beds, shrubs and specimen trees. 

Furthermore, pathways and boardwalks extend through woodland gardens, and a wildflower meadow and growing beds also feature. Throughout are plenty of places to sit, stop and enjoy the scenery while listening to the sound of the river. Tranquility.

Grove Cottage is for sale with Lillicrap Chilcott for £1.75 million. For more information and pictures, click here.

Credit: Hamptons

A cosy cottage in the North Wessex Downs in which to relax, unwind and revive

Eastside Cottage is a beautiful two-bedroom listed home near Marlborough that is perfect for getting away from it all.

Credit: John D Wood & Co

Villa Devereux, home of Ron Hickman and one of Jersey's most famous houses, comes up for sale

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One stark fact floats to the surface of pages of research: waterside house prices have dropped for the first time in five years. In 2023, the average waterside house price premium was a mere 2%, down from 7% the year before; previously, there had been a steady 17% increase since 2018.

In real-money talk, that 2% average premium is equivalent to an extra £10,000 on the prices of non-waterside homes in the same area, fairly incredible considering the 210% premium in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, the most expensive place to buy a riverside home in 2023. Brighton & Hove is the dearest place for a seaside home, 96% more than the area’s inland average.

Data: Jackson-Stops

However, no one seems to expect the downward trend to continue. A waterside home is still the ‘ultimate luxury,’ explains Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, and desire for them will be ‘fuelled further by an increase in downsizers and remote workers’.

A glance at the figures reveals some top spots in terms of investment. These include Chichester in West Sussex and north Norfolk, both with a mere 18% waterside premium.

‘We are now far beyond the wild highs in price premiums seen after lockdown, in a time where stability and supply are key drivers… levelling out the playing field,’ continues Mr Leeming.

‘The cyclical nature of the market means that it is likely that a past drop in waterside prices won’t last for long. Their scarcity and kudos are such that, by their very location, they will always remain desirable. But what this rebalancing of prices in 2023 does represent is a rare opportunity for buyers to act now and purchase at a good price.’

The Jackson-Stops annual waterside review analyses price paid data for property transactions in postcodes within 50 metres of water, both rivers and sea. Unsurprisingly, the list of top 10 most expensive coastal sites is dominated by southern counties, such as Cornwall, Dorset and West Sussex, with a noted rise in interest in Norfolk, where ‘demand for property continues to defy economic gravity,’ says David Lambert, director of Jackson-Stops Burnham Market.

‘There are two distinct buyer types for us; the second-home shoppers, who want a beachside bolthole to spend the weekends, and the countryside-living converts, who left the City during lockdown and aren’t looking back, thanks to flexible working,’ he continues, addin that Norfolk is ‘a honeypot for young families’ with prestigious schools such as Gresham’s and Beeston Hall.

Mr Lambert has noticed a number of downsizers coming to Norfolk from the Midlands and believes the county’s size is a huge draw, with its ‘big skies, expansive beaches and abundant natural capital. Bringing well-presented homes to the market is especially important right now and Norfolk’s charming coastline and brick-and-flint homes are in high demand both locally and nationally’.

However, when it comes to life on the river and messing about in boats, it’s the North of England that takes the crown, with Yorkshire, Leicestershire and Manchester among the top 10, as well as Lancashire. No wonder, believes Karl Ormerod, director of Jackson-Stops Lancashire and the Sefton Coast. ‘The North of England is a hidden gem of waterside beauty spots, protected by moorlands, woodlands and dramatic valleys, combining to produce spectacular views and a fantastic quality of life. Houses and estates in Lancashire that are close to water or that have moorings and direct water frontage are often larger in size due to the vast amounts of land here and thus will command a premium.’

‘It’s not only the Ribble valley,’ continues Mr Ormerod. ‘The Sefton Coast is attracting swathes of downsizers and families from across the country looking for a new rhythm to life. Cleaner air, quieter environments, opportunities for outdoor adventure and a closer connection to Nature.’

These days, people want privacy, he stresses, and that’s why they look to the North. That house prices are pretty reasonable, the trains fast and slightly unsung beauty spots, such as Formby Beach and the Pennines, are on the doorstep, makes it all the more appealing.

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

To call one’s home the River Haven requires something that, in the olden days, would reference a man’s anatomy. But we are a forward-thinking publication, at least online, so nowadays we shall simply call the decision brave. There are a lot of rivers in this country, and there are a lot of nice houses next to them. 

But then, look at this.

Now, if you are going to call your home The River Haven, a haven by the river it better well be. But I think this property, so named, and for sale with Hamptons for £3.3 million, fits the bill. It can be found on a very private road in Thames Ditton.

The property was purchased as a bungalow by the current owners in 2008 and, ever since, have turned it into one of the nicest London(ish) homes I’ve ever seen. 

I like the New England clapboard styling, and how the façade of the house is drawn towards the river, through the well-planted garden, down to the 55ft private jetty. What better way to get into town and do your groceries than by boat!

Inside, the property is finished to an exceptionally high standard. It is one of the few that I have seen where not only would I buy the house, but also everything in it — particularly the pool table in the kitchen/sitting room, which occupies most of the ground floor. It also has a bar.

One bedroom can be found on the ground floor, with the other two on the first floor. The master suite faces out towards the river, with enormous windows, and also benefits from a split mezzanine that is currently used as a study (also with exceptional views out over the Thames).

Outside, the well proportioned and planted garden leads down to the river, and is stocked with a mix of exotic and native trees, as well as lawned areas. There are plenty of places to sit an enjoy the view, both from the house (I count at least two balconies/verandas) and from the garden. I have already planned so many parties at this place in my head.

It was a bold call from the current owners, but I think the River Haven qualifies.

River Haven is for sale with Hamptons for £3.3 million. For more information and pictures, click here

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Hybrid working means that more of us are prepared to venture further out of the capital in search of a house. The countryside that lies to the south of London, taking in Kent, the Surrey Hills and the South Downs, has been a hunting ground for house buyers since the dawn of commuting, which was spearheaded by the opening of the London & Greenwich Railway in 1836 and oxygenated by the huge expansion of the network in the 1840s. Here, we hone in on the best areas within a one-to-two-hour train ride south of the capital.

This is part two of a series of articles looking at the new commuter hotspots. The first article looked at the best places to live north of London.

Canterbury and the Kent coast

As a general rule of thumb, property buyers will know that the further down the track you go, the lower the house prices will be. Although that’s generally true of the southern region, prices do creep up in certain areas, particularly along the south coast of Sussex, which is home to some of the most hotly contested real estate in the country.

Those who favour Kent are advised to look east of Canterbury, says Nick Rooke of Finn’s, part of the Mayfair Office network. ‘The service from Canterbury takes an hour to St Pancras — it gets busy. Whereas, going east, there is the choice of stations at Dover and Sandwich.’ The added bonus heading in this direction is that values start to go down quickly. ‘You get half as much again for your money compared with west Kent,’ says Mr Rooke. He adds that east Kent is well protected from the urban sprawl that has merged into the countryside elsewhere in the county and recommends the villages of Bishopsbourne (home to Gilda Bakery — ‘Daylesford quality at east Kent prices’), Wingham, Eastry, Woodnesborough, Chillenden, Goodnestone and Ash.

What you could get: Kent, £3.5 million

The quiet village of Wickhambreaux, with its pretty green and excellent pub, was home to the late keyboardist and vocalist Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac for 25 years. At the opposite end of rock ’n’ roll is The Old Rectory, a Grade II*-listed Queen Anne house, which forms part of an idyllic and unchanged Kentish pastoral scene at the centre of the village. The current owners have updated and redecorated the whole house in recent years; it has eight bedrooms, a separate one-bedroom cottage and a swimming pool, gym and tennis court. For sale with Strutt & Parker 

Moving to the coast, Margate retains its Bohemian crown, bequeathed (in part) by its resident artist Dame Tracey Emin. Joe Charlton of Strutt & Parker says the old town, with its artisan boutiques and cobbled squares, continues to attract creatives relocating from London, but those looking for more peace and quiet will head for the villages of Monkton and Minster. ‘Here, you can still access Margate station and everything on offer at the coast, but there’s a slower pace of life,’ says Mr Charlton. ‘You’ll have to go slightly further afield for good schooling,’ he warns. Expect to pay between £750,000 and £800,000 for a four-bedroom house with a garden.

The Kent kite-surfing scene is lively in Sandwich Bay and Turner’s beloved Thanet. ‘Of course, there’s great golf at Sandwich, too,’ says Mr Rooke. ‘And, if you WFH, there is always the opportunity for an early or late round when the courses are quiet — so much more fun than sitting on a train.’ Kent still holds onto a number of its grammar schools at Canterbury, Dover and Sandwich, as well as a good selection of private schools; among them are King’s Canterbury, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks and Benenden.

