When considering our position in the world, I imagine many of us in the UK like to think that we are leaders in many things. 100 years ago, it was probably the navy, these days, it could be our biomedical sciences, our banking, our financial services, whisky, something like that.
As someone who keeps their ears firmly on the ground of international discourse, I can sadly reveal that arguably what the UK is most famous for is its weird place names, many of which I can’t, or won’t, write here. One that has always fascinated me however, and is printable, is the Lizard, the small village on the tip of the, erm, Lizard peninsula in Cornwall. Why is it called the Lizard? An abundance of reptiles? Sadly not — the name is probably a corruption of the Cornish name ‘Lys Ardh’, meaning high court.
Which brings me to Clahar Cottage, full of character and charm, on said Lizard peninsula. For sale with Cornish agents Lillicrap Chilcott for offers in excess of £600,000, the property was formerly a homestead and stable, housing a donkey that would have transported pilchard from Mullion Cove to the nearby village.
The good news is that it is no longer full of donkeys and fish, and is in fact a Grade II-listed thatched cottage that boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms and two reception rooms. Retaining heaps of period charm throughout, in the form of exposed beams, the aforementioned thatched, mullioned windows and exposed stone and brick, the home has also been meticulously modernised, creating that ideal form of contemporary character.
Location-wise, it doesn’t get much better than this, with the property featuring a large garden, while being close to the village of Mullion and within walking distance of several beaches at Poldhu and Polurrian Cove. There is also driveway parking for two cars.
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
Freddie Mercury's house is on the market, 46 years after he bought it following an advert in Country Life
The seven-bedroom home returns to the market for offers in excess of £30 million, and still carries plenty of Mercury's
Credit: Strutt and Parker
An ivy-clad manor house in one of Oxfordshire's 'most sought-after' postcodes
Manor Farm House, near the hamlet of Cleveley, offers everything you could ever want from a classic Cotswold home, and
Credit: Symonds & Sampson
An utterly gorgeous Victorian house with character, charm and a couple of acres, all for just £650k
Those who dream of swapping a suburban semi for something magnificent should step right up.
-
Omani tourism is booming and this one-of-a-kind hotel — with exquisite marble swimming pools dedicated murshid guides — shows whyThe Malkai, a collection of three tented camps spread out across Oman, is one of the travel industry's most anticipated openings of 2026.
-
What Britain's top garden designers are planting now to create dazzling spring meadows around their homesNon Morris reveals the techniques behind the contemporary take on William Robinson’s original idea of naturalising bulbs in long grass, creating an effect even more dazzling than a meadow.
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
How to buy a house at auctionBuying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same timeThe houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in BritainBressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interviewAfter many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can seeMellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
-
One of Yorkshire's great houses, burnt to the ground three generations ago, is back on its feet and on the market for the sixth time in a millenniumPenny Churchill looks at Riseborough Hall, a great house, rich with fascinating history and beautifully apportioned, which burnt to the ground but rose again.
-
Seven magnificent homes from Cumbria to Devon, as seen in Country LifeOur regular look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past few weeks takes in a breathtaking Lake District house and a superb home in Northamptonshire.
