£600,000 doesn't get you much in Britain's major cities these days. In the centre of Birmingham, for example, you'd be looking at a smart two-bedroom flat, while if you want to live in London then you'll be looking at a one-bedroom place near Battersea.
No wonder people's eyes are constantly drawn to the countryside, and the Cotswolds in particular – where, for all its popularity, there are still many delightful and romantic stone-built cottages at prices eminently affordable by metropolitan standards.
Lane Hatch, on the market with Jackson-Stops & Staff at £585,000, is a case in point. An utterly-charming three-bedroom house, it dates back to the late 17th century and is Grade II listed as a building of special historical interest.
The house – located near Lechlade, a few miles west of Oxford and north of Swindon – was extended just over half a century ago, but was done so in such a way as to be scarcely indistinguishable.
Original building materials and features were reclaimed from the nearby ruins of Sir Strafford Cripp's manor house in nearby Filkins. Many architectural monstrosities came out of the late-1960s, so it's refreshing – and a relief – to come across a house re-done so sensitively during that period.
The house is approached through a traditional arched and planked front door, with a large entrance hall leading through to dining room, kitchen and a large sitting room.
There are three bedrooms in all – two on the ground floor, either of which could also be used as an extra reception room, while on the first floor is another bedroom with bathroom and a landing/office area.
Outside, the gardens are the very image of a pretty Cotswold garden. The space is mainly laid to lawn, but there are lovely borders heaving with plants, shrubs and fruit trees.
Beyond the main garden there is a garage and vegetable patch, with a greenhouse and pond.
The house is on the market at £585,000 with Jackson-Stops & Staff – see more details and pictures.
Credit: Humberts
Five beautiful Cotswolds homes for the price of suburban semis
You're spoilt for choice if you're upping sticks and swapping city life for the Cotswolds.
Credit: Woolley and Wallis
A perfect thatched cottage with a fairytale garden, pool and room for horses
A dreamy little cottage has come up for sale within the New Forest National Park.
-
Rogue sellers and puppy farmers are exploiting Government licensing loopholes at the expense of responsible dog breeders, says The Kennel ClubThe Kennel Club launched a report in the House of Commons last week calling for an urgent review of current licensing regulations.
-
The real Bear Grylls: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 2, 2025Britain's longest pier is among the highlights of Wednesday's Quiz of the Day.
-
Where Venice once ruled: The roving Venetians left handsome imprints across the Greek world, from its religion to its rambling villasMatthew Dennison explores the lingering traces of Venice's vanished empire — and the best places to buy where it once stood.
-
A delightful 16th century home with some of Kent's most beautiful gardens has come on to the marketThe Grange puts the 'garden' into the Garden of England.
-
A pristine Scottish island for sale at the price of a garage in FulhamA dot on the map of the west coast of Scotland has come on to the market, where you'll be surrounded by sea, living off grid and be neighbours with the local seal colony.
-
18 beautiful homes, from charming cottages to a Highland mansion with unbeatable views, as seen in Country LifeOur look at some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past week includes Georgian manor houses, charming commutable homes and the grandest home in Newcastle.
-
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.
-
A 600-year-old National Trust property that you can call homeThis 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.