Closer to Canterbury itself, Edward Church, who heads up the Strutt & Parker office in the city, recommends Wickhambreaux, Bridge (home to one of The Pig hotels) and Lower Hardres as examples of villages that come up time and again in searches. The latter is recommended for its farm shop and lovely walks. ‘Most of these villages tick all the boxes with country-house buyers. There is an abundance of cricket clubs, quaint churches with active communities and plenty of schools rated “outstanding” by Ofsted.’

Commuting from Rye on the East Sussex coast means changing trains at Ashford for the high-speed service, but it’s worth it, says Jason Stubbs of Phillips & Stubbs, also part of the Mayfair Office. For those who prefer the reliability of a direct line, he recommends the villages of Iden, Wittersham, Northiam, Stone and Appledore, which are all within a 20-to-40-minute cross-country drive of Ashford. ‘Good villages close to Rye include Winchelsea, Peasmarsh, Beckley and Udimore,’ adds Dominick Brown of buying agent Prime Purchase.

What you could get: Kent, offers over £2 million

Hammill Farm is Grade II-listed and regarded as one of east Kent’s most prestigious houses; it has been occupied by one family for nearly 60 years. Set in just over 2½ acres, the eight-bedroom house comes with an adjoining self-contained annexe, as well as a two-bedroom detached gardener’s cottage. The garden is home to a tennis court and outdoor pool and there is a party barn and indoor pool. Woodnesborough lies two miles west of the Cinque Port town of Sandwich and its train station. For sale via Finn’s

Life here is spent outdoors. Camber Sands is one of the best sandy beaches on the south coast and also home to a big kite-surfing community. Meanwhile, Rye has grass tennis and padel courts and the links golf course. The area is packed with leading vineyards, including Gusbourne, Chapel Down, Oxney, Charles Palmer and Tillingham — many of which have cafés or restaurants attached.

West Sussex, Chichester and beyond

At the opposite end of the Sussex coast lies Chichester, where Andrew Richardson of Jackson-Stops says his office often sees a seasonal uptick in London buyers at this time of year. As the boats begin to shed their barnacles, the laid-back maritime vibe lures buyers to the villages that surround the harbour, including Bosham, Itchenor and Emsworth, with their sailing clubs and Swallows & Amazons lifestyles. ‘This used to be reserved for second homes, but, since the pandemic and the advent of home working, we’ve seen many families basing themselves here full time,’ explains Daniel Rowland of buying agent Garrington. ‘Most will choose to commute from Havant for fast and direct services. Chichester is lovely with its fantastic theatre and good shops, but it’s a long journey to London on the train.’

Anywhere with a water view will command a premium. ‘Family homes on the coast here usually have price tags well over £2.5 million,’ says Paul Machell of Strutt & Parker in Chichester. ‘This can often make the South Downs villages more appealing.’ He cites South Harting, Amberley and East Dean, home to The Star & Garter pub, as among the most popular. ‘They are far enough away from the coast to escape the hustle and bustle.’

What you could get: West Sussex, £4.25 million

Of all the Chichester harbour villages, Bosham is particularly known for having some of the best waterfront properties. This one, which dates from 1694 and has been redecorated by the current owners, was once the town hall, but is now a handsome five-bedroom, five-bathroom family house offering views of the harbour from almost all of the main rooms. A south-facing walled garden is an ideal spot for taking in the water activity; it overlooks Bosham Channel and includes paved pathways and terraces for outdoor eating and entertaining. For sale via Strutt & Parker

There’s plenty going on here for those who aren’t into sailing, including polo at Cowdray and racing at Goodwood, which also has a country club and spa. ‘The Pig at Madehurst is a great venue to the north of Chichester,’ adds Russell Grieve of Knight Frank in Haslemere, just over the Surrey border. Although Westbourne House prep school and Prebendal both serve Chichester, parents looking for more independent school options will tend to travel either towards Portsmouth Grammar School or Churcher’s and Bedales in Petersfield, Hampshire.

The market town of Petersfield sits on the crossroads of the A3 and A272, making it easily accessible from all directions. Many in search of a country house will head west to the Meon Valley, says Mr Rowlands, and, if pushed, he’d choose East Meon and Hambledon as the most desirable. The latter is known as the cradle of cricket (where the rules were first established) and boasts a shop, café and strong community; East Meon has good pubs and excellent walks and is popular among cyclists.

Southampton to the New Forest

Few country-house buyers would actively choose to commute from Southampton station; it’s not easily accessible from outside the city. Most commuters will use Southampton Airport Parkway, where there is a direct service to Waterloo every half hour or so, says Fred Cook of Prime Purchase. ‘I live on the north-eastern corner of the New Forest and, when ever I go into London, I’m sharing the platform with a healthy number of commuters; it’s totally doable,’ he adds.

Mr Cook cites villages such as Brook, Bramshaw and Landford as offering the right blend of a New Forest location with an easy train commute from this station. ‘Lyndhurst is a wonderful place to live and also handy for the Southampton train, but it’s a tourist hotspot in the summer and hard to move during the weekends.’

What you could get: West Sussex, £3.95 million

Sidlesham is a small village on the Manhood Peninsula — the name is thought to have derived from the Old English for ‘woodland held in common’ and was once run by a separate judicial and administrative unit known as the Hundred — three miles south of Chichester. Grade II-listed Quay House occupies a prime position on the waterfront and, following a programme of refurbishment completed two years ago, features a vaulted kitchen breakfast room looking out over the saltmarshes and a separate two-bedroom former boathouse in the garden. For sale via Knight Frank

Some agents recommend New Forest property hunters look at buying around the village of Brockenhurst, which has direct lines to London, the fastest of which take an hour and a half. That’s if you don’t get stuck behind ponies and donkeys walking along the road in front of you en route to the station. ‘One donkey used my wing mirror as a back scratcher the other day and didn’t care that I was keen to move on,’ says Mr Rowland.

There’s another reason to be wary of this route, adds Mr Cook: ‘It’s all wiggly lanes and the train is much slower in the section west of Southampton — and there’s limited parking at the station.’ There is a third option for those determined to base themselves in or near the New Forest, he adds. ‘If you head to the north-west corner, villages such as Godshill or Downton, you could then catch the train at Salisbury.’

Seven of the best places to live in the North of England – and seven wonderful houses from under £500,000

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

Towering mountains, breathtaking views, wild hillsides and epic swathes of peat moorland, where deer, pine martens, otters, eagles and red squirrels share the land with the walkers and ramblers who come to enjoy the landscape. The Cashel Estate, it's fair to say, isn't your usual property.

This 3,068 acre (1,241 hectare) estate is a totally unspoilt stretch of Scotland, at the heart of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. After three decades of care in the hands of the Cashel Forest Trust, it's now seeking new ownership to help take it on. And that means there's an opportunity for someone to come in and cherish a glorious and beautiful place just a short drive from Glasgow. Offers over £4,085,000 are asked for the whole, but the sellers are happy to split the property into five different lots, ranging in price from £60,000 to £2.25 million.

At the heart of those lots is Cashel Farm, the £725k Lot 1, a relatively small parcel of land on which stands the four-bedroom farmhouse and visitor centre, a popular spot with day trippers, and a modest source of income for the owners (the car park alone apparently brings in around £8,000 a year).

There is grassland, picnic areas, footpaths, bridges and woodland within the 105 acres, and while the property doesn't stretch as far as the shore of Loch Lomond itself, it does include the right to launch a single boat onto the water, along with riparian fishing rights. (A nearby hydro electric station isn't part of the property, but an interest in its revenue is for sale as Lot 5.)

The farmhouse needs a bit of modernising, but for those with more of an appetite for work and risk, Lot 2 offers a fascinating opportunity at £750k. It comprises almost 350 acres of mixed native woodland, with stunning views, huge diversity of nature and a series of streams and footpaths. There are also, and this is our favourite part of the listing, 'at least two' unlisted, ruined farm steading houses on the land.

The idea that there may be others which have simply been reclaimed by Nature is almost too romantic to bear; the more hard-headed business types, of course, will probably jump on to the possibility that where a house stands, no matter its condition, there's a reasonable chance of repair, renovation and even replacement being an option. Immediately adjacent, Lot 3 offers another potential income source: priced at offers over £60,000, this 16-acre pasture, surrounded by woods, is noted by the agents to have 'potential for change of use' subject to the relevant permissions, and given its proximity to the waterfront 'there is scope for a range of leisure uses'.

The true romantics will be captivated by Lot 4, Beinn Bhreac Hill, which makes up the lion's share of the land (nearly 2,600 acres), the wildest and hilliest part of the estate, offering the best of the views. It's more than just a grand slice of Scotland to call your own, though: there is some montane planting and peatland restoration which should, in time, lead to signification potential for carbon credits.

Beyond the peat restoration, conservation is a strong pull for anyone interested in the Cashel Estate, especially for those who love the idea of woodland generation. Large scale planting of native woodland is well established these days, but 30 years ago, it was a concept that had barely taken root; the Cashel Estate was one of the pioneers in the late 1990s. An extensive planting and restoration programme — including oak, birch, ash, aspen, alder, gean, hazel, holly, juniper, willow and Scots pine — has left it with around 750 acres of native woodland, which stand alongside significant areas of ancient oak.

