When we write about the traditional English country home, which we do often here, at Country Life, there are certain things we look for. Everyone has their own idea in their head of what it might look like.
For some, a thatched roof is essential. At least an acre of well-manicured gardens is a must for others. Exposed beams, fireplaces, mullioned windows, Agas, these are a few of our (and likely your) favourite things. The ‘English country home’ is different things to many people, but there are always certain boxes to tick.
One home that ticks quite a few of these boxes is White Lodge, for sale with Knight Frank for £3 million. Situated in Farnham, which is in Surrey, the property coughs up five bedrooms, four reception rooms, exactly an acre of gardens and grounds, a swimming pool and dates from the 1920s. Pretty good effort all round there.
Having been owned by the same family for the past 13 years, the property is in sublime condition, with traditional interiors contemplated with all the latest modern trimmings to make life comfortable. The kitchen is bright and spacious, the reception rooms cosy and inviting and the bedrooms large and spacious — all set over three floors.
Outside, the gardens are likely the highlight of the whole show. Expertly managed, to the south a substantial expanse of lawn fronts the house, which is surrounded by mature well-stocked flower and shrub borders. Stone steps lead to a lower lawn level in which an ornamental pond and fountain provide a great place to sit and relax. There is also the aforementioned pool.
The joy of White Lodge (and there are many) is its situation. Less than a mile to Farnham town centre, while still retaining the rural charm you would expect from a home on the northern of the South Downs AONB (or National Landscape, as the new name goes). It goes without saying really, but Farnham has lots of schools, pubs, restaurants and everything else. And is less than an hour from London.
Credit: Strutt and Parker
Best country houses for sale this week
An irresistible West Country cottage and a magnificent Cumbrian country house make our pick of the finest country houses for
Credit: H Tiddy
12 stunning character properties for sale at under £400,000
Thatched homes in Cornwall and West Sussex are among the many highlights of these gorgeous character cottages for sale.
A Georgian masterpiece is for sale that's somehow escaped listed building status
This gorgeous old rectory in Norfolk is free from the encumbrance of listed building status — not that you'd want to
Credit: Savills
A 'labour of love' that's literally on top of one of Cornwall's most beautiful surfing spots, on the market for the first time in its history
Constantine Cottage overlooks Constantine Bay, and is a tastefully modern family home in one of Cornwall's most sought-after locations.
-
‘To this day, it is as attractive as when Hercules first laid eyes on it’: How to escape the crowds on the Amalfi Coast, according to those in the knowThe Amalfi Coast is one of the world’s most famed holiday destinations, but, in recent years, mass tourism has made parts of it unbearable. Here’s our guide to making the most of it — in peace and in style.
-
21 of the greatest craftspeople working in Britain today, as chosen by the nation's best designers and architectsWe've persuaded some of the most celebrated names from our Country Life Top 100 to name the craftspeople they have in their own personal little black books.
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family homeHadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every windowPenny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new ownerIn the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countrysideHartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in CornwallThe Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its historyIn the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston MartinA new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
-
The Mediterranean Magic of MaltaWith historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
