The Old Rectory, Lamport

Built in 1727-30 by Francis Smith of Warwick, the Grade II*-listed rectory, on the market since the spring, has just been reduced in price. The writer and illustrator Denys Watkins-Pitchford, aka BB, was born here in 1905.

A celebrated countryman and a prolific author, he wrote nearly 60 books, including The Little Grey Men, was a contributor to Country Life, and wrote for Shooting Times for more than 50 years, attributing his love of the countryside to his childhood at Lamport.

9 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, stable block. 2.4 acres. £1.575m. Strutt & Parker (01858 433123).