Taking these conservation efforts even further is part of the reason for the sale, explains Nander Robertson, operations director of Cashel Forest Trust. 'We are immensely proud of the woodland we have created at Cashel, transforming it over 25 years from a bracken covered farm into the stunning amenity it is today. This has only been made possible with the unstinting support of volunteers, funders and trustees.

'However, we feel we have taken it as far as we can. We hope stewardship will pass to a buyer who will be equally passionate about this land and build on the conservation work carried out to date. We are looking for a custodian who will further enhance this legacy and protect it for the future.'

See more about the Cashel Estate sale at the Goldcrest website, or find out more about the estate itself at www.cashel.org.uk.

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside…! When the sun is out, where better to be than on the coast? 

But that’s not the only reason why you might be happy living by the sea. Property values in Britain’s hottest coastal markets have surged in the past year while overall house prices have remained largely unchanged, according to Quickmove Properties. 

Property values across 100 of the nation’s most popular coastal locations have jumped by 4.2% in the past 12 months. In contrast, average national house prices edged up by just 0.8% over the same timescale.

In fact, house prices climbed in 92 of the coastal hotspots. Values remained static in one seaside location, and they dipped in seven, the over-50s property specialist reveals.

Mark O’Dwyer, Sales Director at Quickmove Properties, says somewhat evocatively: ‘From Scotland’s wild shores to the calm sands of Cornwall, so many of us crave to live by the sea.

‘Such is the pull of coastal living that many local house prices stand stoic like a lighthouse in a storm against broader negative trends in the national market.’

Coastal price boom in Scotland

Scotland leads the coastal house price booms. Homes in Lossiemouth on the north east coast increased by 19%. Dubbed the ‘Riviera of the North’ and the ‘jewel of the Moray Firth’, it is known for its wide sandy beaches, picturesque countryside, sailing, and golf. And with an average house price of £178,000, the town appears good value compared with other coastal hotspots. 

It was followed by Burntisland in Fife (17.9%), Irvine in North Ayrshire (16.2%), Ayr in south Ayrshire (14%), and Cockenzie in East Lothian (13.1%). Property values in these spots all fall within the £100k - £250k price bracket.

Portmeirion in Wales and Newquay in Cornwall gives Scotland a run for its money though. House prices in these areas jumped by 11.7% and 10% respectively.

Highest premiums in the south (still)

But while a home with sea views tops many buyers’ wish lists, it can come at a price premium. A hefty one, particularly in the south.

Salcombe, which sits on the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary in Devon, takes the top spot. A familiar name at the top of these types of rankings, values in the seaside town are an eye-watering 104% higher than in the wider South Hams area. If you fancy a home here, expect an average price tag of £809,310.

Following behind is Southold in Suffolk, where homes are worth an average £532,673. That’s £83.6% higher than the surrounding East Suffolk area.

Sandbanks in Dorset comes in third place, with prices 81.2% more than the wider average for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Other coastal locations that command chunky house price premiums include:

• Aldeburgh in Suffolk (77.4%)
• Padstow in Cornwall (66.9%)
• Porthcawl in Wales (40.9%)
• Fowey in Cornwall (40.6%)
• Seahouses in Northumberland (40.2%)
• North Berwick in East Lothian (37.2%)
• Budleigh Salterton in Devon (36.9%).

House buyers pay up to 122% more to live in one of Britain's most beautiful areas

Britain's most expensive street outside London, where homes average £2.6 million — and a bare plot is up for sale at £5.5m

Old Avenue in leafy Weybridge, Surrey, tops the list of the most expensive streets to buy a home outside the

Hugging the banks of the picturesque Kingsbridge Estuary in Devon, Salcombe certainly boasts a plum spot.

The pretty coastal town is well-known for its sailing, stunning coastal views and…swanky real estate. I, for one, remember its astronomical cafe prices.

It’ll come as no surprise to many people that Salcombe has been named the priciest place in Britain to buy a coastal home, despite values dropping 22% since 2022. Average property prices in Salcombe now stand at £970,657, according to Lloyds Bank.

Salcombe has form in this ranking, regularly being crowned the most expensive coastal location over the last decade.

It attracts an A-list crowd, with the likes of Rod Stewart, Gordon Ramsay, Mary Berry, and Vernon Kay and Tess Daly, all spotted in the area, reports DevonLive.

Now there’s not much geographical spread when it comes to Lloyds Bank’s top 10. Almost all the most expensive coastal towns are located in the south west. The only exception is Lymington in Hampshire but even that hotspot is in the same neck of the woods, broadly-speaking. At least Aldeburgh in Suffolk provided a little geographical diversity in last year's ranking.

Sandbanks, home to celebs such as Harry Redknapp, comes in second place. Properties in the Dorset peninsula have an average price tag of £957,739. It’s followed by Padstow in Cornwall, where a home will typically set you back £701,979.

Lyme Regis in Dorset and St Ives in Cornwall have both made it into the top 10 this year, with average prices of more than £500,000 in both hotspots.

While exclusive coastal pockets like these may draw in celebs and second home owners aplenty, they also attract criticism for pricing out locals.

Tackling the rather thorny subject, Amanda Bryden, Head of Mortgages, Lloyds Bank, says: ‘These pricier areas can result in a lack of affordable homes for first-time buyers, a problem often exacerbated by high levels of second home ownership, meaning that many who have grown up in the area may find themselves priced out of owning their own home locally.’

The most affordable coastal locations

But enough of the glitzy spots, where can you get more bang for your buck? You need to head north to Scotland for all 10 of the least expensive areas to buy a seaside home. Top of the ranking is Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, where homes cost just £101,477. A fraction of the price of a property in Salcombe.

It’s followed by Greenock in Renfrewshire (£107,111) and Girvan in Ayrshire (£107,349). In fact, all but one of the coastal towns (Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire) are on Scotland’s west coast.

The seaside spots that have seen the biggest price rises

The average price of a coastal home is now £293,710. That’s 4% lower than in 2022, but 48% higher than 10 years ago, says Lloyds Bank. And some coastal homeowners are sitting very pretty off the back of increasing house prices during the past decade.

Fashionable Margate in Kent tops the charts when it comes to the biggest price rises in coastal locations since 2013, with average values jumping 104% to £309,049. It’s followed by Amlwch in Wales (up 100%), Menai Bridge in Wales (up 93%) and Ramsgate in Kent (up 91%).

Lest we thought all seaside towns are picture-perfect, Bryden points out ‘that in some coastal areas around Britain, the idyllic image of a seaside resort doesn't apply’.

She explains: ‘Indeed there are specific socio-economic factors, often as a result of changing tourism habits, or the decline of other local industries, which can lead to higher levels of deprivation.’

Britain's most expensive street outside London, where homes average £2.6 million — and a bare plot is up for sale at £5.5m

Old Avenue in leafy Weybridge, Surrey, tops the list of the most expensive streets to buy a home outside the

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Why do we all love waterside homes?

Rivers, lakes, canals and the sea act as magnets for buyers. Annabel Dixon explores why ‘water always bucks the trend’.

There's something irresistible about the idea of owning your own island. Some hanker after dots on the map in mystically-beautiful locations; others see things differently, caring not for beauty and charm but instead looking for independence and an escape from the usual rules of society, as in the case of Sealand.

Without either factor at play, though, islands can still exert a powerful draw. Take the example of the two ports which have come up for sale in the Solent. There is no nature or beauty, and the city of Portsmouth is little more than a stone's throw away; yet who can look at the images on this page without wondering in awe what life on the fort (on shore? on board? it's hard to say) would be like.

Decommissioned after the war, the forts were sold off in the 1980s. Spitbank Fort was converted into a museum, and later hosted TV programmes and weekend raves.

Spitbank Fort and No Man’s Land Fort and were bought by businessman Mike Clare’s Clarenco, which has invested an estimated £8m on restoring the properties. They came up for sale a few years ago at around £4m each; now, they're for up for auction through Savills, with a bargain guide price of £1 million each.

'Throughout my career as an auctioneer I’ve seen several sea forts hit the market that have achieved impressive prices as buyers have sought to pursue these trophy assets,' says Robin Howeson, head of Savills Auctions.

'Having been carefully restored by the current owners, No Man’s and Spitbank Fort represent exceptional market value, each guided at £1 million. Both offer an opportunity like no other; a waterfront location, up to 99,000 sqft of space and a chance to champion the heritage and legacy of these iconic maritime structures.'

This type of fort has a long history. In the early 16th century, Henry VIII built an extensive set of coastal defences at either end of the Solent, part of his network of Device Forts that effectively controlled access to east and west.

In the late 1850s, a perceived threat of invasion by France led to the commissioning of a fresh series of forts in the Solent by the Prime Minister, Lord Palmerston. The massive, armour-plated structures took 15 years to build, by which time the French threat had receded and they were no longer required.

