A tranquil cottage in Essex where Grayson Perry used to do his paper round
Great Bardfield was home to a variety of famous artists, and with properties such as Vine Cottage, it's not difficult to understand why.


I have not been to Great Bardfield in Essex, but there must be something about the place. It is not uncommon to find one famous artist living in a picturesque rural setting — is that not, after all, the joys of success? But for Great Bardfield, you could barely walk down the street without bumping into a member of the Royal Academy.
Notable artistic luminaries include, but are certainly not limited to, John Aldridge, Edward Bawden, Audrey Cruddas, Eric Ravilious, Sheila Robinson and Marianne Straub. Grayson Perry also lived there as a child and was once the local paperboy. There must be something in the water.
Nobody would judge you for wanting to see Great Bardfield for yourself, or perhaps even living there, to inspire some artistic juices. A suitable residence, I would think, would be Grade II-listed Vine Cottage, which sits on the eastern edge of the village. It’s for sale with Cheffins for £800,000.
It is the opinion of this magazine and website that every home should be an inspiration, artistic or otherwise, and Vine Cottage fits the description. Is there anything more quaint and wistful than a wrought-iron spiral staircase? That alone would be enough for me to fork out £800,000.





Thankfully, there is more than just a fancy staircase. There are in fact three staircases, two floors and four bedrooms, as well as an acre of sumptuous gardens. This is a classically beautiful countryside home, with plenty of nooks and various crannies, exposed beams, plaster, brickwork, flagstone floors and an Aga.
There are tasteful modern touches around, such as the kitchen/dining room extension, but the blend between old and new is almost seamless. The space itself is large and welcoming, perfect for entertaining and leads out into the garden. It is there you will find the staircase of mine (and hopefully your) dreams.





We promised to bring you fine gardens this RHS Chelsea week, and we keep our promises. At Vine Cottage, the outdoor acre has been lovingly maintained and managed by the current owners, and features a variety of lawned areas, mature hedging, trees and bushes. There is also a stream which runs through the plot. It is all framed by a backdrop of mature trees and woodland, adding a privacy that is essential to any green space.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Vine Cottage is for sale with Cheffins for £800,000. For more information and pictures, click here

James Fisher is the Deputy Digital Editor of Country Life. He writes about property, travel, motoring and things that upset him. He lives in London.
-
No strings attached: A brief history of swimwear, from heavy skirts of linen linked to women's drownings, to the skimpy two-piece named after a nuclear weapons site
From knee-length numbers to a scandalous suit denounced by the Pope, the colourful history of swimwear has been brought to life by a glamorous London exhibition.
By Deborah Nicholls-Lee Published
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new owner
In the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
By Toby Keel Published
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countryside
Hartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in Cornwall
The Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its history
In the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston Martin
A new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
By James Fisher Published
-
The Mediterranean Magic of Malta
With historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
By Holly Kirkwood Published
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country Life
If Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
By Annunciata Elwes Published