Today in cottages that look a bit like Claudia Winkleman, we have this astounding thatched specimen in the village of Newington, near Wallingford in Oxfordshire. Dating back to the 17th century, with modern additions, Farthinge Cottage has lashings of character and charm, all stuffed under an almost overflowing thatched roof.
Situated at the end of a pretty no-through lane in Newington, the property — for sale with Knight Frank for £1.35 million — is in an ideal position to take advantage of the many pretty market towns within the area. Wallingford is mere minutes away, Oxford is nine miles away, and Henley-on-Thames only 15 miles away. Stadhampton, with its wealth of amenities including primary school and pub, is only one mile down the road.
On first impressions, there are parts of this house that, from the exterior don’t look, shall we say, like they’ve seen a spirit level for some time. However, I have been assured that inside these thatched and plastered walls, everything is perfectly level.
The property provides three bedrooms and two bathrooms, over its two floors, with the ground floor focused on the entertaining spaces provided by the large kitchen/dining room and sitting room, both with their own fireplaces. Indeed, the property retains as much period charm inside as it does out, with exposed beams, mullioned windows and exposed brickwork.
Outside the gardens and grounds are a particular highlight, with plenty of trees, including apples and flowering cherries, as well as shrubs, which create an array of colours.
Lawned areas provide plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining. There is also an annex/garage, which provides two further bedrooms, and an EV charging point.
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
A classic Georgian country house that's perfectly secluded amid woodland, orchards and lawns
Derwent Hill is a delightful country house that's just 20 minutes from Newcastle — yet feels like it's in a dreamy
From Hay Wain to Hampstead: Constable's London house comes up for sale
An amazing opportunity to go off grid in the middle of the Northumbrian countryside
This old gamekeeper's cottage on Threpwood Hill near Hexham already has fantastic views and planning permission — all it needs
-
Dire Straits' bassist John Illsley reveals why he swapped the recording studio for the art studio — and his consuming passionsJohn Illsley rose to fame as the bassist of the Dire Straits, but nowadays you're more likely to find him in an art studio.
-
What is a Japanese llama called? The Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 20, 2025Featuring more questions you didn't know you needed the answer to.
-
The Hampshire home of a Victoria Cross-winning British WWI ace fighter pilot is for sale, with lake, chapel and some of the best fishing rights in EnglandPenny Churchill looks at Longparish House, a north Hampshire haven on the River Test.
-
Five superb country homes, from under £1 million to £20 million, as seen in Country LifeOur look at some the best homes to come up for sale via Country Life in the past week includes a Wiltshire dream home and a vast Kent mansion that's an easy commute to the City.
-
Rock stars and the country house: Liam Gallagher's life in the Cotswolds is in the finest tradition of music A-listers, from The Beatles to BeyoncéWhat is it about the British countryside that draws A-listers from every walk of life? With Liam Gallagher's Cotswold former home on the market, Toby Keel takes a look.
-
Life on Portugal's Coast of Kings, where Ian Fleming met the triple-agent whose gambling inspired 'Casino Royale'Once a quiet fishing village west of Lisbon, Cascais became an unlikely hive of activity during the Second World War, attracting regal refugees and intelligence operatives in equal measure. Russell Higham investigates its enduring glamour — and its connection to Casino Royale.
-
An extraordinary Italian palazzo built in the heart of Oxfordshire is up for sale at £16 millionThe Palazzo Pallavicini in Genoa inspired the creation of Newington House, which is on the market for the first time in 35 years.
-
A bum deal on a bog-standard property? The former public conveniences being sold off for a songLondon has several affordable properties with enviable postcodes and great lighting... so long as you're happy spending more than a penny on a Victorian loo.
-
A castle for sale just down the road from Gleneagles, where everyone from George VI to a farmer and his pigs once roamed the grand hallsOrchil Castle has seen it all in a tumultuous century and a half — but it's getting back to its best, and now needs a brave new owner to take it on the next step of its journey.
-
Five homes with their own orchards that will be the apple of your eye (almost literally)If you've been looking enviously this year at neighbours with apple trees that have been heaving with fruit, here is the solution: five lovely homes for sale that come with their own orchards.
