It’s January and with all the rain I haven’t seen the sun in 4 days. Years ago, when I was less wise and deemed myself far more invincible, I would suffer in silence during these long dark months. But I am wiser now. I look after my brain to keep the SAD at bay. I take vitamin D supplements. I exercise regularly. The boring things that stop you from succumbing.
I also daydream. Daydream of a spring and summer to come and of sun to be soaked. One of the perks of this job, and there are many, is that I get to look at nice houses, overlooking bodies of water, often photographed in the summertime. This allows me to picture the light at the end of the tunnel. To contextualise dreams of a summer that inches ever closer.
Today’s daydream is this astounding semi-coastal property called Rectory Barn, which is in East Portlemouth in Devon. The owners, through their intermediaries Strutt & Parker, are seeking offers in excess of £4.5 million.
Designed by the Harrison Sutton Partnership, the property offers almost 6,400sq ft of living space in what is helpfully described as an ‘upside down’ configuration. What this means is that the property is set over two floors, but the bedrooms, of which there are four, are on the bottom floor.
An odd thing to do in the middle of Suffolk, perhaps, but in Devon, when you have views of the Salcombe estuary to take advantage of, very very sensible indeed. And take advantage the owners have. Within this unassuming stone shell, you will find that most precious of things: light. Windows abound, floor to ceiling French doors everywhere you look, and so on.
The interiors are a modern delight, and scream ‘please host lots of fun parties in me’. The open-plan kitchen is vast and welcoming, as is the library/living room that occupies the first floor. The hydro pool & gym, just separate from the house, is also a light-filled space of elegance.
The ground floor is mostly given over to the bedrooms, and a media room. All the bedrooms are en-suite, with the principal bedroom boasting a vast bathroom and his-and-hers dressing rooms.
Outside, the property boasts just over 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens and ground that are run through with places to sit and enjoy the sun and the glorious view.
The days are getting longer, slowly but surely. Soon someone, sadly not me, can enjoy the long summer days here. I am already jealous.
Spectacular Scottish castles and estates for sale
A look at the finest castles, country houses and estates for sale in Scotland today.
Credit: Michael Graham
5 country homes for sale, from £1.575 million to £12 million, as seen in Country Life
Here are five of the best homes to come up for sale via Country Life over the holiday period.
'People love land': The top estate sales of 2024, from the Duke of Northumberland to first-time farmers
Some estate sales were trickier in 2024, yet overall most eventually found buyers. We look at some of the top
Credit: Fine & Country
A bohemian paradise is up for sale with pool, stables and endless country charm
Swapping town for country has rarely looked so easily tempting.
-
'Meat, ale and guns — what else do you need, bar glorious scenery?': William Sitwell on the Brendon Hills, West SomersetWilliam Sitwell chooses the Brendon Hills as his piece of heaven in Britain.
-
50 years ago, the English country house seemed headed for extinction. Instead it was the start of a new golden ageRather than perceiving the mid 20th century as a troubled period in the history of the country house, John Martin Robinson argues that it was perhaps one of the most interesting, unexpected and enterprising. All photography from the Country Life Image Archive, by June Buck, Paul Barker, Val Corbett, Will Pryce and Paul Highnam.
-
The gorgeous Somerset home of the designer behind one of Glastonbury's chicest spotsThe Manor in Hinton Blewitt is a glorious Georgian home that ticks every box.
-
826 years of history, painstaking restoration and 'a garden like no other' at this former National Trust house which has come to the market in KentA blooming property in Kent showcases the original garden of England. Penny Churchill takes a look.
-
A wisteria-clad delight with lawns running down to the Thames at the prettiest riverside home for sale in London todayDeodar Road, near Putney High Street, offers unrivalled views of the Thames and is characterful in excess.
-
Five of the most majestic properties for sale in Britain today, from a 1,700-acre estate to a private island, as seen in Country LifeOur look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week includes some genuinely breathtaking places.
-
Save me: A castle on the Isle of Wight designed by James Wyatt is up for saleNorris Castle Estate also comes with 225 acres of gardens and grounds, and needs a little TLC
-
The 1,800-acre estate of the man who bought Stonehenge has come up for sale at £25 millionThe Bapton Manor Estate, in the beautiful Cranborne Chase National Landscape, seeks a new owner. Penny Churchill takes a look.
-
A meticulously restored Scottish estate for sale, dripping with history, character and wildlifeThe Craigengillan Estate in Ayrshire sits in 2,850 acres above the valley of the River Doon.
-
Sir Michael Caine's former home on the Thames is a testament to idyllic living and good tasteAt Rectory Farm House, luxury and modern convenience blend seamlessly with rural England. Is this the house that Jaws 4 built?