During the Second World War, the forts were used to defend the Portsmouth dockyards. Life on site was grim; those serving were deliberately chosen for their inability to swim, to avoid any attempt to escape.

That's far from the case these days. The mix of quirky boutique hotel with a nautical theme is oddly charming, particularly when you throw in some of the original Victorian details which remain to this day.

Clearly as it stands these properties are business opportunities rather than homes for sale, yet we see no reason why Spitbank in particular couldn't work as a private home. Especially for those looking for somewhere from which they can hop in the helicopter to work.

Savills will auction Spitbank Fort and No Man's Fort for a guide price of £1 million each on June 18. Follow the links to each for more details and pictures.

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If you are are house hunting in Cornwall, there is a general rule of thumb: the further you go down the A30, the further your money will stretch. Our recent look at the dramatic Porthledden, near St Just and Penzance, demonstrates this, with 10 bedrooms and 13,000 sq ft on sale at £5m; contrast this with Constantine Cottage, where the same budget 'only' gets you four bedrooms and 2,700 sq ft.

You don't have to be quite that rich to enjoy a house in this gorgeous part of the country, and in fact £2m will still get you a three-bedroom house in one of Cornwall’s most celebrated villages. Take the example of Beach Haven, on the relatively accessible north Cornish coast, which is on the market at £1.95m via John Bray Estates.

It's a home in the perennially popular village of Polzeath, just a few steps from the beach and right across the Camel Estuary from Padstow.

The house is up for sale for the first time since 1984, though it has been changed since then. This modest bungalow was extended in the mid 1990s and looks like an ideal holiday cottage, with a large games room and all-important wetsuit-and-surfboard store.

It sits in a tucked-away position, yet is only a few steps from the heart of the village and offers beach and sea views from many of the windows.

To the rear is about an acre of garden, including an area of mature woodland — a real rare find, according to agent Josephine Ashby. ‘Large plots so close to the sea with scope to create your own vision are extremely rare here,’ she says.

And the village itself is one of the best in the country — particularly for surfers.

‘Polzeath remains one of the most popular surf beaches in the UK, with multi-generational appeal,’ Josephine adds.

Beach Haven is for sale at £1.95m — 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

Credit: Alamy

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Time seems to march to the beat of a slower drum down in the South Hams — and in a good way. This charmed area of South Devon is perhaps best known for the charming little harbour town of Salcombe — or ‘Chelsea-by-Sea’, as Daily Mail writers never tire of calling it. But spend any time at all down here without reference to a tabloid paper and you’ll quickly realise that it’s the gently rolling landscapes, hidden coves and sleepy, twisting lanes with grass growing down the middle which really give the area its character.

So the appearance of a house for sale in just such a blessed little spot is something to celebrate — though particularly, in this instance, for those with very deep pockets indeed. In East Portlemouth, right across the estuary from Salcombe, you’ll find Thalassa, a six-bedroom house which is on the market with Strutt & Parker for £6.5m.

This house really is in a spectacular position, with views looking across to Salcombe in the west and up to Kingsbridge in the north.

Arranged across two floors, there is a large reception room on the ground floor, with a triple aspect view of the ever-changing activity on the water.

The house stands in gardens and beach of nearly two acres with a west-facing terrace perfectly positioned to catch sunset views. Steps lead down to the boat house; there are three moorings and a slipway runs directly onto the beach.

No wonder, then, that the agents are getting excited — despite, or perhaps even because of the fact that the house is a little tired, both inside and out. Having the onus to bring change and make it your own is seen as something of a selling point.

‘Thalassa provides a brilliant blueprint for someone to make their own mark, renovate or even rebuild,’ says Oliver Custance Baker, head of Strutt & Parker’s country-house department.

‘It’s the position combined with ownership of the foreshore and the three moorings that makes it so valuable.’

In 2023, Salcombe was named Britain’s most expensive seaside town, with an average house price of more than £1.2m, according to Halifax. However, Thalassa’s value is not affected by being on the other side of the estuary.

‘There are those who want to be in the thick of the action in Salcombe, but, at this super-prime end of the market, there are also buyers that prefer a bit of privacy,’ explains buying agent Ed Clarkson of Property Vision, who specialises in this area.

‘Thalassa could be seen as the best of both worlds.’

And when you do want to pop across to Salcombe to make the most of its shops, pubs and restaurants? A ferry or harbour taxi operates from East Portlemouth to Salcombe on weekdays throughout the year, and every day from the end of March to the end of September. Naturally, though, those that live here will much more likely have their own craft in which to make the crossing.

Thalassa is for sale at £6.5m — see more pictures and details.

When young Cornishman Francis Oats left school in the early 1860s, he became a miner, as did many of his classmates in west Cornwall. Yet, with an eye on a bigger prize, he would walk the seven miles from his home in St Just across the fields to Penzance, in order to attend evening classes in mining engineering.

His efforts paid off, and years later he would return to the area to build a grand house which is currently up or sale at £5m.

After excelling in exams, he was offered free tuition at the London School of Mines and was made a local mining captain at the age of 20.

Moving to South Africa, he became chairman of De Beers and a close ally of Cecil Rhodes, accruing a significant fortune in the diamond mines and gold fields along the way.

In a real-life echo of Winston Graham’s ‘Poldark’ saga, he championed the welfare of the Cornish tin miners who had followed in his footsteps to South Africa and convinced De Beers to pay annual leave for every expat miner.

Cape Cornwall is a headland about a mile east of St Just, which juts into the point where the Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean meet. At the height of the mining industry, it was heavily industrialised, but, today, it’s a rugged and wild piece of coastline.

When it came up for sale at the beginning of the 20th century, Oats snapped it up and commissioned the building of his family house, Porthledden. Constructed between 1907 and 1910, the large Arts-and-Crafts house occupies an elevated position looking down on the Cape.

Having only spent a very short time at Porthledden, Oats died in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The house was converted into a hotel in the 1920s and, later, an evacuee girls’ school, before eventually being used as a wedding venue. It lay empty for a while, until a concerned group of locals campaigned for it to be listed and, in 2004, a new owner stepped forward and renovations began.

The house was stripped back to its shell and restored, retaining many original features alongside upgrades, including more bathrooms, a large eat-in kitchen and the installation of marine-grade stainless steel and non-ferrous metals to protect it from the coastal elements.

Approached down an immaculate gravel drive, there are mesmerising views from nearly all the rooms; on a clear day, it’s possible to see out to the Isles of Scilly.

Now on the market with Savills at £5 million, selling agent George Hill describes Porthledden as ‘one of Cornwall’s premier coastal residences’.

An ideal home for a large family or those who enjoy entertaining, there are 10 bedrooms, nine bathrooms and four reception rooms in the main house, with a separate three-bedroom guest apartment.

Following further improvements by the current owners, Porthledden now has a highly efficient biomass heating system to work alongside a geothermal one.

The 7¼ acres of grounds include a walled garden — a handy shelter for when the wind picks up — and a productive kitchen garden. There are also equestrian facilities, including a stable block and tack room.

As for the remote location, almost on the western tip of Britain? ‘For some, it’s almost at the end of the earth,' says Mr Hill, 'but others find the adventure, and perhaps particularly the contrast from London, exciting. Plus, it’s almost unheard of to find a house this size and in this condition with land and outbuildings overlooking the sea.’

Porthledden is for sale via Savills at £5m — see more details and pictures.

Credit: Strutt and Parker

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

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I remember holidays in Cornwall. I remember the bad weather, the surfing, the Cornish Rattler, the drive, the traffic. I also remember looking at houses that surrounded the beaches, thinking 'gosh wouldn't that be a nice place to live', as I trudged through the merciless rain, carrying a surfboard, heading towards a carpark.

One such house, that I feel I almost certainly did see and certainly did think 'that would be a nice place to live', would have been Constantine Cottage, on the more easily accessible north Cornish coast, a few miles west of Padstow. Sitting on the edge of a cliff that overlooks the whole of Constantine Bay, the traditional stone-and-slate property was originally a fisherman’s cottage. It has been tastefully extended over the years since it was built — in 1824, according to a plaque. It is for sale with Savills for £5 million.

On the open market for the first time, the property has been a labour of love for the current owners, who commissioned an interior designer and architect to 'realise their ambition to create a bigger, lighter, more modern and efficient interior'. That they certainly did, with the 2,680sq ft of living space a symphony of Cornish contemporary comfort and modern touches.

Decorated and arranged as a holiday cottage with a dining table to seat 10, four double bedrooms and a bespoke fitted kitchen, the whole house has been cleverly updated by the current owners, resulting in a large, light and modern interior. Outside is a single garage and beach paraphernalia can be stowed in a lockable surfboard-and-wetsuit store. Mature hedging, shrubs and wooden fencing protect the garden from the Atlantic winds and a sandy cove is accessible via steps installed by the vendor.

