Four perfect, pocket-sized character properties from just £275,000
They may be little, but they’re perfectly formed, says Carla Passino.


Suffolk, £395,000
The panorama across the Suffolk countryside is nothing short of spectacular at Merrijig, in the village of Preston St Mary – particularly at sunrise. This 18th-century cottage was originally built to care for the village poor and has now become a wonderful three-bedroom home full of period character.
The open-plan sitting/dining room has brick floors, a fireplace with a wood burner and long views of the gardens.
The grounds extend for about a quarter of an acre and are framed by ornamental pear, copper-beech, silver-birch and willow trees and, in season, snowdrops and wild primroses.
On the market via Carter Jonas – see more details.
Gloucestershire, offers over £300,000
As the name implies, The Old Chapel, in North Cerney, near Cirencester, is a former Victorian chapel that has been beautifully converted into a bright three-bedroom home.
The door opens onto the vaulted, open-plan living area, which leads to the contemporary kitchen at the back and, via a spiral staircase, to the mezzanine bedroom. Two more bedrooms are situated on the lower-ground floor.
For sale through Strutt & Parker – see more pictures and details.
Devon, £275,000
Grade II-listed, part-thatched Sage Cottage stands in the pretty village of Stoke Gabriel, in an AONB.
Dating from the 17th century, it has lovely gardens and is thought to be one of the oldest houses in the village. Behind a wisteria-clad façade is a welcoming sitting room with feature fireplace, a kitchen/breakfast room and, upstairs, three bedrooms.
For sale through Marchand Petit – see more pictures and details.
Cambridgeshire, £550,000
Recently re-thatched, this Grade II-listed cottage in Great Gransden, near Cambridge, dates from the 16th century and has preserved its period feel.
The entrance hall, sitting and dining rooms have heavily beamed ceilings and exposed brickwork, as do the first-floor bedrooms, one of which is vaulted. The charming kitchen has flagstone floors and granite surfaces.
There is a rose garden at the front and a walled garden at the back, which is dotted with trees and has a decked area.
For sale through Cheffins – see more pictures and details.
10 picture-perfect thatched cottages which are immaculate inside and out
Buying a thatched cottage needn't mean walking into a nightmare of work to do – these delightful places are all
Credit: H Tiddy
12 stunning character properties for sale at under £400,000
Thatched homes in Cornwall and West Sussex are among the many highlights of these gorgeous character cottages for sale.
The picturesque Cotswolds farmhouse that once belonged to Cath Kidston
Trillgate Farm is an enchanting period country house.
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.
Credit: Jackson-Stops & Staff
A picture-perfect cottage in the Cotswolds for the price of a flat in the suburbs
Time to get out of London? A perfect example English country cottage is on the market in the heart of
Carla must be the only Italian that finds the English weather more congenial than her native country’s sunshine. An antique herself, she became Country Life’s Arts & Antiques editor in 2023 having previously covered, as a freelance journalist, heritage, conservation, history and property stories, for which she won a couple of awards. Her musical taste has never evolved past Puccini and she spends most of her time immersed in any century before the 20th.
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
'A phenomenon that has shaped Britain’s landscapes and wildlife for millennia': A five minute guide to mast years
The ground is already littered with acorns and beech nuts, notes Florence Allen, thanks to a phenomenon called mast years, or mast seeding.
By Florence Allen Published
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in Britain
Bressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interview
After many happy years in Hampshire, the writer, broadcaster and national treasure Alan Titchmarsh is selling up and looking to move. He spoke to Penny Churchill about his years at Manor Farm House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can see
Mellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
By Lotte Brundle Published
-
One of Yorkshire's great houses, burnt to the ground three generations ago, is back on its feet and on the market for the sixth time in a millennium
Penny Churchill looks at Riseborough Hall, a great house, rich with fascinating history and beautifully apportioned, which burnt to the ground but rose again.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
Seven magnificent homes from Cumbria to Devon, as seen in Country Life
Our regular look at the best homes to come to the market via Country Life in the past few weeks takes in a breathtaking Lake District house and a superb home in Northamptonshire.
By Toby Keel Published
-
'Unquestionably one of the most distinctive and stylish homes in the Cotswolds' is for sale, just across a field from Soho House
With a staircase upcycled from a Spitfire machine gun factory and , and suspended lights came from a Dutch cargo ship. Every element in this room — and indeed throughout the house — tells a story Annabel Dixon peeks inside.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
The world of super-super prime homes, where £100 million is barely even the starting point
A spectacular mountain retreat coming to the market in Colorado offers a glimpse into the very top end of the global property market. Toby Keel takes a look.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Elderly Salcombe residents were promised a home for life inside this listed villa — but now the charity it was gifted to want to sell it
Age UK claim that Woodcot in Salcombe, Devon, is too costly to run, but are they right to sell up and cash in?
By Rosie Paterson Published