Tag: nature

Harbour-front period home, Kinsale (Ireland), €1,950,000

On 17 April 2024

In Historic, Ireland, luxury, Nature, seaview, Traditional, UK

From Hollywood stars to a navy admiral, the Anchorage has some illustrious previous owners

With previous owners including a navy admiral and a Hollywood star, the Anchorage – built in the Victorian era – is an iconic property occupying a stupendous Irish location. The house sits on the waterfront in the sought-after town of Summercove, Kinsale, with views overlooking Kinsale Harbour, James Fort and the charming seaside town of Kinsale.

Sea view? I’d say! This property could only be closer if it was a boat

The historic property has been renovated to a luxurious standard and is set out over three floors, with three bedrooms and a raft of splendid reception rooms. Almost every space boasts a window overlooking the water and an outside terrace provides the 3D experience of life on the ocean waves, albeit on solid ground..

Most spaces have vast windows looking straight out into the ocean

The ground floor has been turned into a sumptuous ‘hub’ for the home, with defined separate spaces that seamlessly flow into one another. The cosy living room, with its bay windows and a view of the harbour is a welcoming place to curl up on inclement days. Just light that historic fireplace and lounge..

A cosy living room is one of various reception rooms on the ground floor

There is also a more modern-feel lounge area with vast windows and skylights to let the sea views surge in and create a bright, airy space. This area flows straight out from the kitchen.

Contemporary living area complete with bifold doors and skylights

The modern kitchen includes two separate areas for eating, including a breakfast bar and a bay window breakfast nook. The kitchen is bespoke and features granite worktops, a Belfast sink and an aga, as well as built-in wine fridges and a built-in coffee machine for all your beverage needs.

A bespoke kitchen has a breakfast bar as a bay window nook for casual meals

A larger dining space is also available for more formal meals, with the open-plan layout allowing diners to move seamlessly down to comfortable chairs and more of that sea view.

The dining room flows into the contemporary lounge area to create the ideal location for entertaining

There is also a regal study alongside an impressive library/snug, the latter being ideal for those who like to tuck away in a warm place with a book (think multiple book shelves and a modern wood burning stove).

Elegance and style make this home study and library more of an oasis than a work location

Climb up the stairs to discover the glorious master suite complete with a walk-in dressing room and a beautifully-finished en-suite shower room.

The master suite has a dressing room and en-suite bathroom

The bedroom itself is spacious, with vast windows and a window seat to enjoy the sea sloshing around outside without the wind whipping your ‘do’.

Window seats are worth their weight in gold with a view like that!

Climbing the stairs once again provides access to the final two double bedrooms, both with stunning views over the harbour for admiring from bed at both ends of the day. And yes, more window seats…you’ll find it hard to leave.

Two further bedrooms share the top floor of the property

The top two rooms share a neat bathroom right in the eaves of the house, providing luxury ablutions that our Victorian navy admiral probably didn’t get to enjoy…

Bathrooms are cleverly incorporated for modern convenience

Another luxury touch that Victorians could only have dreamed of is underfloor heating throughout the downstairs of the property (radiators upstairs) and, despite being seemingly stuck on the edge of the ocean, this property also has parking for three cars.

Summercove is a popular town close to the much-loved Kinsale

Summercove is a popular, pretty and compact town, with many visitors coming to see the impressive Charles Fort, a restored 17th century fortress which guarded the entrance of Kinsale harbour. The vibrant town of Kinsale is less than 3km away and though you may feel tucked away in Irish isolation, flights are easily available: Cork International Airport is just 20 mins drive away.

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Finest International Real Estate Ireland Ltd., Cork

3 bedroom house for sale in Kinsale, Cork, Ireland (rightmove.co.uk)

5-bed villa, Vienna (Austria), €4,775,000

On 3 January 2024

In city living, Europe, Historic, Nature, Vienna

This beautiful villa provides peace and space on the outskirts of Vienna

On the outskirts of Vienna, in the prime villa district of Mauer, sits this beautiful and very welcoming family villa with five bedrooms. It was built in 1981 by the current owners to the highest specification and the quality of the building, inside and out, has to be seen to be appreciated.

Double-height, open-plan living space feels spacious and is bathed in light

The main family living space is a double-height open plan living room that basks in light from the large windows and multiple patio doors that open the house out into the garden.

Enthusiastic use of wood-pannelling makes the dining area feel cosy – can you imagine Christmas dinner here?

The cosy, wood-panelled dining will have you all dreaming of the slopes and make for a superb venue for raucous family Christmas celebrations, as well as everyday meals. Food is prepared in a kitchen of style and accessibility, with all the latest fixtures to make cooking a pleasure. There are also a few nods to classic Austrian decor, which makes the whole house feel traditional yet modern and comfortable.