Padstow and its various amenities are within three miles, while the nearby village of St Merryn offers shops, a primary school and two pubs. Trevose Bay Golf and Country Club is at the end of the lane, providing high-end dining and a very challenging but well-rated golf course.

Additional reporting by Arabella Youens

Constantine Cottage is for sale with Savills for £5 million. For more information and pictures, click here

Credit: Knight Frank

An island retreat with 27 bedrooms and a swirling staircase on the Queen of the Hebrides

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Credit: Hamptons

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Credit: Savills

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Brighton — £3,550,000

An unbelievably rare beast in the form of an entire five-storey townhouse right on the front in Brighton.

The property as it's lived in at the moment is set on the upper four floors, in which the owners have created an elegant home with wonderful views in the Brunswick Town Conservation Area.

The lower ground floor, meanwhile, is arranged as four flats which provide £50k a year in rental income.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures of this property.

Scarborough, North Yorkshire — £2,500,000

43 bedrooms — yes, really — on offer in a prime seafront location in one of Britain's iconic seaside towns. Quite incredible.

Clearly, nobody actually needs 43 bedrooms, so you won't be surprised to hear that this property was once — and theoretically still is — The Ambassador Hotel, right on the Esplanade.

A lot of work needs doing, but a lot of work has been done: the owners are looking to sell half-way through a major refurbishment project; clearly, against that backdrop, you'll need to do your homework. But 20,000 sq ft on the beachfront will surely be tempting for someone at this price.

For sale with CPH. See more pictures of this property.

Crail, Fife — £415,000

In the East Neuk of Fife, just around the coast from St Andrews, is this three-bedroom apartment sandwiched between Crail Golf Club and the North Sea.

It's nicely done inside, with the highlight being the living room with bay window and french windows making the most of the view.

For sale with Thorntons. See more pictures of this property.

Braunton, North Devon — £750,000

No, not the whole house, but the picture says it all: beach views simply don't get better than this.

This two-bedroom flat is small at 721 sq ft, but there's share of freehold and no service charge to pay, softening the blow of the premium price.

For sale with Fine & Country. See more pictures of this property.

Polurrian, Cornwall — £1,250,000

On the cliffs above idyllic, unspoilt Polurrian Cove, not far from Helston, is this three-bedroom bungalow with views forever.

It's not a home that will win any architectural awards, though the agents do nod to its 'iconic 1970s design' — and there is a utilitarian simplicity to it.

And in any case, it's all about the location: never has the old adage about how 'you live inside a house looking out, no the other way around' been better illustrated.

For sale with Lillicrap Chilcott. See more pictures of 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

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On the market for the first time, Trowan Farm near St Ives offers coastal views which would be hard to beat. The house comprises of two barns that have been recently converted and is set in 35 acres of pastures within the West Penwith Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It is listed with Lillicrap Chilcott for offers in excess of £2.5 million

The agents describe the property as 'one of the very best coastal residences anywhere in Cornwall, commanding simply stunning, far reaching, panoramic sea views'.

The two barns are connected by a modern, zinc-roofed sitting room which looks out over the Atlantic, with sun terraces either side, so you can enjoy both the sunrise and sunset in prime positions.

There are three comfortable bedrooms, three bathrooms and two reception rooms, all decorated in neutral tones and flooded with light.

The interior is modern, bright and airy, but it's the outside space and surrounding natural beauty that makes this house special.

Accessed via a private lane, the property comes with 35 acres of pristine pastures and has direct access to the South West Coast Path.

Although the spot is secluded, there's no need to fear being lonely, as the bright lights of St Ives are just 1½ miles away, so if you can draw yourself away from your private sunset terrace, there are several lovely pubs, bars and restaurants to enjoy.

There is also planning consent to build a new barn on the site, so there are lots of options to expand this Cornish haven — perhaps to provide additional accommodation or a business venture — or you may wish to keep it just as it is and enjoy the rolling fields and glorious ocean views without interruption.

Trowan Farm near St Ives in Cornwall is listed with Lillicrap Chilcott for offers in excess of £2.5 million

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An enchanting Cornish house with stunning harbour views

This secluded property overlooks the historic church and harbour at the mouth of Mylor Creek, near Falmouth.

An elegant Cornish abbey being sold by one of iconic supermodels of the 1960s

Grade ll-listed The Abbey stands high above the harbour in Penzance looking across to St Michael’s Mount.

For those beguiled by the timeless magic of the oceans that swirl around this island of ours, there's only one thing better than owning a house near the sea, and that's owning a house near the sea with views to die for.

That's exactly what we have on offer today, in the form of a superbly-located Cornish house whose very name sounds like you're licking your lips: Lawithick.

Falmouth-based Jonathan Cunliffe quotes a guide price of £1.85m for the enchanting Lawithick at Mylor Churchtown, near Falmouth.

The house sits in a prominent position overlooking the historic church and harbour at the mouth of Mylor Creek, 1½ miles by water from Falmouth Harbour.

There has been a house at Lawithick since 1227, when it may have housed the builders of the exquisite St Mylor parish church.

It then became a farm and, in the 1830s, was an inn called the Clinton Arms, which was closed down by a 19th-century vicar who thought too many of his flock were worshipping Bacchus, rather than God.

In 1931, Mr and Mrs Curnow moved into the house, farming six fields beyond the church and, during the Depression, opening a tea room in the garden.

More recently, Lawithick was owned by Vice-Admiral Sir James Jungius, who was Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic at NATO from 1975–77.

It has been beautifully renovated by the current owners, who bought it in 2006; the charming main house with its chalky-white façade offers three reception rooms, three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a family kitchen and sits prettily in the centre of its grounds behind a private gated entrance.

A converted two-bedroom barn offers versatile additional accommodation with great letting potential.

Outside, densely planted borders of camellias, mimosas, rhododendrons and Mahonia provide total seclusion from the lane and the neighbouring properties.

Lawithick is listed with Jonathan Cunliffe at a guide price of £1.85m

A Cornish home with glorious panoramic views stretching from Trenow Cove to St Michael’s Mount

An elegant Cornish abbey being sold by one of iconic supermodels of the 1960s

Grade ll-listed The Abbey stands high above the harbour in Penzance looking across to St Michael’s Mount.

Credit: Knight Frank

A bewitching and idyllic Scottish retreat clinging to the water’s edge

Located on the west coast, Lagganbuie House offers dramatic views across Loch Feochan, and an interesting development angle.

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

When it comes to sought-after coastal locations, this one certainly takes some beating: Tresona is just 150 yards from Summers Beach and St Mawes Sailing Club’s quay in one of the most desirable villages on Cornwall’s south coast.

The four-bedroom home in St Mawes is on sale for £3,000,000 via Lillicrap Chilcott.

Tresona, which dates back to the 1930s, boasts almost an acre of gardens and grounds. And thanks to its spot at the brow of the hill, you’ve got some pretty spectacular views of St Mawes harbour and Falmouth Bay, which together make up the third largest natural harbour in the world (behind Sydney and Poole, apparently). 

While the location is clearly a huge draw, the house itself is also a gem. Set over two floors, the light and bright property has plenty of large windows ensuring you’re never far from a glimpse of that beautiful coastline. 

Tresona has all you’d expect from a top notch Cornish home: lounge with wood burning stove, dining room, and dual-aspect kitchen with underfloor heating and an electric AGA range cooker. 

It has all the practical elements covered too: pantry, study, cloakroom, laundry, boot/games room and shower room to wash the salty spray away after a day on the beach or out sailing. 

One of the house’s highlights has to be the sun room. It opens out onto a terrace that wraps around both sides of the house. Perfect for enjoying a cold beer or glass of wine as the sun sets.

Upstairs, there’s four bedrooms (two with ensuites), bathroom, WC, a dressing room and an all-important balcony.

It’s hard to imagine anyone wanting to work while at Tresona but if you have to, there’s a home office next to the garage in a separate building.

There’s also a discreet courtyard, stores and beds for growing vegetables tucked away beyond two old apple trees.

The area needs little introduction. It’s one of Cornwall’s best-known coastal communities and renowned for its sailing. The popular local sailing club has a packed calendar, with regular races and lessons. There’s also a windsurfing school and kayaking centre nearby.

But if sailing and other watersports aren’t your thing, then always there’s the harbour for crabbing and miles of beautiful beaches and blustery walks nearby.

Tresona is currently on the market via Lillicrap Chilcott for £3,000,000 — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.

A 'Holy Grail' Cornwall property with location, land and endless views

Trevascus Farm is a beautiful property near Cornwall's Roseland Peninsula which seems to tick every box.

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

Situated right on the edge of Loch Feochan, Lagganbuie House is a mighty fine spot to relax and explore the west coast of Scotland.

Built in 1937, the six-bedroom, five-bathroom property has been designed to make the most of its picturesque setting. Its features include a sun porch and an upstairs lounge with breathtaking views of the loch.

Lagganbuie House underwent a refurbishment in 2017, including a rewiring of the property and the installation of a new boiler and a new kitchen.

