Stories from 'A Country Agent'

  Buyers on the hunt for history and drama need look no further than this selection of the finest castles on the market across the world. In the Sherlock Holmes novel  The Valley of Fear , John Douglas finds himself fleeing some of the most dangerous men in America. On arrival in England, his first move is to invest in a fortified property, complete with a moat and a drawbridge, from which to defend himself.  Back in the real world, the factors of privacy and security are still an important part of a castle’s appeal, but buyers also yearn for the romance of owning a home that has survived — or, indeed, played a role in—hundreds or even thousands of years of history... continue reading Source: Country  Life Magazine

Lilford Hall Estate, Oundle “What a fabulous opportunity to be the owner of this important estate.    With a 32,406sq.ft Jacobean House surrounded by around 312 acres of park and woodland there would be plenty to keep you entertained!”   Brochure: The epitome of historic architecture in a parkland setting Lilford Hall Estate is an exceptional residential and amenity Estate, located on the River Nene in the eastern part of the County of Northamptonshire. At the heart of the private Estate sits an impressive Jacobean House measuring 32,406 sq. ft. GIA comprising; Grand entrance hall, 3 reception rooms, 2 dining rooms, a theatre room, a ballroom and 9 bedrooms. The Grade 1 Listed House has a prolific history, first starting as a Tudor mansion in 1495 and later developed in 1635 into the Jacobean exterior that can be seen today, though the Hall has been altered throughout the periods. At the rear of the Hall are two impressive Georgian pavilions, previously used as the Coach House and the

Castle House, Buckingham “We never really own a property, we buy the right to be the caretakers of a property for future generations and it  is a huge responsibility to be the owner of a Grade 1 listed property.   Castle House is a beautiful, historic home. I particularly like the master bedroom which is steeped in character.” Castle House is a large Grade I listed town house positioned on West Street in the centre of the historic county town of Buckingham, says the brochure from agent Knight Frank.  Whilst the main range of the house, which dates from around 1708, is built of red brick with limestone dressings, the much older east and west wings are of coursed limestone rubble to the ground floor with rendered timber framed construction to the first floor.  The east range survives largely complete and evidently consisted of a large ground floor rooms, over a stone cellar with 2 chambers to the first floor, one being much larger than the other and with an open timber roof.

“I rather like this property, it offers so much and retains so many wonderful features. The dining room is magnificent but I’m not sure I know that many people I like to invite over for dinner!” A Grade II* listed Elizabethan manor house set in 10 acres of formal gardens, woodland and orchards within a further 65 plus acres of parkland. Dating back to the early 12th century, the main house of Markyate Cell offers in the region 12,000 Sq ft. Unquestionably one of the finest and most lavish abodes in the county, the staggering property has been meticulously enhanced by the current owners who have embraced the elegant and nuanced décor of a traditional home.  Through the picturesque and meandering tree lined driveway you approach the property in all its magnificent grandeur. Notably, the three rounded lead covered turrets, crenelated gable end brick work and ornate moulded stonework. Sitting prominently in an elevated central location within the grounds the resplendent home offers a range

Well, in the village of Little Bardfield in Essex it would be here; what is now called The Old Rectory... https://www.zoopla.co.uk/for-sale/details/58469710/ Features and description 7 bedrooms 7 reception rooms 6 bathrooms 8.18 acres Outbuildings Period Detached Garden Gym Parking Roof Terrace Rural Swimming Pool Tennis Court Triple Garage Village Cellar Lake View Woodland Paddock The Old Rectory is a wonderful family house in Little Bardfield. This historic Grade II listed 7 bedroom property is set amidst beautiful mature grounds, extending to around 8.18 acres in total, including a recently renovated, 2 bedroom cottage.  The house dates from the late 18th century to early 19th century and is constructed of red brick under a hipped red tiled roof.  Welcomed by an impressive reception hall, the house has a range of character features including wood floors, sash windows and shutters, ornate cornicing and open fireplaces. On with Knight Frank Country Department for £3,500,000.  To follo

Westbrook House Westbrook Hill, GU8  https://www.rightmove.co.uk/property/105763964 On with Hanover Private Ltd for £25,000,000 216 acres Swimming pool, spa, gym Tennis court Far reaching views Totally private and secure Beautiful formal gardens including impressive walled and kitchen gardens Lake and streams Woodland and parkland Lodge cottage  Outbuildings and barn To follow, watch, read or like please click below for access to all my social media channels: 👉 A Country Agent 👈 Or scan the QR code: