There are words we like at Country Life, especially when it comes to property. We like things that are beautifully presented. We like things with far-reaching views. We like a bit of history, and we have high standards.
It’s nice, then, when a home slides across the property desk that ticks all those boxes. It makes my life easier to write about them, especially when I have a bit of a cold, as I do now.
Today’s example, befitting of the magnificent new website you are currently reading this on, is known as Liliac Cottage. It is for sale with Hamptons for £1.4 million.
Parts of the cottage date from 1640, I am told, and it was originally two properties that have since been joined to create one detached home of four bedrooms, a large kitchen/dining area, two studies and two reception rooms.
Should I ever be lucky enough to meet whoever designed and decorated the interiors of Lilac Cottage, I would shake their hand. Inside the relatively austere exterior is a beautifully decorated home. I doubt the pictures do it justice.
But they are very nice pictures so we will take the time to appreciate them anyway. I love the mixed use of fun wallpapers and soft pastel colours throughout. The contrast of the dark and period sitting (with the inspired choice of putting the tv on an easel) and the light and airy kitchen. The green of the garden room creating a pleasant blend between the inside and the outside. It’s all just very pretty and it all looks like it should be in a magazine. Which is lucky, as this technically is a magazine.
Outside, things continue in a similar vein of loveliness. The grounds and gardens extend to about a third of an acre, with an extensive lawn, large dining terrace and detached summer house with power and light connected. The surrounding landscape is protected (for now) Green Belt land.
The property sits on the edge of the village of Bayford, which has a train station, pre and primary schools and a nice church. The nearest pub is in Brickendon and is a 20-minute walk away, while Hatfield, St Albans, Hoddesdon, Broxbourne and their many amenities are a short drive away. According to Google Maps, Hertfordshire Zoo is also nearby, which is nice.
-
Vertigo at Victoria Falls, a sunset surrounded by lions and swimming in the Nile: A journey from Cape Town to CairoWhy do we travel and who inspires us to do so? Chris Wallace went in search of answers on his own epic journey the length of Africa.
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River TayCarnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
-
A gorgeous Scottish cottage with contemporary interiors on the bonny banks of the River Tay
Carnliath on the edge of Strathtay is a delightful family home set in sensational scenery.
-
Six rural properties with space, charm and endless views, as seen in Country LifeWe take a look at some of the best houses to come to the market via Country Life in the past week.
-
380 acres and 90 bedrooms on the £25m private island being sold by one of Britain's top music producersStormzy, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones are just a part of the story at Osea Island, a dot on the map in the seas off Essex.
-
A home cinema, tasteful interiors and 65 acres of private parkland hidden in an unassuming lodge in KentNorth Lodge near Tonbridge may seem relatively simple, but there is a lot more than what meets the eye.
-
A rare opportunity to own a family home on Vanbrugh Terrace, one of London's finest streetsThis six-bedroom Victorian home sits right on the start line of the London Marathon, with easy access to Blackheath and Greenwich Park.
-
A tale of everyday life as lived on Britain's most expensive streetWinnington Road in Hampstead has an average house price of £11.9 million. But what's it really like? Lotte Brundle went to find out.
-
Damon Hill's former home in Marbella is the perfect place to slow downThe glorious Andalusian-style villa is found within the Lomas de Marbella Club and just a short walk from the beach.
-
A 327-acre estate in the heart of 'England’s Côte d’Or', with a 26,000sq ft Georgian style home at its heartStokes Hall in the Crouch Valley is an inspiring property looking for a new owner.
