An unexpected slice of New England charm in London, in the shape of a cottage in an area dubbed the capital's 'best kept secret'
London property is many things, but a 2,400 sq ft tranquil cottage in a village with blooming gardens and private parking it was not...until now.

With its white weather-boarded exterior, blue plantation shutters, lush sprawling garden and exquisite interiors, you may well think that this enchanting Georgian property, with its New England aesthetic, was airdropped from the US Eastern Seaboard.
You probably wouldn't have guessed that it is in fact located in Dulwich. However, we love a surprise — and proving that country living is very possible in London is Ash Tree Cottage, which is currently on the market via Knight Frank at a guide price of £2 million.
Situated in 'its own private micro hamlet' in the Sydenham Hill Conservation Area of Mount Gardens, the property has undergone a complete renovation, having been transformed into a 'bright and airy four bedroom detached home that is full of character.'
The results really will inspire – with a kitchen/dining room that flows seamlessly out into the leafy garden, that leads to a covered outdoor terrace. Also helping to create a flow between indoor and outdoor living is a garden room plus a detached art studio/ separate annexe.
Cosy corners with fireplaces juxtapose the bright, natural palette, further proving that this is a house for all seasons — and locations, alike.
The surrounding area has been dubbed 'South-East London's best kept secret', and it's not hard to see why.
With Forest Hill and Sydenham overground stations located less than a mile away which provide links into central London, this really allows the best of both worlds. A little slice of country life, without missing out on London's amenities.
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.
Ash Tree House is currently for sale via Knight Frank at a guide price of £2 million — see more pictures, or enquire with the agent for further details.
Sydenham: What you need to know
Location: Sydenham is a district in south-east London. The suburb borders Crystal Palace Park and has great transport links, with stations at Forest Hill (overground), Sydenham (overground) and Sydenham Hill, which provides links into central London.
Atmosphere: The Vctorian suburb has been dubbed 'London's best kept secret' — admittedly, that was probably the work of enterprising local estate agents rather than anyone else, yet it seems a fair thing to say of a place with a strong village community feel in a leafy corner of the city. There are a number of shops and restaurants along the high street, as well as Sydenham Wells Park.
Things to do: The Horniman Museum is situated close by, after which you can explore Dulwich Village, for its eclectic shopping, beautiful parks and friendly atmosphere. Or, take the overground into central London for endless shopping, restaurant and bars.
Schools: Eliot Bank Primary School is rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted, and Sydenham School (secondary) and Kelvin Grove Primary School are both rated 'good'.
See more property for sale in the area.
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: Knight Frank
A family home with fabulous grounds close to good schools in West Dulwich
Spanning almost 3,500sq ft, this Victorian house in Lovelace Road, Dulwich, has scope to be further extended.
-
From California to Cornwall: How surfing became a cornerstone of Cornish culture
A new exhibition at Cornwall's National Maritime Museum celebrates a century of surf culture and reveals how the country became a global leader in surf innovation and conservation.
By Emma Lavelle Published
-
Jaecoo 7 SHS: Can you really get a luxury SUV for £35,000?
The Chinese automaker Jaecoo lands on UK shores with the 7. We take it for a spin around Scotland and the north of England to see if the hype is real.
By Charlie Thomas Published
-
18 magnificent homes for sale from £550k to £20 million, as seen in Country Life
From a charming thatched cottage to a 300-acre estate with its own vineyard, here's our pick of places to come to the market via Country Life of late.
By Toby Keel Published
-
If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool
5 Wood Barton Town House is part of an exclusive 80-acre development in Devon that also comes with fishing rights on the River Avon and four bedrooms.
By James Fisher Published
-
The sounds of spring and stained glass in an Arts-and-Crafts masterpiece in Dorset
With 35 acres, more than 10 bedrooms, a swimming pool and tennis court, Winterfield has it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An eight-bedroom wonder in East Sussex where the outdoors are an adventure
The interiors of Old Middleton are pretty good too.
By Arabella Youens Published
-
A lakeside farmhouse on the market in the beautiful heart of Pembrokeshire
A lake, streams, 15 acres and five bedrooms. Rogershook might have it all.
By James Fisher Published
-
An idyllic countryside home that's light, spacious and comes with a Grade II-listed folly
Hagg House is a gorgeous family home that just happens to have a miniature castle in the gardens. Annabel Dixon explains more.
By Annabel Dixon Published
-
A historic villa for sale on the Via Nomentana worthy of Rome's rich history
Three floors, lots of balconies, and a private garden in one of Rome's loveliest neighbourhoods.
By James Fisher Published
-
Eight bedrooms of unlisted Edwardian elegance with sweeping views of Somerset
Ashton House sits near the market town of Chard and comes with a wealth of amenities both inside and out.
By Arabella Youens Published