It is in a very good state and has all the creature comforts you’d expect, in other words — though it's decorated and presented in a very plain manner.

It’s perhaps little wonder that Lagganbuie House has been described as a successful holiday let by Knight Frank, which is selling the property for £595,000.

The ground floor consists of the sun porch, hall, sitting room with a wood-burning stove, dining room with doors that open out into the garden, kitchen, utility room, three double bedrooms with shower rooms, and a family bathroom.

And the first floor comprises the lounge, two further double bedrooms, a shower room, and a further room that can be used as another bedroom or office.

Lagganbuie House is nestled in gardens and grounds that extend to about two-thirds of an acre. There’s a terrace and two-tiered garden with formal lawns and herbaceous borders, as well as a pond fed by a small burn. And there is, of course, that stunning vista.

The sale also comes with a development angle. Planning permission has already been granted for a new detached four-bedroom property within the grounds.

Lagganbuie House is just outside the hamlet of Kilmore and five miles from Oban, dubbed the Gateway to the Isles and the seafood capital of Scotland, according to Knight Frank.

You’re not short of outdoor activities in this neck of the woods, with fishing, cycling, biking, sailing, diving, and golf all available nearby.

And if you want to go further afield, Oban’s ferry ports have regular services to the Inner and Outer Hebrides, including Mull, Iona, Barra and Uist. Meanwhile, its airport has daily flights to Coll, Colonsay, Tiree and Islay.

Lagganbuie House is currently on the market via Knight Frank for £595,000 — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details. 

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

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Fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of modern life? Then cast your eye over Torsa, an idyllic Scottish island on the market for the first time in 85 years.

Torsa Island — which consists of Torsa, Torsa Beag and Eilean na h-Eaglaise — lies off the west coast of Scotland in the Inner Hebrides. Totalling around 270 acres, it’s on sale with Savills for £1,500,000.

That's the same price you'd pay for a two-bedroom flat in Southwark, for example; or this three-bedroom home in East Grinstead.

Torsa is home to a 19th century farmhouse, which occupies a sheltered spot looking south-east over the mouth of Loch Melfort.

The three-bedroom property, built of traditional stone and slate, has been modernised and managed as a holiday let. It comprises a boot room, shower room, kitchen and dining room, and sitting room. Best of all — for its views, rather than its architectural beauty — is the conservatory, with panoramic views which mean you can soak everything in even when the weather is bad. (And — let's face it — the weather will be bad a fair bit of the time.)

There’s a range of traditional stone farm buildings nearby. They’re fairly dilapidated, yes, but ripe for development if you get all the necessary planning consents.

Torsa is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There’s more than 2.5 miles of coastline and foreshore, with sheltered anchorage and mooring. But if a larger yacht or motorboat is more your thing, the selling agents recommend a tender.

The place is humming with wildlife, with regular visits from sea eagles and other raptors, as well as resident blue hare, roe deer and otter populations.

Torsa rises up to 62m in the centre. Head here and you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping vista that takes in the surrounding Inner Hebrides and the mountains and lochs of Argyllshire.

The island is also steeped in history. Look no further than the ruined Casteal nan Con (the Dogs’ Castle) in the north-east of the island, which is thought to have been occupied by various Clans over the years.

The very definition of privacy, the nearest town is Oban, the unofficial capital of the West Highlands, about 18 miles to the north-east.

Torsa is currently on the market via Savills for £1,500,000 — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details. 

Set against a dramatic backdrop, this secluded Scottish home on the west coast fuses traditional design with modern interiors.

The eight-bedroom, seven-bathroom property has now been brought to the market via Knight Frank with a £1,600,000 price tag.

And it's hard to imagine isolation any more splendid.

Druimavuic House is understood to have been built by Clan Campbell in 1750, extended in 1850 for a wedding (as you do), and then fully and sensitively renovated by the current owners in 2010.

Situated close to the shores of Loch Creran, Druimavuic House retains all its period charm. But it has been brought bang up to date and includes double glazed sash-and-case windows, a modern kitchen and bathrooms, a drawing room with a wood-burning stove, and vibrant colours.

The house boasts well-proportioned rooms, such as the drawing room, dining room, study and kitchen. And towards the back, there’s a host of practical rooms, including a wine cellar, boot room and utility room.

There’s a double garage with a boiler tucked neatly away. And there’s also a three-bay wood store, a stone and slate bothy, and a stone steading next to the Allt Buidhe burn.

Druimavuic House is nestled in some 11.5 acres of land, and is unsurprisingly focused on the scintillating westerly views over Loch Creran.

The gardens include formal lawns that surround the house, planted borders, specimen trees, a walled garden, a pretty rhododendron and woodland walk, and a four-acre paddock, with the burn flowing along the southern boundary of the garden.

When we mentioned 'splendid isolation' in regard to the location, we really weren't joking: the nearest village, Benderloch, is eight miles away. That said, once you're there you'll find a general store, cafe, post office, petrol station and primary school. And when you need more facilities, Oban — the unofficial capital of the West Highlands of Scotland, not to mention the seafood capital of the country — is 17 miles away.

‘The countryside around Druimavuic boasts some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland, a fantastic base for exploring the West Coast of Scotland with a great variety of outdoor activities available’, say the agents, Knight Frank.

Druimavuic House is currently on the market via Knight Frank for £1,600,000 — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details. 

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

Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale

A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.

Credit: H Tiddy

12 stunning character properties for sale at under £400,000

Thatched homes in Cornwall and West Sussex are among the many highlights of these gorgeous character cottages for sale.

The films Barbie and Oppenheimer have taken box offices by storm recently. This is, declares the BBC, the ‘summer of Barbenheimer’. But if you don’t fancy heading to your nearest cinema for some Hollywood escapism, you could always kick back and watch a good movie at home.

From an award-winning architectural property in Kent, to a grand historic house on Brighton seafront, here are seven homes for sale with striking cinemas.

1. Highgate, London — £6,500,000

You can expect the full cinematic experience in this quirky property, which is sandwiched between Waterlow Park and Highgate Cemetery. The four-bedroom house boasts a retractable glass roof, floor-to-ceiling views across the cemetery, and a street façade that is ‘mysterious and private’.

It is equipped with the latest tech, including an integrated audio-visual system and central controls for underfloor heating and lighting. The plush cinema is buried in the basement.

Little surprise then that the modern house has had several starring roles itself. It’s been the subject of TV programmes and used as a backdrop in shows too. It has also featured in books about modern architecture, according to the selling agents.

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

2. Rudry, Wales — £1,500,000

There is more to this four-bedroom property than meets the eye. It comes with a ‘party barn’ that includes a cinema with big chairs to sink into and dimmable lighting to create just the right atmosphere. There’s also a kitchen (perfect for making snacks for the film - popcorn, anyone?), bar, spa area with a sauna and a steam room, gym, and games room.

The main house has been brought up to date with a bright, sleek and contemporary look. It has an idyllic countryside setting in the Welsh countryside, yet is commuting distance to Cardiff.

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

3. Sonning, Berkshire — £7,500,000

If you want to make an impression, look no further than this sprawling Thames-side mansion, which is thought to belong to psychic magician Uri Geller, media reports reveal. Built in 1970, and extended since, the palatial pad includes a glitzy cinema room. Think big screen, mood lighting and luxurious leather chairs.

The nine-bedroom property, believed to have been modelled on the White House in Washington, seems to have it all: 110m of mooring on the river, manicured gardens, tennis court, swimming pool, gym, and a ‘wine cellar/safe/panic room’ not to mention some pretty grand interiors (including a golden loo seat).

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

4. Brighton, East Sussex — £3,500,000

The cinema in this Grade II listed Regency house on Brighton seafront takes some beating. Sip a drink at the bar, entertain friends and then settle down in front of your favourite flick. This Great Gatsby-esque cinema features rosewood and bird’s-eye maple veneers finished in high gloss and granite worktops.

Built in the early 1800s, six-bedroom Bedford House has an impressive pedigree. It was once the home of impressionist artist Cecil D’Oyly and subsequently the playwright Sir Terence Rattigan.

Acting stars Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh have been guests at the house too, according to the selling agent.

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

5. Koa at Electric Boulevard, Battersea Power Station, London — from £640,000

Want to escape the buzz of the city? Residents of Koa at Electric Boulevard can make the most of the tip-top amenities at Battersea Roof Gardens. These include the private Sky Lounge, on the 14th and 15th floors, which is home to a luxurious cinema as well as a bar, comfy lounges, workspaces, and a gym.

Koa at Electric Boulevard is a collection of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. It forms part of the transformation of the iconic Battersea Power Station site into a major new London neighbourhood on the banks of the River Thames.

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

6. St Austell, Cornwall — £3,250,000

How could you tire of those panoramic views across the bay towards Charlestown? Still, if you were keen for a change of scenery at this spectacular five-bedroom house, then there’s always the soundproofed cinema. It has an electric drop-down screen, bespoke lighting, comfortable leather chairs, and surround sound.

