Somerset — £1.4 million
Grade II-listed Coat House, nestled within the village of Coat, not far from Martock, is the ideal family home for those looking to go west.
With six bedrooms, four reception rooms, landscaped gardens, outbuildings and a swimming pool all within its five acres, the property is the perfect mix of space and privacy within a village setting.
Inside, the house is a symphony in stone and, although it maintains a variety of period features, it has been finished to a high and modern standard. Various formal areas in the gardens allow them to be appreciated year round.
For sale with Jackson-Stops. See more pictures and details about this property.
Devon — £4.5 million
Stedcombe House is what I would call ‘one for the purists’, but is perhaps more eloquently described by agent George Nares, who calls it ‘the finest representation of a William and Mary house I have been fortunate to visit’.
The Grade I-listed house was originally built in the 17th century, but fell into an ‘appalling state of decay’, before it was rescued and restored by the current owner.
Mathemeticians and historians rejoice, as within the red-brick exterior, with its Portland stone quoins, plinth, string and window surrounds, you’ll find eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, five reception rooms and lashings of period features.
Outside, Stedcombe sits in 20 acres of private grounds and parkland on the eastern slope of the Axe Valley.
For sale with Savills and Knight Frank. See more pictures and details about this property.
Dorset — £1.5 million
For those looking to dip their toes into the West Country, without fully committing to a long drive should you wish to visit your friends elsewhere in the South, you won’t find much better than Old Cann Rectory in Dorset.
The Grade II-listed property is built of local greenstone with a slate roof and the front of the house, with its large bay windows, faces south-west, offering plenty of light and beguiling views over the established gardens. Inside, you’ll find six bedrooms, four bathrooms and four reception rooms over its three floors.
Situated in the heart of Shaftesbury, the house makes the most of terrific views over the Blackmore Vale countryside, as well as offering easy access to cafes, restaurants, a supermarket and a small hospital.
For sale with Strutt & Parker. See more pictures and details about this property.
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
-
A 500-year-old cottage in West Sussex that's as beautiful as you could ever hope to see, with a pool ringed by flowers, stables and a croquet lawnJames Fisher was in need of some balm for the soul when he came across Woodshill House.
-
From Cornish Gilliflower to Rivers Early Peach: An apple a day keeps Britain’s heritage native fruit from dying out81% of traditional apple orchards have vanished from Britain, but ‘heritage’ apples retain a following, says Jack Watkins, who rounds up nine of the most interesting.
-
A 500-year-old cottage in West Sussex that's as beautiful as you could ever hope to see, with a pool ringed by flowers, stables and a croquet lawn
James Fisher was in need of some balm for the soul when he came across Woodshill House.
-
A Clarkson's Farm of one's own: Five properties with just enough farmland for you and your family, from under £1 millionMoving to the country is one thing; moving to the country and being able to grow and rear all your own food is another level entirely, and all these properties offer exactly that.
-
Six superb homes, from chocolate box cottages to grand Tudor mansions, as seen in Country LifeOur regular round-up includes charming home counties houses and superb grand country house in Ireland.
-
A billionaire's thatched cottage is for sale in Surrey, once owned by the oil magnate J. Paul GettyChestnut Cottage is a joyous little home — albeit one with the most unusual bedrooms to acreage to price balances we've ever seen. Toby Keel takes a look inside.
-
Medieval Italian? 19th century French? 16th century German? You're spoilt for choice if you're looking to buy a gorgeous continental castleFrom hills of Italy to a Bavarian palace, Toby Keel takes a look at three of the finest castles for sale across Europe today.
-
How to buy a house at auctionBuying at auction can mean you secure your dream property for a bargain price, but preparation is the key
-
The homes of two 1980s TV icons are both up for sale at the same timeThe houses where Bob Monkhouse and Sir Terry Wogan spent decades of their lives are currently on the market. Annabel Dixon takes a look.
-
Living on the edge? A lighthouse for sale on a clifftop on one of the most remote islands in BritainBressay Lighthouse was built by the father and uncle of the 'Treasure Island' author.
