When it comes to the archetypal English country home, it’s pretty difficult to look beyond thatch. It is the gold standard, the picture postcard, of English country living. Combine it with a delightful location, a wisp of smoke rising out of a chimney, and things start to feel immensely reassuring. This is England.
Few things set the pulse racing like a good bit of thatch. I always enjoy houses that seem to be more thatch than building. You will find few better examples than this property, called The Thatched Cottage, in the village of Nutbourne, moments away from the Chichester Harbour National Landscape. It is for sale with Fine and Country for £700,000.
Somewhat unsurprisingly, it is old. Very old. Dating from 1650, the property is listed Grade II and is nestled between the towns of Chichester and Emsworth. Set over two floors, it is achingly cosy, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and two reception areas. It is a delicious country bolthole with the perfect aesthetic.
Marvel at the features of the interiors: the exposed beams, the fireplaces, the brick and tilework. A kitchen with a duck-egg blue Aga. A vaulted ceiling in the sitting room. This house has seen and heard things for centuries. It was also re-thatched in 2021, so you won’t have to worry about that for a while. Even the boot room is perfect.
Chichester Harbour and its environs need no introduction, but it is one of the most beautiful parts of the South Coast of England. As much as the beauty of this house lies in its traditional appearance, so too does it lie in its location. The water is a short walk away. The train station is a short walk away. The pub is a short walk away. More than just weekends can be whiled away when everything is on your doorstep.
This is a home for the creative. Not content with just enjoying the surrounding scenery, the property boasts two summer houses, as well as an art studio, within the gardens that surround the house. Beyond inspiring.
-
(Space) oddities: New David Bowie centre opens at V&A East StorehouseThe museum will house and display the largest collection of the artist's costumes, musical instruments, set models, props and more.
-
Interiors of excellence: all the events and inspiration you can't missOver the next month, events at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour and beyond will offer plenty of inspiration for design lovers
-
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.
-
Alan Titchmarsh is selling his Hampshire home (and the garden that comes with it): Exclusive pictures and interviewAfter 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.
-
A Lake District escape with views that will make you feel like the king of all you can seeMellguards's many guest rooms and dual staircases make this property perfect for people who love to host, but tire of their guests quickly.
-
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 millenniumPenny Churchill looks at Riseborough Hall, a great house, rich with fascinating history and beautifully apportioned, which burnt to the ground but rose again.
-
Seven magnificent homes from Cumbria to Devon, as seen in Country LifeOur 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.