Other highlights (of which there are many) include an outdoor kitchen with BBQ and wood-fired pizza oven, games room, and a terrace with sunken hot tub.

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

7. Goudhurst, Kent — £3,950,000

If you have an eye for contemporary design, look no further. This award-winning property features a stylish cinema with 110-inch projection and 16 speakers.

The five-bedroom house bagged a RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) South East Award this year. You can read more about its design at RIBA. Completed in 2022, the property has all the mod cons, including automated shutters on the front façade and SONOS throughout, plus far-reaching views across the High Weald AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

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

Somehow set both within the city of Chelmsford and its own naturally landscaped mature grounds (which extend to some four acres) Grade II-listed Barnes Mill and Mill House is that rare, yet oh-so-desired, thing: rus in urbe.

The former mill and mill house arrive onto the market via Jackson-Stops with a guide price of £2.85 million.

This beautifully converted property, consisting of the 4,360sq ft Barnes Mill and the adjoining 2,500sq ft Mill House, offers a total of eight bedrooms (four in each) in an exceptional riverside setting at the end of a quiet no-through road.

Originally dating from about 1700, the buildings have been sensibly restored and renovated by the current owners, who have lived in the property for the past 24 years, and now provides the comforts of modern living set in a property of immense period character.

The mill was converted into a house in 1975 with the great spur wheel and ‘shut’ visible within the property today.

The gardens and grounds are nice and private, featuring two mill ponds and double-bank fishing on the River Chelmer, plus very easy access to the surrounding countryside for walks — all within five minutes’ drive from Chelmsford railway station and London beyond.

Trains run to London Liverpool Street every 15 minutes whilst driving takes about 40-50 minutes.

With Chelmsford city centre just over a mile away, you have access to a huge variety of leisure and shopping facilities with big name department stores, cinemas and restaurants; but really, it’s the joy of retreating back to a property like this which makes it so appealing.

Barnes Mill and Mill House are currently on the market via Jackson-Stops with a guide price of £2.85 million — see more pictures or enquire with the agent for further details.

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

Montenegro, €3.85 million (£3.3m)

With frontline views out across the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site (and super-yacht hub) of Kotor Bay, this spectacular four-storey villa comes with its own private mooring.

Located just outside the town of Perast, the villa boasts seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms; outside, a fantastic outdoor kitchen is situated next to the large heated pool and three separate terraces showcase some of the most impressive scenery to be found anywhere in the Mediterranean.

Savills — www.savills.com

Croatia, €3.85 million (£3.3m)

Villa Prestige is an exceptional contemporary villa in a peaceful location near Rogoznica. A charming seaside town, home to Croatia’s top marina, Marina Frapa, Rogoznica is a magnet for visitors keen to explore the first-class sailing found in this part of the Adriatic.

With a modern, open-plan aesthetic, the ground floor boasts a large kitchen, dining room and living room, plus an inner garden downstairs. This level also features a wellness area and a gym; the three large bedroom suites are on the first floor. Outside are terraces with a heated pool, an outdoor kitchen and dining area and a mature garden. The grounds continue down to the waterline, where there is direct access to the sea and a small private mooring.

Sotheby’s International Realty — www.sothebysrealty.com

Tuscany, €690,000–€1.365 million (£593,000–£1.17m)

Extending down the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea from Cecina to Tarquinia in Lazio, the Maremma coastline is known for its wonderful sailing, which includes the spectacular Tuscan Archipelago.

Marina di Scarlino is a sophisticated boutique development featuring 36 chic, modern apartments with wide panoramic terraces and views to the island of Elba. Properties range between one and three bedrooms and the resort features a pool, a private beach club, high-end shopping and waterside cafés and restaurants. The marina itself is known as one of the most sheltered in the Mediterranean.

Knight Frank — www.knightfrank.com

Mallorca, €14 million (£12m)

Properties with direct sea access and a private jetty rarely come to the market on the island’s sought-after south-west coast, making this handsome waterside villa a real find.

Located near the Club de Vela in Port Andratx, its accommodation has been beautifully designed to make the most of the water views: the spacious living room leads into the kitchen and there is also a separate dining area and bar.

The villa also boasts six well-appointed bedroom suites, multiple terraces offering sun and shade and pretty gardens with views across to the harbour.

Engel & Völkers — www.engelvoelkers.com

Corfu, €7.5 million (£6.45m)

Perfectly placed to explore the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Corfu remains a popular location for buyers who sail and Emerald Bay, on the north-east coast, offers not only direct frontage onto a white-pebble beach, but also a rare private mooring.

Sitting between the bays of Avlaki and Kassiopi, this traditional-style villa has spacious living areas and a generous state-of-the-art kitchen. Huge picture windows showcase superb water views and there are several well-appointed terraces. Each of the five double-bedroom suites boasts brilliant sea views and the lower-ground level has a gym and a home cinema. Outside are a guest cottage, an impressive lap pool and fragrant landscaped gardens.

Greece Sotheby’s International Realty — www.sothebysrealty.com

Ibiza, €11.4 million (£9.8m)

This smart hill-top estate in Cap Martinet is a secluded retreat with a resort feel and one of the finest marinas in the Balearics — Marina Botafoch — just around the corner.

With chic and comfortable living spaces and an easy indoor-outdoor flow, the house comes with plenty of options for entertaining. The infinity pool and terraces make the most of the views, and the gardens and grounds come to more than 3½ acres, offering total privacy.

There are two master suites — one with a private terrace at the top of the house — and four generous guest suites.

Engel & Völkers — www.engelvoelkers.com

Cyprus, €9.6 million (£8.25m)

The longer sailing season and quieter shores of the eastern Mediterranean have a dedicated following for a reason and Cyprus is an excellent base from which to explore Greece, Turkey and the Levant.

Located within the Limassol Marina, this classically inspired villa boasts 5,425sq ft with light-filled open-plan living downstairs, four bedroom suites and seven bathrooms, plus an expansive roof terrace with far-reaching views. Outside are a swimming pool, jacuzzi and not one, but two private berths. Limassol offers a full-service marina with superb amenities, including fine dining and Bond Street-style shopping.

Sotheby’s International Realty (00 35 79 907 9202; www.sothebysrealty.com)

The summer is a prime time to hanker after a waterside home. The days are longer and the weather is brighter - when better to enjoy the perks of a home by the water? Perhaps a spot of paddle boarding at lunchtime and later on, a sundowner at the water’s edge.

Waterside homes have long been popular, and particularly during the pandemic-led ‘race for space’.

Their appeal means that the average price paid for homes in waterside postcodes has climbed by 23% in five years. And in 2022, prices for waterside homes outpaced the wider housing market for the first time in five years, according to Jackson-Stops’ Waterside Review. Prices for homes by the water increased by an average 10% last year, compared with the UK average of 8%.

The estate agent also found that 57% of waterside properties sold above their guide price last year — significantly higher than the 27% in 2020.

Nick Leeming, chairman of Jackson-Stops, says: ‘Their [waterside homes] tranquility combined with their scarcity tend to offer a winning combination for many buyers, often benefitting the most from house price booms, like the one we saw in 2021 during the race for space, for both green and blue landscapes.’

Fast forward to this year, and a home set by the water was worth up to 48% more than a similar property without the same waterside advantage between April and June, separate research by Knight Frank reveals. The overall premium was just two percentage points lower than a year ago.

Andrew Richardson, director at Jackson-Stops Chichester branch, points out West Strand in West Wittering, ‘arguably the best road on the UK coast’, where a £400,000 property 10 years ago would now sell for upwards of £3m. ‘Water always bucks the trend,’ he says.

Sarah-Jane Bingham-Chick, partner in Knight Frank’s Exeter office, believes that a more hybrid approach to working has helped people realise their dream of living by the water.

She explains: ‘Not only has the pandemic made the waterfront lifestyle more appealing, but it’s also made it more realistic. A lot of families and their employers have realised they can work efficiently at home, with fewer visits to the office each month.’

Inland locations overlooking rivers and streams topped the charts for commanding ‘consistently high waterside premiums’ compared with seaside settings, according to Jackson-Stops.

Leeming says: ‘Certainly those homes that come with moorings and direct water frontage, are absolutely gold dust. Planning permission can be hard fought to build on these already populated locations due to their proximity to water - we often see developers get there first.’

Knight Frank’s Waterfront Index found that homes set by a lake or loch attracted the biggest average premium in the last three months, with a 71% uplift, unchanged from last year.

Coastal homes came second, commanding an average premium of 66% compared with an equivalent non-waterfront property.

Homes on estuaries took the third spot — down from joint-first position last year — with an average premium of 64%. Harbour and riverside properties took fourth and fifth places respectively.

Nigel Bishop, founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, notes that for many buyers, properties with estuary views are more attractive than those located on a seashore because they ‘embrace a much more engaging waterside living experience’.

Stuart Williams, estate director at Silverlake, a 260-hectare nature reserve and gated holiday home community in Dorset, says that while properties with private or direct access to the water are the most popular, there is limited availability for these plots.

