November has brought cooler weather, and the short-lived ‘Indian summer’ has ventured off to places more exotic, leaving the UK to deal with the regular winter chill. While the cold may be biting outside, there is no better time to turn up the heating and enjoy coming back to a cosy home after a long day.
Chocolate box cottages look particularly warm and inviting from the outside, and they can be just as cosy inside. Usually set in an idyllic countryside village, these cottages offer more than the chance to own a slice of the countryside, they give a chance to experience the lifestyle that small communities can offer.
Set in a wonderful elevated position on the edge of gently rolling countryside, The Manor Barn is a handsome period residence with stunning open views to the south and west. The Grade II Listed barn was built in the 17th Century of golden Weldon stone with a Collyweston slate roof, and much of the fabric and character of the original building remain, with features such as solid oak beams, roof timbers and exposed stone throughout the interior.
The Manor Barn is situated in a small cluster of dwellings on the edge of the Northamptonshire village of Newton. Newton has a thriving farm shop and nearby Geddington has a post office and primary school, and the attractive town of Oundle, 14 miles away, has a good range of traditional shops.
Fine & Country Stamford (01780 750 200)
Located in the heart of the picturesque village of Bredon, this adorable detached cottage is within a few minutes of the local shop, school and family run pub The Fox and Hounds, which serves home cooked food.
This cottage has wonderful original features throughout and an excellently maintained garden which has been professionally planted and tended.
Fine & Country Cheltenham (01242 220080)
In the village of North Lopham sits this lovely timber framed thatched cottage. It is just across the road from the country pub The Kings Head, which is popular with locals. This property is set back from the main road through the village, providing it with the peace and quiet of the countryside and excellent privacy.
Unusually for a thatched cottage, the cosy interiors have been opened up in the kitchen to create a large family kitchen and dining area.
Fine & Country Diss & Harleston (01379 646020)
Perfect for commuters, this property enjoys the best of country living while also situated in walking distance of two train stations with excellent links to London.
It has a lot of history, and was originally built as a farmhouse in the mid 1800s. The four bedrooms mean it is much larger than traditional cottages, but still maintains a cosy feel, perfect for winter. Situated in heart of the sought after village of Deddington, this property also features a charming garden with views over to the church and is convenient for local restaurants, pubs, schools, and the GP surgery.
Fine & Country Banbury (01295 239666)
If you are looking for a property with a story, then this Grade II Listed Medieval hall house offers a large amount of history.
Believed to have been formerly part moated, this individual house has a number of attractive character features which include a wealth of exposed beams throughout and a large inglenook fireplace in the medieval dining room.
The magnificent first floor drawing room has oak ceiling trusses and exposed stone, providing a great space for entertaining. The house was the winner of the Snowdonia National Park Award 2005 for works carried out by the current owners and is also featured in Peter Smith's book "Houses of the Welsh Countryside" and other books.
Fine & Country Welshpool (01938 531000)
** To see more stunning properties from Fine & Country, visit the Fine & Country website
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If heaven is on earth, it might be in this home with a converted chapel that is now a swimming pool5 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.
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