The kitchen has a classic look but is equipped with all the modern conveniences

The tiles in the kitchen are handcrafted, as is some of the flooring, for an elegance and luxurious quality that spreads throughout the villa. The modern conveniences – underfloor heating throughout and a wellness area complete with sauna – only add a sprinkling of perfection to this spacious and charming family home.

A sauna sits within the ‘wellness area’ that the property contains

There are five large and bright bedrooms across this property, served by four elegant bathrooms. The facilities for ablutions are exquisite in their finish and deliver all the options the guests may need, from powerful rain showers to deep tubs.

Four bathrooms serve five bedrooms with multiple washing options

The outside space is thoughtfully designed and contains various terraces and patios that are ideal for eating and drinking out of doors. The main feature of the gardens is the swimming pool, which was renovated in 2021 and a superb addition to this satisfying beautiful home.

The gardens have been tended with love and are dotted with terraces, patios and covered eating areas

For those desirous of a spacious home in peaceful surroundings within reach of bustling Vienna, this villa is an excellent choice. Located in the wine and villa district of Mauer, in the southern area of Vienna, there is a S-Bahn stop and a tram line which connects into Westbahnhof in the city centre. Vienna international airport is around 30km away and the city train station has long distance trains to other major cities in Austria and across Europe (Venice, Zurich, Prague, Budapest).

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Knight Frank, Austria

5 bedroom villa for sale in Vienna, Austria (rightmove.co.uk)

Regal Tuscan villa (Italy), €12,500,000

On 6 December 2023

In estate, Europe, Italy, Large grounds, luxury, Nature

The expectation builds as you sweep along the impressive driveway towards the villa

While many Tuscan dreams are lived out in rustic farmhouses, take the idyll up a notch with this exceptional villa and estate that sits between two of the region’s most beautiful villages (Cortona and Montepulciano) with spectacular views towards both.

The main villa is one of various buildings providing space for multiple guests and purposes

The regal splendour of the property starts the moment you reach the private gates and commence the long driveway that leads up to a villa of 1,766 sq m. The land also has a clutch of outbuildings and an 8-car garage in the basement (for all your expensive vehicles) and area in the grounds for landing helicopters.

A sense of rural isolation in Tuscan countryside hides the fact that two villages lie close by for amenities

The villa is preserved in a grander time and place, with extensive use of marble and opulent furnishings giving the multiple reception rooms in the main house an air of authentic upper class living.

Marble finishes and touches give the interior the impressive air this property deserves

Formal sitting rooms and a grand dining room, as well as a study, provide ample space within the villa for the life of a busy household and ensure there is suitable area for entertaining, whether family parties or something more formal.

Multiple reception rooms can be turned to various uses for dining and lounging

The tone is rich and warm, with windows well placed to flood rooms with light and allow the fantastic location and gardens to be admired whether dining with friends or relaxing (as far as you can in such impressive surroundings) on an antique armchair.

Furnishings are sumptuous with multi-aspect doors onto terraces ideally suited for Italian summers

Across the villa and the separate guest house there are 11 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms – these may require names or themes to allow householders to keep track of these different spaces and where different visitors are placed within the property. All bedrooms are, without a doubt, splendid and comfortable, with superb views.

All 11 bedrooms spread across the main villa and outbuildings are spacious and boast superb views

The additional bedrooms are to be found across the other outbuildings on the estate, with such spaces providing options for new owners who might like to turn these rooms and buildings to other purposes – a studio, perhaps?

The additional buildings could be turned to various uses as required

The buildings all have air-conditioning and heating for comfort throughout the year and the main property hides a neat home gym that is just as splendid as the rest of the property – it’s ideal for an owner who likes to complete a work out in privacy. Again, the various outbuildings could be turned into larger gym spaces if desired.

A home gym with air conditioning is a useful amenity for the hot days of summer

The grounds are as spectacular as the setting, with the property set in 4 hectares of land, one of which has been enclosed with an elegant cast iron fence ensuring complete privacy. Immediately around the villa is a mature garden as well as an organic vegetable garden and orchard. Some of the land is currently used for rotating crops but could also be available to create a small vineyard.

The grounds are a mix of landscaped lawns and fields with rotating crops

The swimming pool – a great size at 15.5m x 7.5m – is a salt water pool with a heating option, although it’s more environmentally friendly to avoid heating if possible. Indeed, the property was completely renovated in 2011 using green/environment friendly material to try and make this historic property a little kinder to our planet.

The pool is stunning, but also environmentally-friendly

For activities beyond your gates, there are riding stables and golf courses nearby, not to mention extensive paths for walking across the countryside. Despite the sense of isolation, the property is within easy reach of major roadways to connect to Florence, Rome, Siena and Perugia.

