I do like a bit of understatement. Used correctly, it can be one of the most powerful comedic tools. Outside of comedy, it is the very cement on which English society is built. We have long been fans of Very British Problems, which does a better job than I ever could of explaining it. But basically, when things are fine, they are terrible. When they are good, they are great. And so on.
Understatement brings me neatly to 1, The Priory near Steveneage. Gazing upon this property, as is your want, you might notice something quite distinctive about it. Per the agents, Michael Graham, ‘a wisteria climbs up the side of the house’. I think we can all agree that is something of an understatement. It is for sale for £1.8 million.
Sadly, you do not get the whole Priory. The property was split in two about 50 years ago, but the bit you do get is pretty exceptional and certainly large enough. With four bedrooms, a dining hall, and three reception rooms, there is plenty of space to go around. About 4,600sq ft of space, to be precise.
The property was listed Grade II in the 1970s and it’s not exactly difficult to see why. The interiors are magnificent, a fine example of the very best of Georgian design. The highlight is surely the astounding staircase, with its beautifully intricate cupola. Worth the price of admission all on its own, if you ask me.
The property has been well maintained and cared for by its current owners, with plenty of period features remaining and I am also a big fan of the traditional kitchen with its Aga. The colours are very nice and well thought out, and it feels like you could move straight in.
There’s a fun bit of history to the place too. The property was built as a rectory for St Nicholas Church in 1780, and was once the home of William Jowitt, who was solicitor general to Sir Winston Churchill during the Second World War. Churchill visited the house and once took a call in the downstairs cloakroom, according to the agents.
The situation is pretty good too. Boasting an acre of gardens and grounds, as well as gated driveway parking, there is plenty of space both indoor and out. However, it occupies a very central location within Stevenage itself, providing ease of access to the Old Town of Stevenage as well as mainline train services from Stevenage station. Hitchin is only a 10-minute drive.
-
Portofino is Italy's answer to the Garden of Eden. The Splendido hotel put it on the mapThe storied Splendido recently emerged from extensive refurbishment. Luke Abrahams checks in to check it out.
-
Björn Borg, beavers and barns: Country Life's Quiz of the Day, August 13, 2025Wednesday's quiz looks at Björn Borg's sensational run at Wimbledon, the weird names for animal homes and a very derelict barn for sale in the Cotswolds.
-
Take over the world or throw a great big party on this private fort for sale in PembrokeThorne Island, dubbed the British Alcatraz, has been a £2 million labour of love. Now it could be yours.
-
The perfect summer house? A country home, beach house and rural escape rolled into one in a prime spot in SussexIf there's a finer house than Grangewood House in which to enjoy the summer, we'd love to see it. Penny Churchill takes a look.
-
A six-bedroom modern masterpiece mere minutes from Europe's best golf courseVilla Stern catches the eye with its distinctive design, and is imbued with luxury inside and out.
-
Everything the light touches… The London penthouse for sale that will make you feel like a kingThe Observatory in London’s Fulham boasts 360-degree views of the capital.
-
This converted mill is the epitome of bucolic beauty and its grounds were masterminded by one of the finest garden designers alive todayHunworth Mill is the very picture of bucolic bliss, with exquisite gardens created by Arne Maynard.
-
Yes to padel, no to swimming pools: How to attract a new generation to the countrysideYoung parents are leaving the city earlier than in previous years, according to new research. What are they looking for?
-
A country house for sale that's had a century and a half of blood, sweat and tears poured into itGeneration after generation has lovingly restored Little Onn — and their efforts have paid off in fine style.
-
Papple your wick at this elegant Georgian home in Nottinghamshire which used to be part of an Augustine MonasteryThe Grade-I listed estate is on the market with Strutt & Parker — set in more than 10 acres, it comes with four cottages and a rather grand spiral staircase.