He explains: ‘Lots of buyers though like the appeal of having a holiday home set slightly back from the water as they can offer a little more privacy, but still have access to the communal jetties that give them access to our network of lakes.’

He adds: ‘As holiday homes, most of our buyers are purchasing as a lifestyle investment, often as part of longer-term financial planning by buying in family members’ names.’

The waterfront homes market isn’t immune to wider pressures though. The pandemic-led race for space now appears to be fading. And there are those well-reported economic headwinds tightening purse strings. The average price of a property in Knight Frank’s Waterfront Index fell by 2.5% between the first and second quarters of this year.

But buyer demand in this corner of the housing market remains strong and cash buyers are in ‘pole position’, according to Knight Frank. It found that more than half (54%) of those who bought a waterside home in the last five years did so in cash, compared with an average of 29% in the wider UK housing market.

Leonardo Biagioni, founder of Seaspace Homes, says that since the initial spike in demand during the pandemic, the market has levelled out, which means that the majority of viewings are with serious buyers and fewer window shoppers.

Bishop explains: ‘The market for waterfront homes has cooled post-pandemic as we see fewer city dwellers planning a long-term escape. That being said, properties in close proximity or with views of the water remain highly sought-after and house hunters will find that choice is often limited whilst demand is driven by buyers with larger budgets.’

Three waterside homes for sale

Wadebridge, Cornwall — £5m

Well this clifftop location takes some beating! Built by the seller’s grandparents in 1937, the four-bedroom house boasts breathtaking views of the ever-popular north Cornish coastline. It’s close to wide sandy beaches, St Enodoc Golf Club – and some top notch dining too.

For sale with Savills. See more pictures of this property.

Poole, Dorset — £2.695m

This three-bedroom, ground floor apartment is the last available home in the high spec waterfront Harbour development. Facilities include a jetty for direct water access, boat and kit store, and a waterside terrace as well as a gym, sauna and games room. Expect sweeping panoramic views of Poole Harbour.

For sale with Tailor Made. See more pictures of this property.

Appin, Argyll and Bute — £1.6m

Get away from it all at Druimavuic House, situated on the shores of Loch Creran, around 17 miles northwest of Oban. Thought to have been built by the Campbell clan in 1750, the eight-bedroom house was fully renovated in 2010. It comes with various outbuildings and extensive gardens.

For sale with Knight Frank. See more pictures of 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

The Abbey at Coggeshall isn’t your average home — even by the standards of the sort of homes featured in Country Life. It’s a historic former monastic complex of immense character and charm set in 25 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens on the banks of the River Blackwater, less than a mile from the centre of the medieval market town of Coggeshall and 10 miles from Colchester.

With the monks long gone, these days it’s a wonderful family home — one which is for sale via Karl Manning of Savills in Chelmsford who is handling the sale of enchanting, Grade I-listed home at £2.5m.

Originally a Savignac religious house and later a Cistercian abbey until the Dissolution, Coggeshall Abbey and its associated buildings were much altered in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, although the principal house still retains many of its earlier features including 16th-century chimney stacks, oriel windows and the west porch. And other parts — including the chapel, above — are far older still.

The Abbey offers a total of six bedrooms split across the main house and an adjoining one-bedroom cottage, a former monk’s lodgings.

Other buildings include an entertaining barn/guest house, and the aforementioned consecrated private chapel, which dates from 1162 and — at not far off a thousand years old — is one of the oldest buildings on the site.

Ornate wood panelling features heavily throughout the building, alongside stone arches and some remarkable timbers. Of particular note is the splendid Grand Hall, which overlooks the north-facing lawn.

Among the other highlights are the family room, dining room, library and the kitchen, which enjoys riverside views.

The first-floor accommodation comprises five bedrooms and three bathrooms, all orientated to make the most of the delightful setting.

Two substantial Essex barns and extensive stabling are set around a central courtyard with direct access to a manège.

As for the location? Well, not only is Coggeshall itself a charming little market town, it's also just off the main A120 (mercifully, there has long been a bypass), close to the main A12 London to Colchester route, and just 50 minutes on the train from central London from the nearby station at Kelvedon.

The Abbey at Coggeshall is for sale at £2.5 million — see more pictures and details.

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

To some people, a car is simply a means of getting from point A to point B, a job which a Ford Fiesta will do just as well as an Aston Martin.

To others, food is just a means of fuelling the body, something that’s equally achievable with a few tins from the supermarket as it is with an exquisite meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

And similarly, there are people among us for whom a house is simply a convenient place to provide shelter from the elements and a place to rest at night. A studio flat would do just as well as a grand country house.

Do you fit in to any of those categories? Given that you’re reading Country Life right now, probably not: we’ve always been happiest celebrating the best things in life, from the delightful to the delicious to the hopelessly romantic. And that latter category is where today’s property sits: a quite wonderful opportunity to buy an island of your own at the cost of a suburban semi in Sydenham — namely, £995,000.

The island in question is called Inchlonaig Island, a truly gorgeous 182-acre speck on the map in Loch Lomond itself. It’s a dream of a place, largely covered in mature woodland — including some 800 yew trees — though also boasting some more open ground as well as the coves and inlets you’d expect.

Just to be clear, though, as well as a natural wonder with views of the loch and Ben Lomond, it’s also a place where you can live. Some islands are pure wildernesses — and have to be kept as such — but Inchlonaig has a two-bedroom cottage and its own jetty. Almost unbelievably, that makes it commutable: it’s roughly a mile across the water to Luss, from where you can take the main A82 and be in Glasgow in under an hour.

The island also has some interesting history, from Neolithic remains dated to 5,000BC to the local legend which claims that Robert the Bruce himself cultivated yew trees here in the 14^th century. Those of a cynical bent might think that the latter is the sort of claim that’s pretty easy to make and impossible to prove one way or the other; and connections to Bruce are the medieval Scottish answer to fragments of the True Cross. Yet there are some good reasons to think there might be truth in it: yew was indeed the bow material of choice for The Bruce’s archers; Inchlonaig’s role in providing the wood for the bows used at Bannockburn has been around for centuries; and the name Inchlonaig itself even means ‘the island of yew trees’.

That’s the island’s past, though. What of its future? Well, it has been used as a holiday let in recent years, and plans have been drawn up to redevelop the three derelict bothies that are on the island. Those plans have yet to go through any of the necessary consent processes; on top of that, the island is off the grid — there are no services of any kind to the cottage.

Cameron Ewer of Savills calls it an 'incredible and rare opportunity' to acquire a part of Scotland's history, while also 'enjoying the spectacular surroundings of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Inchlonaig Island is perhaps the ultimate in private retreats and a very special sale.'

'Very special' seems to say it all, and we’re confident that whoever the new owner is will want to keep the immense charm of this beautiful and historic little island intact. People have been coming to Inchlonaig for 7,000 years, and we’d love to imagine that it’ll still be more or less the same in 7,000 more.

Inchlonaig Island is for sale via Savills for offers over £995,000 — see more details and pictures.

Why Scotland needs more national parks – and why we’ll all gain if it gets them

Fiona Reynolds laments the lack of national parks in Scotland, and explains why the creation of new ones would benefit

Curious Questions: Why does Scotland have 30,000 lochs, but only one lake?

A moment's reflection on a cancelled pub quiz gets Martin Fone wondering about Scotland's only lake.

Beinn Dubh, Argyll and Bute: 'It'll take you a while to climb it, simply because you’ll have to stop repeatedly to admire the view'

Annunciata Elwes takes a look at the magnificent view from Beinn Dubh, found in the Luss Hills in Argyll and

Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale

A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.

Devon — £7.25 million

With its green hills tumbling steeply down into impossibly blue sea, and views across the water to where you’ll see more of the same, there are few spots in England prettier than the River Dart estuary in Devon.

One of the houses in this spot, Paradise Point, has now come up for sale — and it’s every bit as beautiful inside as you’d hope.

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

Northamptonshire — £1.5 million

Plenty of work to do — the internal pictures tell the story — but this could be, once again, a truly stunning country house.

There is 12,500 sq ft of space, almost 10 acres, eight bedrooms and a grand entrance drive, all at the price of a house in a decent London suburb.

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

Cornwall — £3 million

A beautiful detached house in a prime elevated position in St Mawes, with direct water access to and stunning views across the Percuil River.

Bright and spacious within, and with east-facing gardens terraced to make the most of the location.

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

Dorset — £4 million

A charming — and unlisted — farmhouse with wonderful views over the Dorset countryside.

There are 82 acres of land, yet this is in a grand spot in the village of Motcombe, less than five miles from Shaftesbury — and just a couple of hours from London.

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

Surrey — £4.95 million

Half-way between Farnham and Haslemere you'll find the village of Tilford — and in it, this seven-bedroom home

It's a unique family home with an intriguing architectural history: it was created by bringing together three detached Luytens cottages, which were formerly part of Crooksbury House.

For sale with Hamptons. 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