The fountain within the circular driveway is surely the cherry on the top of this Tuscan dream villa

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Italy Sotheby’s International Realty, Italy

24 bedroom villa for sale in Tuscany, Siena, Montepulciano, Italy (rightmove.co.uk)

5-bed Lefkada villa (Greece), €2,300,000

On 8 November 2023

In Greece, island, luxury, mountains, Nature, seaview

Views from this hillside villa are sublime

Nestled on a hill on the stunning Ionian island of Lefkada, this Greek villa offers the ideal property from which to enjoy the best this beautiful destination has to offer, plus the luxurious seclusion and stunning views we’d all like to have out of our kitchen window…

Spacious driveway starts the splendour of this Scandi-touched home

Night or day, the entrance to this impressive villa is a welcoming prospect. The interiors are elegant and contemporary, touched with a hint of Scandinavian style to make this home comfortable yet chic.

The ground floor is designed around multiple terraces; sliding doors create a seamless flow between out and in

The main section of the house is designed around two terraces, making use of large windows and sliding doors to create a sense of outdoor living even within the walls of the property. There is an open-plan sitting and dining area which opens onto the pool and the outdoor cooking area: a superb hub for entertaining all your friends and optimising the glorious setting.

Large dining area opens onto the terraces where seating areas provide more space for entertaining

The kitchen also has ample space for dining and is kitted out with all the latest conveniences without seeming to be – the slick, sleek design characteristic of the whole house is clearly evident here.

Neat but exquisitely fitted, the wood-toned kitchen is a beautiful space for food prep

In addition to a guest WC, this main floor also has one of the five bedrooms, which could make it ideal for guests in need of the privacy of their own suite. This room has a spacious sleeping area, a dressing area and an en-suite, in addition to a seating area and a terrace.

Five bedrooms are spread across the property and offer impressive views and access to terraces

The bathroom is – as all the bathrooms are – eye-catching and impeccably designed, almost more of an art piece than an area for showering (although the latter is delivered superbly!).

Elegant design in the bathrooms makes these areas more art work than ablutions

Many of the bedrooms could be deemed suites as they offer such space and privacy, some with seating areas and private terraces to allow a busy household to find spaces of contemplation and solitude.

Spacious bedrooms include seating areas for admiring the pool and the sea beyond

There are five bedrooms in total and a full house will surely spend much of the shared time out of doors in the beautiful grounds that surround the main villa.

The infinity pool is the feature of the back terrace, stretching towards the seemingly endless sea

The infinity pool stretches the length of the villa and hangs over the beautiful sea view that the hillside location of the space affords the property. It is surrounded by seating areas for dining and lounging options at different times of the day. You’ll soon find your favourite ‘sunset spot’.

Seating areas have been carefully placed for enjoying sunrises or sunsets

The outdoor kitchen area is just as sophisticated as the indoor facilities, complete with marble worktops, a sink and a barbecue. It will be a serene spot to grill your fresh fish amid the scent of pines, as your guests splash happily in the swimming pool. The dining area will provide one of the most stunning views you will have ever enjoyed with a meal.

A well-equipped outdoor kitchen and covered dining area are bound to be much used through the warm summer days

Despite its island status, Lefkada is accessible via a causeway by car or bus, with the closest airport situated 20km away: Preveza Aktion Airport. In addition to the beautiful beaches and some impressive historical sites, the island has many cafes, bars and restaurants. In Lefkada town, the marina comes alive on summer evenings, but day time pursuits include visiting the museum and the serene ‘Poet’s Garden’.

Source: Right Move

Marketed by LEFKAS REALTY, Lefkada

5 bedroom detached villa for sale in Karya, Lefkada, Ionian Islands, Greece (rightmove.co.uk)

Terrific Table Mountain 7-bed home, S.Africa, £2,968,350

On 4 October 2023

In Contemporary, luxury, Nature, property, South Africa

A stunning mansion with incredible views, within one of the most sought-after residential areas outside Cape Town

With unbeatable views of Table Mountain from almost every room of this wondrous mansion, a viewing of this luxurious home will be all that’s needed for the next owner to want it, immediately.

The house is located on one of the most prestigious roads in Bishopscourt, a sought-after residential area in the Western Cape province. You may spot a celeb or two around the local amenities..

Large, terraced grounds with stupendous views

Leaving this fabulous property, however, will be tricky, as it is complete with all the spaces and facilities you need for a truly comfortable life. It is also impressive, right from the koi pond nestled under the sweeping staircase in the grand entrance hall.

