A 17th century farmhouse perfectly combining old and new, with ample acreage and enviable Lake District views
We’ve fallen in love with this Grade II listed home, which has been beautifully restored and is nestled in a peaceful yet well-connected rural location.

How Top Farm House, located above the charming villages of Grasmere and White Moss, has been sympathetically converted to provide a charming yet stylish setting to relax and unwind after enjoying the glorious surrounding countryside.
The 17th century farmhouse, nestled in the rolling hills of the Lake District, offers open-plan living and plenty of room for hosting, with two reception rooms and spacious kitchen.
The Grade II listed property retains heaps of character, with exposed beams, oak lintels and deep window sills, alongside stylish contemporary touches.
Natural limestone tiled floors with fossil details add a sleek finish with underfloor heating that stretches across the ground floor.
A bespoke oak staircase leads upstairs to three double bedrooms with ensuite to the master, and each offers unique views of the fells.
Set within ample private grounds, the former working farm comes with seven acres so there’s plenty of space to introduce an equine herd, or just allow the secluded setting to provide a haven for wildlife.
The gardens surrounding the house are relatively low-maintenance so the property is perfect for those looking for a lock up and leave.
Sign up for the Country Life Newsletter
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
To the front is a neatly kept lawn area and the large gravelled driveway, with a central courtyard leading to two detached barns, offering an exciting opportunity for development.
How Top is a close neighbour to Dove Cottage, the former home of William Wordsworth, and is close to Grasmere, known for its picturesque scenery and vibrant community, with a primary school, shops and several good restaurants, including the Michelin-Starred Forest Side.
The market towns of Keswick, Ambleside and Kendal are within easy reach and the rail connection at Windermere links to the west coast mainline, which provides direct services to Manchester Airport and London Euston.
Credit: Savills
A fairytale castle in Wiltshire which could be straight out of Sleeping Beauty
Credit: Savills
A private island in Scotland for the price of a one-bedroom flat in south London
Just £300,000 buys the magnificent – and magnificently-named – Holm of Grimbister, lying off the coast of Orkney.
-
Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courts
From Italy to Indonesia, when it comes to hotel amenities, a picturesque tennis court will always trump a 24-hour gym. So, before you book your next holiday, take a look at our pick of the 12 best.
By Rosie Paterson Published
-
Five frankly enormous mansions, including one with its own private swimming lake, as seen in Country Life
Sometimes bigger really is better.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Five frankly enormous mansions, including one with its own private swimming lake, as seen in Country Life
Sometimes bigger really is better.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Gaze over Cap Ferrat in this four-bedroom French villa
Ignore the wind and the rain. Imagine yourself in this hillside home with some of the best views the Mediterranean can offer.
By James Fisher Published
-
Classical style meets fun and flair in a seven-bedroom manor in Cornwall
At Polstrong Manor, the current owners have combined period charm and elegant modern interiors to create a flamboyant country home 10-minutes from the beach.
By James Fisher Published
-
Two halves make a sublime four-bedroom home in Kent's North Downs
A contemporary extension to a traditional clapboard house brings light and life to Lavington House.
By James Fisher Published
-
The week in property statistics: Service charges reach record high
Plus, how first-time buyers prop up the mortgage market, why you need to move north if you want to live by yourself, and house-price growth slows
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A seven-bedroom oast house for sale in East Sussex, where your dreams can run riot
Unlisted, yet full of character, this property in the High Weald National Landscape is an eccentrically furnished family home that screams fun.
By James Fisher Published
-
Character, history and comfort combine in a four-bedroom farmhouse in Norfolk
Willow Farm near Southburgh is that rarest of things — a perfect combination of period charm and modern elegance in some of England's best countryside.
By James Fisher Published
-
A Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse that's part of the fabric of Bath's history
With 5,500sq ft set over six floors in the centre of Britain's most architecturally rich city, there is much to love here.
By James Fisher Published