Sometimes a property is so chocolate-box perfect if's hard to believe — and in the case of this house, even the name is like something from a story book: Cubby Close Cottage, which is up for sale.
The house is a delightful three-bedroom, thatched home set in as pretty a slice of countryside as you'll find in the West Country, at the heart of the National Trust's 6,000-acre Killerton Estate.
Inside, the house has been recently refurbished, but it's kept many charming period features — not least a glorious country kitchen with a huge traditional Aga set in an alcove created from ancient gnarled beams that date to the cottage's 18th century origins.
The thatched roof, you'll be glad to know, was re-done in 2017, so you'll not need to worry about anything more than standard maintenance for some time to come.
It's not a huge place. There's a living room and the kitchen/breakfast room, plus a utility room, bathroom and conservatory downstairs.
Upstairs are three modestly-size bedrooms, and another bathroom.
The gardens are three-quarters of an acre, but you're entirely surrounded by fields and woodland, with the River Culm close by. And yet despite this bucolic, secluded feel, Exeter is just eight miles away — it's a thatched country dream that's eminently commutable.
The agents, Bradleys, have it listed at £650,000, which — given its status as part of the wider estate — you might have guessed buys you not the freehold, but a 90-year lease.
Still, the ground rent is set at £10 a year, so no outrageous service charges here, and we're fairly sure you can trust the National Trust not to pop a couple of extra zeroes on the end of that figure any time soon.
Cubby Close Cottage is for sale at £650,000 — see more details and pictures.
Credit: Paul Massey
The Country Life guide to South Devon: Where to go, what to see, where to stay and what to eat
Mile-upon-mile of coastline, England’s largest fish market and idyllic scenery make South Devon a fantastic staycation destination. Here’s our guide
The Country Life guide to Dorset: Where to go, what to see, where to stay and where to eat
Magnificent coastline, beautiful countryside, irresistible romantic ruins and wonderful local produce make Dorset a superb place to go. Here's our
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
-
Time to join the fan club: the history of this summer's must-have accessoryAs summer temperatures continue to soar, fans — long considered a fashion anachronism — are back in the style spotlight.
-
The English county where you can gorge yourself on Cheddar: Country Life's Quiz of the Day, August 15, 2025Cheese, legendary kings and giant naked men on hillsides light up Friday's Quiz of the Day.
-
A pavilion, pool and pleasure gardens at this Devon country house 'with not another building in sight'Ebberly House is a majestic country house in Devon built by one of John Soane's pupils — and as it comes to the market, it's a place Penny Churchill knows well.
-
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.