The light and spacious entrance hall sets the tone from the moment you step inside

Beyond the entrance, the house expands into a vast open-plan lounge and dining areas, complete with a large fireplace for cosy winter evenings and direct access to the patio and pool for roasting summer afternoons.

Open-plan living, cooking and dining spaces dominate the ground floor

Also on this floor is a modern, sleek kitchen which is, frankly, enormous. The prep and cooking area opens onto a less formal dining area wrapped around with glass for Table Mountain backdrops to each meal. Cooks will welcome a pantry and a separate utility space to keep the clutter and convenience-machines out of sight.

You certainly won’t feel cramped in this vast, beautifully-designed kitchen space

And the rooms keep coming…there are smaller spaces including a study and a TV room on the ground floor level and – as you’ll start to expect – everything is dominated by windows and views of the shimmering pool and the mountain beyond.

The comfortable TV room is made spectacular by the view and opens straight out to the pool terrace

Moving upstairs, the main property contains five large bedrooms, each with an en-suite and dressing area, to give the whole household the ‘master suite’ experience.

No fighting over bedrooms – all in the main house are equal size with dressing areas and en-suite bathrooms, as well as outside terraces

There is also a lower ground level which serves, if needed, as a separate flatlet with a private entrance. Here can be found an open-plan living area with two bedrooms and a private double garage, which is ideal for visitors who prefer their own space.

The separate flat has sitting, dining and cooking spaces to allow a guest to have complete privacy

The outside space of this property is as impressive and charming as its interiors. The swimming pool is sublime in both positioning and size, but the multi-level garden also holds treasures: a vegetable garden, bountiful fruit trees, and vibrant flora. The landscape designer has turned the whole area into a serene natural oasis, with multiples terraces and pathways leading to different spaces for dining, chatting or contemplation.

A beautiful pool is the cherry on the cake of the impressive, sensitively-designed grounds

To ensure a comfortable existence whatever the weather, there is air-con in the TV room and bedrooms, with underfloor heating in all passages and the master bedroom. Security is top notch too, with a robust alarm system for both house and perimeter, CCTV, and secure parking for six cars.

Various terraces and outdoor seating areas encourage life lived outdoors when the weather permits

The location of the property is super. Bishopscourt is close to other lovely areas, such as Constantia, Claremont, Newlands, Kenilworth, and Wynberg Upper ‘Chelsea Village’, and within easy reach of key routes, such as the M3/Edinburgh Drive. Travel time to Cape Town International Airport is just 19 minutes.

On balmy summer nights, you simply won’t want to leave this glorious home

Schooling options abound for those with youngsters in tow. Within easy reach of the house are schools with good reputations, including The Grove Primary School, Bishops Preparatory & Pre-Preparatory School and Western Province Preparatory School for the little people in your life. The South African College High School and International School of Cape Town would provide a high standard of education for the older ones.

Corridors and staircases are statement ‘rooms’ in their own right, creating a spacious, light and welcoming house

The area has plenty of high-end shopping options as well as a diverse range of quality eateries. Local attractions include Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, The Vineyard Hotel, Boschenheuvel Arboretum, and the tranquil Upper Liesbeek River Garden.

Source: Right Move

Marketed by Dogon Group Properties PTY LTD, Cape Town

7 bedroom house for sale in Bishopscourt, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa (rightmove.co.uk)

Sumptuous 11-bed Victorian villa, London (UK), £6,500,000

On 5 September 2023

In Contemporary, Europe, Historic, Large grounds, London, luxury, Nature, UK

Stunning Victorian villa provides spacious living just 20 mins from central London

It may be only 20 minutes by train from Central London, but life at Mottisfont Hall feels like a rural idyll from an earlier era. This impressive 1860s detached Victorian Villa sits on just under an acre and has been carefully restored to provide over 14,000 sq ft of comfortable, eye-catching living spaces that celebrate the heritage of the building while equipping it for modern life.

The grand entrance hall retains the Victorian style, with a vivid mosaic and wood-paneling

The main entrance of the house sets the tone, with a riotous Victorian mosaic floor and wood-paneling to enliven the spacious hallway, complete with a sweeping staircase.

Multiple reception rooms could be designated for different purposes

There are five large reception rooms to be found on the ground floor, each with it’s own stylistic flourish and allowing for designated spaces to suit the people and the purpose.

Modern additions have brought in contemporary aspects, such as open-plan living and vast skylights to create stunning new spaces

One of the most impressive yet comfortable spaces is the bright and unique living-dining-cooking space, where windows and a glass roof provide natural light for as long as the sun shines.

An elegant and neat kitchen opens onto the dining area, all with a backdrop of the landscaped gardens

This will undoubtedly become the hub of the home, and the smart well-equipped kitchen should delight the home cook, not least for the views down across the grounds.

