Berkshire: Highwood Farm, Newbury. Residents of this former farmhouse, on the market for the first time in 20 years, find themselves on the doorstep of Downe House (a five-minute drive).
It built its reputation teaching the daughters of colonial servants, and now consistently appears at the top of school league tables. 4 bedrooms, nursery, drawing room, sitting room, dining room, conservatory, orchard. 6.5 acres. £975,000. Strutt & Parker (01635 521707).