21 magical homes, from a miniature castle to a house in a fairytale setting, as seen in Country Life
We've fallen in love with a house by a lake in Wiltshire this week.

Hampshire — £7,950,000
In a New Forest setting with its own lake, this sprawling, 11-bedroom country house near Lyndhurst is a Grade II-listed gem that is a true period piece within.
There's some fascinating history here, too: Queen Mary was a regular visitor to Fountain Court, built by mining magnate Sir George Thursby and his wife in 1916.
For sale with Knight Frank. See more pictures and details for this property.
Buckinghamshire — £1,295,000
An Englishman's home is literally his castle sometimes, as is the case with this four-bedroom home that is a blend of fantasy and modern living — complete with roof terrace and a turret room with incredible views.
This fun-sized, castellated delight, which dates to 1807, is for sale in a secluded, wooded spot near High Wycombe.
For sale with Michael Graham. See more pictures and details for this property.
Oxfordshire — £8,750,000
Where to start with this Arts and Crafts home a couple of miles from Henley? The beautiful house? The plethora of entertainment options, from pool and billiards room to library and cinema? Or how about the gardens and grounds than include a cherry orchard?
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
There is 12,000 sq ft of living space, a separate cottage and pretty much everything you can think of, and all in house with easy access to the M4, fast rail services via Reading, and which is half an hour from Heathrow.
For sale with Savills. See more pictures and details for this property.
Wiltshire — £1,650,000
An absolutely glorious fairytale setting is what strikes you first at this magical country home not far from Salisbury.
Inside it's full of charm, and while it's well maintained inside there's a sense of timelessess about the 1930s style within. Just delightful.
For sale with Blue Book. See more pictures and details for this property.
Gloucestershire — £2,250,000
A classic Cotswold stone country home in the very heart of the AONB between Stroud and Cirencester. It's beautifully presented, with a separate cottage and delightful grounds.
For sale with Knight Frank. See more pictures and details for this property.
East Sussex — £2,000,000
This Sussex property comes with a four-bedroom house and three-bedroom annexe, but the extraordinary equestrian facilities are the big draw.
There are 30 acres of land which include historic training gallops and indoor stables.
For sale with Churchill. See more pictures and details for this property.
North Yorkshire — £1,850,000
A classic Yorkshire farmhouse with cottage and a stylishly-converted barn which makes it ideal for multi-generational living or a high-end holiday let business.
For sale with Blenkin & Co. See more pictures and details for this property.
Cornwall — £1,700,000
Not just a home, but a full-on lifestyle business is for sale in Mullion, on the west coast of the Lizard peninsula. An impressive five-bedroom character home is at the heart, but there is a string of holiday cottages, a couple of business lets and a café.
For sale with Stags. See more pictures and details for this property.
Kent — £1,695,000
Exquisitely pretty, this Grade II-listed farmhouse is tucked away in a rural village half-way between Royal Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone. There are delightful gardens of just over three acres, plus an annexe and outbuildings.
For sale with Hobbs Parker. See more pictures and details for this property.
Hertfordshire — £1,550,000
Just off the A1 near Knebworth, this five-bedroom detached home is on the edge of open fields.
For sale with Ashtons. See more pictures and details for this property.
North Yorkshire — £1,500,000
A house which only gets grander once you get through the front door in this village location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
There is work to be done, but the rooms have wonderful proportions and fine views.
For sale with GSC Grays. See more pictures and details for this property.
Perth & Kinross — £1,400,000
An exquisite period country house with cottage, set in delightful grounds providing an attractive and mature backdrop.
For sale with Galbraith. See more pictures and details for this property.
Leicestershire — £1,350,000
The oldest part of this village house go back over 400 years in Walton-on-the-Wolds, which is bursting with character inside and out.
For sale with Bentons. See more pictures and details for this property.
Kent — £1,325,000
A charming house, a charming village — what more could you want? This building was once a 17th century apothecary; today it's a dreamy house surrounded by beautiful gardens — and it's even commutable, via the M20 or high-speed rail not far away at Ashford.
For sale with Jackson Stops. See more pictures and details for this property.
Dorset — £1,250,000
An early 17th century, Grade II-listed farmhouse in six and a half acres of land.
For sale with gth. See more pictures and details for this property.
Derbyshire — £1,100,000
A charming four-bedroom farmhouse that's been completely refurbished inside, with an array of outbuildings and grounds that include gardens, paddock and woodlands.
For sale with John German. See more pictures and details for this property.
Derbyshire — £1,000,000
A charming and distinguished five-bedroom detached farmhouse, with fantastic views and beautiful gardens, nestled on the outskirts of Ashbourne.
For sale with Bennet Samways. See more pictures and details for this property.
Surrey — £535,000
Proof that character cottages in the Surrey Hills can be affordable, this home has two double bedrooms, three reception rooms, parking and a garden, all set in a prime village between Dorking and Cranleigh.
For sale with Terra Cotta. See more pictures and details for this property.
Carmarthenshire — £500,000
The unspoilt beach at Llansteffan is just a 10-minute walk from this well-presented, four-bedroom Grade II-listed house.
For sale with West Wales Properties. See more pictures and details for this property.
Somerset — £415,000
An extended character cottage with views of open countryside, situated on a peaceful country lane.
For sale with Cooper and Tanner. See more pictures and details for this property.
East Riding of Yorkshire — £350,000
Exposed brickwork adds charm to this period cottage in a village not far from York.
For sale with Sweet Move. See more pictures and details for this property.
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
The otterhound — the story behind Britain's rarest breed of dog
Bred for centuries to hunt otters in icy rivers, these shaggy, web-footed hounds were once favoured by royalty. Today, fewer than 1,000 survive worldwide.
By Florence Allen Published
-
Five magnificent homes for sale, from Highland escape to a 17th century school, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Five magnificent homes for sale, from Highland escape to a 17th century school, as seen in Country Life
We take a look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A castle that's 'a masterpiece of the baronial revival' with 17 bedrooms, breathtaking gardens and its own miniature railway
Majestic, imposing, graceful, romantic... Ayton Castle is the very picture of
By Toby Keel Published
-
'One of the finest houses in Cheshire' blends Georgian architecture, modern exoticism and space to park your helicopter
Penny Churchill looks inside Stretton Hall, an exceptional house for sale
By Penny Churchill Published
-
Splendid isolation at four gorgeous properties for sale around the world
For those craving a home that offers a true escape from the world, some wonderful properties are on the market right now. Here's our pick of some of the finest — ideal for nature lovers, those in search of tranquility and Bond villains alike.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The market for super-prime houses in England's biggest millionaire's playground is booming — and this £10m example is one of the best
Whirley Hall is a 17th century building that's a perfect example of how 21st century updates can transform an old home almost beyond recognition.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
If I had to spend the rest of my life living underground, I would do it in this four-bedroom house for sale in the Peak District
The aptly named Underhill is a 'a work of inhabitable art' that was built in the 1970s. And there's a swimming pool in the middle of it.
By James Fisher Published
-
A micro estate for sale in west Wales shows that the best things come in small packages. In this case, three of them
Brithdir is a remarkable collection of properties centred around a lake and just five miles from the sea.
By James Fisher Published
-
This blissful converted mill has sweeping views, a breathtaking library and gardens by a Chelsea gold medallist
Penny Churchill takes a look at Stanbridge Mill, one of the finest properties for sale today in the west country.
By Penny Churchill Published