Original tiling has been retained and accentuated to create an uplifting mix of historic and modern

The property is large enough that corridors and hallways become rooms and splendors in themselves, such as the Orangery – with its tiled floors and ample windows.

Even the communal passages are spacious enough to provide additional areas for resting

Take the stairs – either those for the main house or for the servants – up to find the eight generously-sized bedrooms. The current owners have taken pains to make each room unique, which could be a good approach to deploy so you can keep track of them all!

Householders or guests with a penchant for history may like this bedroom..

This also allows for guests to find their most inviting decor style, whether it’s regal modernity or historical quirk. Five of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, all of which are restored to an incredibly-high level (the Victorians would be bamboozled) and provide the space and choice for indulgent bathing.

The numerous bedrooms are presented in a mix of style to suit each person

The lower floor or basement has become the leisure zone, with a snooker room, sauna, gym and cinema room. There is also a 25-m pool and jacuzzi on the cusp on completion to round off an impressive package of fitness and pleasure options.

The combination of gym with cinema rooms means you could work-out and catch-up on boxsets simultaneously!

Standing separate to the main house is a completely self contained unit which could be used for a variety of purposes, depending on the new owner’s needs. The cottage has three bedrooms but could be turned into two apartments, all of which could serve visitors, multi-generational family living or paid short-term lets.

A separate cottage provides great options for different households

The garden (approx. 125ft deep) is charming. It’s mainly laid to lawn with a large raised patio area accompanied by an extensive pond. The peace and space of the garden allow for outdoor dining or drinks, while a Summer House nestling down the lawn is a super spot for quiet contemplation or reading.

The summer house is the place to curl up with a book…away from the busy household..

Victorians certainly didn’t collect cars like we do, so it’s useful that the restoration of this house has created ample space for off-street parking along the private driveway as well as a large garage.

Paved terraces provide multiple spots for al-fresco dining

Mottisfont Hall is a five minutes walk from the town of Eltham, where a supermarket, pubs and restaurants and a cinema can be found. There is also a train station with regular services into central London (20 minutes train journey). The pretty villages of Blackheath and Chislehurst are a 10 minute drive, while the ancient Blackheath Golf Course and Eltham Palace are a stone’s throw from the villa itself.

London Heathrow Airport is just over 1 hours drive away and London City Airport can be reached in 20 minutes.

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Knight Frank, Canary Wharf

11 bedroom detached house for sale in Court Road, Eltham, London, SE9 (rightmove.co.uk)

Contemporary 8-bed home in historic woodland of Burnham Beeches (UK), £15,000,000

On 30 August 2023

In Contemporary, Europe, Large grounds, luxury, Nature, UK

The main entrance hall provides a stunning introduction into the house

The beautifully-designed 8-bed contemporary home sits within around 10 acres on the edge of Burnham Beeches, an area of woodland much-loved by nature enthusiasts. This property has been designed to complement its location and the emphasis from the entrance hall is on light and space, simplicity with elegance and, above all, convenient living.

Double-height, open-plan living spaces are ideal for the way modern families like to share time

The main ground floor living space is vast open-plan living, complete with a double-height space for the kitchen, dining and lounging area. All is basking in the wash of nature and light from the full-length windows and seems perfectly suited for casual entertaining.

The sleek, modern kitchen is as attractive as it is functional

The kitchen is neat yet full of all the latest modern appliances, with plenty of space for food preparation and the gathering of hungry guests.

Clever design makes the formal dining room seem to float

For more formal dining – especially with guests you want to impress – there is the ‘floating’ dining room, encased in glass and almost floating on water as it juts out of the main house.

The private Members’ club is a real asset within this luxurious house – but you’ll have to stock the bar yourself!

After-dinner drinks can be taken at the ‘private Members’ club’. This glorious feature feel exclusive and opulent; it’s sure to delight and entrance your guests.

The home cinema is fitted with enormous comfortable chairs

For a more family-friendly evening of entertainment, the home cinema room makes for a well-designed and very comfortable place to curl up with a favourite film. Once again, this space is tucked away, courtesy of clever internal architecture design.

No Members’ club is complete without a pool table

There is also a pool table and a cigar room, making this property well-suited to an owner who enjoys entertaining over long evenings. There are also multiple living rooms, in addition to the main open-plan areas, which allows for family members to have their privacy too, as required.

Bedrooms make enthusiastic use of windows to help nature soothe your sleep

Climb up the beautiful core staircase to find the principal bedroom suite alongside five further double bedroom suites, all of which are spacious and washed with the light and greenery of the grounds.

Survey the beautiful gardens from a prominent bathing spot

Their attached bathrooms are well-equipped and feature the expected luxury of a standalone bath with a superb view. There are, of course, showers for those moments when a quicker wash is preferred.

