A regal 15th century property where the Queen Mother once played as a child
Rachael Turner looks in awe at this marvellous property in Kent.

Crockham House in Westerham, Kent, is a Grade II Listed seven-bedroom country property with a fascinating history.
Understood to have been built in the 15th century with later additions, it was rumoured that the Queen Mother used to play in the gardens. It is listed by Knight Frank for £3,500,000.
It was owned in the 1930s by Alice Bowes-Lyons and the gardens were designed by Octavia Hill, co-founder of the National Trust.
The impressive property features a charming Oast House, believed to have once been used by monks for brewing beer.
The majority of its rooms enjoy views of the elegant gardens, which extend to a generous 20 acres and include outbuildings.
Formal lawns, ornamental hedgerows and plantings meet woodland-lined paddocks and grassland, perfect for enjoying with family, friends and canine companions.
The outdoor space has all sorts of potential, and could easily accommodate equestrian enthusiasts — there is plenty of acreage for grazing and exercising a horse or pony.
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.
Inside, there are seven bedrooms, five bathrooms and four reception rooms, with many original features including exposed timber beams, an inglenook fireplace, wooden floors and 17th century panelling.
The accommodation in the main house extends to over 6,000 sq. ft. ideal for family living and entertaining on a larger scale.
Its secluded setting, nestled in its own valley, provides privacy for its occupants who can be reached by the property's long drive and ample parking.
Despite its private spot, the house is conveniently located less than a mile from Crockham Hill, 2.2 miles from Westerham and just a stone's throw from London.
The property could provide the perfect retreat for those who wants to enjoy peace and quiet in idyllic surroundings but be in easy reach of the capital.
Crockham House is for sale at £3.5m via Knight Frank — find more houses in the area.
An elegant Georgian country house set in 14 acres of rolling Cornish countryside
Penny Churchill takes a look at a magnificent house near Truro.
Credit: Jonathan Cunliffe
A house that might be the finest waterfront property in Falmouth has come up for sale
Britons Slip is one of the finest properties in Falmouth, a beautiful home with space to park your yacht. Penny
-
Dawn Chorus: A Blue Plaque for Marc Bolan, holidaying in the Caribbean with Francis Ford Coppola and a history of the National Gallery in 25 pictures
Plus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
By James Fisher Published
-
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 Last updated
-
Five palatial mansions for sale, 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