Country house Oxfordshire, £1.35 million Southfield House, Northmoor 5 bedrooms, 1-bedroom annexe, 2.7 acres John D. Wood (01865 311522) A perfect blend of period and contemporary design, this Grade II-listed house sits in a charming west Oxfordshire village. The large L-shaped reception room, with a green oak frame, offers delightful views over the garden, which is predominantly laid to lawn with well-stocked flower and shrub borders.
Barn conversion Hampshire, £1.25 million The Dutch Barn, Popham 4 bedrooms, paddocks, 2 acres Jackson-Stops & Staff (01962 844299) This Dutch barn was converted eight years ago, and boasts characterful arched ceilings with exposed steelwork, oak and stone flooring and Gothic-style oak doors. It's also equipped with modern fittings, such as underfloor heating and wiring for Bang & Olufsen sound systems.
Town house Gloucestershire, £595,000 18, Gumstool Hill, Tetbury 3 bedrooms, 1-bedroom annexe, garden Savills (01285 627550) This Grade II-listed town house has been run as a B&B by the current owner, who has also rented it out for short-term lets. Packed with character, the house has a welcoming living/dining room with an inglenook fireplace and a summer house in the walled garden.
Modern country house Shropshire, £795,000 Kiln House, Ludlow 5 bedrooms, vineyards, 6.8 acres Strutt & Parker (01584 873711) The original house was enlarged by the current owners in 2009, and it has just undergone a full programme of refurbishment. All the rooms are flooded with light and enjoy a south-facing position looking towards the Malvern Hills. Outside is a disused swimming pool.
Town house Cheltenham, £2.25 million The Rectory, Park Place 6 bedrooms, walled garden, garage Knight Frank (01242 246959) The Rectory, which is referred to in Verey's ‘Buildings of England' as most resembling the neo-Greek design that dominates the villas of The Park, has been subject to a major renovation and restoration project. It was awarded a commendation by the Cheltenham Civic Society for the finest restoration in the town in 2009.
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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 picturesPlus the best of the property pages, and how the railways will save the countryside.
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Game, set, match: 12 of the world’s most beautiful tennis courtsFrom 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.