The study is quite a marvel, complete with a library and areas for displays

This house is incredibly well designed for those expecting to work from home, with a large study and a double height library with plenty of storage and display facilities.

The study area has ample space to be set up as required, depending on profession

While windows let the light wash in, large terraces across both levels of the main house allow for residents to spill out and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Lots of terrace space across both floors encourages getting outside to enjoy the landscape

The grounds are a real feature of this eye-catching property, with a Chelsea award-winning designed garden featuring a reflective pond. There is also space for garaging multiple vehicles and a separate 2-bed lodge that can serve as staff accommodation or to house guests.

The reflective pool is just one feature of the artistically designed gardens

The grounds also house the sports complex where an elegant swimming pool and sauna are joined by a spacious home gym, ideal for those who like to work-out without having to leave the house. There is also a tennis-court in the garden – your Wimbledon inspiration can find an outlet!

A well-sized swimming pool and a gym are within the on-site sports complex

The grounds offer wonderful privacy and views across to Windsor Castle, as well as towards Burnham Beeches itself. The house is close to Burnham village, a pretty place that has plenty of local shops and pubs and a weekly market. Half a mile from the village is the station, which provides connections to London. The property is within easy reach of the M40 or M4 and Heathrow Airport is just 12 miles away.

You may just believe you are living in your own museum…

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Sotheby’s International Realty, London

8 bedroom detached house for sale in Burnham Beeches SL2 (rightmove.co.uk)

Unique contemporary 7-bed, Oxfordshire (UK), £4,850,000

On 28 August 2023

In Contemporary, Large grounds, Nature, UK

This unique and eye-catching property, Far End, is nestled in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds in the village of Kingham. Not for nothing is this an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Far End itself is also a thing of beauty, with the oak-clad building providing a vibrant alternative to locally-used Cotswolds stone yet blending seamlessly into the countryside that surrounds this property.

Contemporary property in a glorious rural setting

Approach the house via a long gravel driveway that leads to a large parking space. If you’re into fun trivia, you’ll like the fact that this property is insulated with sheep’s wool, giving it an energy efficiency rating of A! The exterior may be subtle but the interiors are bolder, with bright spaces and large windows chiming with the design to make the space feel museumesque in places.

There is grandeur in the impressive simplicity of the layout

Accommodation is spread across four floors, with the hub of the shared living spaces being the kitchen and breakfast room, that rolls into a living and dining space.

So many windows will make you feel every meal is taken al-fresco

The elegant Bulthaup kitchen is equipped to perfection with a large stainless steel preparation island and dining area that basks in the surroundings courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows allowing the greenery to almost seep indoors.

Spacious living spaces are multiple in number to suit a mixed-aged household

The other end of this large open-plan space has a sitting area complete with a built-in log burner and a heat-retaining stone wall to help keep the property warm during the cooler months.

The mixture of open-plan rooms with cosier areas is a comfortable blend

The lower ground floor provides an additional space that can easily be adapted to suit the new owners’ preferences. This space is currently a media room with a drop-down screen and space for a built-in projector, storage rooms, an exercise room and shower. The space could also be turned into a studio or a study, or even a staff apartment depending on need.

Elegant bedrooms boast superb views, many of which have access to terraces

Floors one and two are where five of the seven bedrooms can be found, including the luxurious master bedroom suite that includes a dressing area and an adjacent balcony for soaking in the serenity of the landscape.

Everyone loves a modern standalone tub!

There are bathrooms a-plenty to fulfil the needs of a full house, with both baths and showers available in the sleek modern amenities.

The guest cottage could be rented out or suit an elderly relative

In addition to the main house is a guest cottage which comprises of a reception hall, sitting room and well-appointed kitchen/breakfast room. The fully fitted kitchen, adorned with marble work surfaces and a double Belfast sink, is no poor relation to the main house and the space boasts charming views over the grounds and beyond.

Wood-burning stove helps to keep rooms cosy, in addition to the sheep’s wool insulation

On the first floor of the cottage are two spacious bedrooms and a bathroom – ideal for visitors or even an elderly parent – and the whole separate structure is finished in the same chic style as the main house and gains from lovely terraces for al-fresco dining.

Terraces surround both the main house and the cottage to provide outdoor dining options

The gardens (this is a 3 acre site) have been artfully landscaped to absorb the the existing mature trees but add in lawns and pockets of wildflowers. The grounds also contain an orchard, a potting shed and greenhouse, all of which have signs of life already and so ready for a keen gardener to take over.

A sauna on the swimming pond – how Scandi is that?

There is also a natural swimming pond sitting alongside a standalone wood-fired sauna – could there be a better way to start or end the day enmeshed in nature on your own property?

The children’s play area is a real bonus for a young family

To complete the well-rounded exterior package is a level grass area (ideal for croquet or to add a tennis court?) while a playground and a trampoline provide endless entertainment for the smaller people of the household.

It’s a house you’ll be proud to call home

Far End is within the village of Kingham on the Gloucestershire/Oxfordshire border. There is a primary school, two popular gastro pubs (The Kingham Plough and The Wild Rabbit) and a hotel in the village, alongside amenities such as a post office and shop. Further afield, parents will find an array of excellent private and state schools (including Kitebrook in Moreton-in-Marsh, Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies College, Oxford schools, the Cotswold School in Bourton-on-the-Water, and Burford School)

It may be time to hire a gardener..

It is easy to access the national motorway network via the A40 or A44 and Kingham’s mainline railway station provide trains to Oxford, London Paddington, and Worcester. The closest airports for travelling further afield are at Birmingham (47 miles), Heathrow (70 miles), and Bristol (76 miles).

Source: RightMove

Marketed by Savills, Stow-On-The-Wold

7 bedroom detached house for sale in West End, Kingham, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire, OX7 (rightmove.co.uk)

Bold spectacular Suffolk pad (UK) nestled in nature, £3,500,000

On 4 August 2023

In Contemporary, Europe, Large grounds, Nature, UK

This award-winning home is carefully designed to harmonise with the glorious location

Elegance and quality are hallmarks of this exquisite property that occupies a sought-after patch on the edge of Aldeburgh, with calming views across the Suffolk coastal marshes and the tidal waters of the Alde River estuary.

The house was designed by Mole Architects (leaders in environmental and sustainable design) in 2015, with landscaping of the four-acre grounds by Todd Longstaffe-Gowans.

White and grey tones have been used to echo the colour of a herring gull’s wing

In fact, this house is award-winning: it won a RIBA East award in 2017 and the East Suffolk Council Quality of Place award in 2016. It was designed to meld seamlessly in the unique site, using a colour scheme of mainly whites and greys to echo the wing of a herring gull, with a distinctive Scandi influence.

The house is filled with an ideal blend of large open-plan spaces and the more intimate areas necessary for a harmonious family life. The entrance leads into a large living room that celebrates the glorious views as well as the stylish fireplace that will keep the winter chill at bay.

Open-plan living space is ideal for a family, with areas beautifully and naturally lit thanks to large windows

It’s a few steps down to the expansive kitchen that washes with light and bristles with elegance in its design. The flooring has been made with Norfolk flint, while the kitchen facilities have been designed for ease of cooking and entertaining, always with an eye on the view… There is even a large utility space, with access down to the basement (wine cellar, perhaps?).

The kitchen is designed for socialising, complete with a dining table and a communal island

The master bedroom is something of a masterpiece, occupying the whole of the first floor and boasting dramatic views through the picture windows and the glazed doors, which provide access to the terrace.

You may wake from slumber assuming it’s Scandinavia, not Suffolk

The warm, soothing Scandi-nature theme continues in the bedroom space and the accompanying bathroom with a vibrant tiled floor to gee you up in the morning.

The vibrant tiled floors add a splash of colour to the en-suite bathroom

And it goes on…there’s also an interconnected dressing room, complete with stylish full-height handmade stained-oak cabinetry and a study for those who like to roll from bed to work, although the space could be used as a nursey if needed?

Spaces are flexible – this study could be a nursery, ideal for new parents as the master bedroom is nearby

The other two double bedrooms are placed at the other end of the house, back down on the ground floor, and both maximise the use of windows to ensure they wash with light – and provide superb spots for watching sunsets (they have doors out into the garden too).

Step straight out from the bedroom into the wild beauty of the landscape

That brings the bedroom count up to 3, although there is another large and flexible space which could become bedroom 4. It’s currently used as a pottery studio and has a walk-in store room attached (an en-suite, perhaps?), with the glorious views a given out of the windows.

Artists will love the quality of the light in what current owners use as a pottery studio, but it could be a fourth bedroom?

You may have gathered that the location and the land are critical parts of this property. The outside space features paths that weave towards the river, with suitable spots on route for dining or sipping a glass of something soothing. For more formal dining, there are terraces closer to the house.

The surrounding landscape feels like a feature inside the house courtesy of thoughtful design

To complete the outside offerings, the land has an orchard and a selection of raised beds for growing vegetables and ensuring life here can be closer to the sustainability the soothing, natural setting makes you dream about. There is also a geodesic greenhouse for a further option to satisfy the green-fingered adventurer.

Owners can grow some mean vegetables in this geodesic greenhouse

The property is close to Aldeburgh, known as one of Suffolk’s most attractive coastal towns. Here you can find lots of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants lining the high street. There is also an independently run cinema (the oldest privately operated one in the country!) and Snape Maltings (home of the Aldeburgh Music Festival) is just five miles away.

Neat, elegant and welcoming, the style is subtle but incredibly soothing

Walkers will welcome to proximity to the River Alde at Brick Dock, where they can pick up a trail to Thorpeness. Further activities, such as sailing facilities, a golf course, a tennis club, a boating lake and a RSPB Minsmere reserve are all nearby.

The house, grounds and location are ideal for nature-lovers

When you have to leave the glorious local area and the stylish house, trains to London can be picked up at Saxmundham railway station (15 mins drive) and the journey takes around 2 hours. Norwich and Stansted Airports are both approximately 70 minutes by car.

Source: RightMove

Marketed by The Modern House, London

4 bedroom detached house for sale in Hazlewood, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, IP15 (rightmove.co.uk)

9-bed detached, with deer park and lakes, in Yorkshire (UK), £8,000,000

In Contemporary, Europe, Large grounds, luxury, Nature, UK

Formerly Gill Farm, this restored Estate is now known as Valley Farm and covers 65 acres of glorious Yorkshire countryside. The main property is nestled in a valley between two vast lakes, all of which is home to thriving wildlife. In fact, there are seven spring-fed lakes and areas of luscious woodland, while grasslands are grazed by various deer species that can trace their ancestry back to the Duke of Bedford’s estate at Woburn Abbey.

The house sits on an Estate of 65 acres

The main house, which covers over 18,000 sq ft, was built for the out-going owner seven years ago, with a dream of a modern house that sits happily within the natural landscape, complementing the beauty of the grounds.

Eye-catching without ostentation, the house complements the landscape

The house was designed by award-winning architect Mark Bramhall, and has been listed as a property of importance in the acclaimed Nikolaus Pevsner Architectural Guide. Little surprise, really: this is truly a feat of architectural and engineering excellence, sitting gloriously in its setting while offering spacious, light spaces that are stylish yet comfortable.

Even on the greyest days, this house will shimmer thanks to ample windows

With 16,245 sq ft of floor space, the main house has plenty of area for a family and their guests, both large open-plan spaces and more cosy, private areas to be alone. The kitchen-dining space is, like most properties, the dominating and most welcoming space and one that has been designed to maximise the light and the natural suroundings.

Glass doors can be opened completely for a wall of nature when weather allows

The kitchen is fully equipped and elegantly finished, with the dining space opening onto a sun terrace for when gatherings expand and long summer evenings invite lounging in the outdoors.

The terrace provides views over one of the seven spring-fed lakes

There is also a home-gym, a wine store and a stylish swimming pool of a good size for refreshing dips and morning work-outs.

Well-sized pool is surrounded by areas for resting and relaxing

It’s not all about work though; more reception rooms include a comfortable TV room to allow the family to curl up together with a good film. The challenge will be agreeing on what to watch..

Dramatic wood-panelling only enhances the entertainment value of what’s happening on your TV

There are six en-suite bedrooms within the main house, while a self-contained apartment has three more bedrooms to bring total occupancy up to nine. All bedrooms are thoughtfully designed and comfortable, with attached bathrooms certainly not serving as an after-thought. These washing areas maximise the surroundings to being the natural world into your bathing experience.

No glorious contemporary house is complete without a dramatic spot for a wash

Importantly for today’s environmentally-conscious buyer, this whole property is fed by its own spring water, with the heating system and hot water provided by a biomass boiler. The boiler takes timber that is harvested from the Estate’s woodland, although the house is currently still attached to the mains electricity supply. (Solar panels could be installed to replace this and there is already a generator to cover any periods of power outage.)

There is potential for this property to be 100% off-grid

In addition to the main house, there is a separate annex with three further bedrooms which could be ideal for multi-generational living.

The building materials are also of note as the design took pains to ensure the house was at one with the landscape. The stone for the lower walls has been reused from the previous building, with any additional stone required being quarried on-site. The upper cladding is limestone and the whole structure is incredibly well insulated with a green roof on which one can stroll – and admire the views.

Inside and out, this house is a masterpiece of considered living

The Estate sits within the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in North Yorkshire and is close to the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Wolds and the Vale of York, as well as attractive villages and one of the most iconic stately homes in the country, Castle Howard. Despite feeling isolated, the Estate is only 15 miles from York Station, with Central London accessible within 2.5 hours by train.

Marketed by: Savills, Residential & Country Agency

Source: Right Move

9 bedroom detached house for sale in Gilling East, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 (rightmove.co.uk)

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