By definition, a listed building is a structure ‘of special architectural or historic interest with legal protection’, so say the good people of Historic England, who are in charge of all that. They do fine work, protecting the nation’s built heritage. It is why England looks like England.
When buying a house, a listed building is a fine temptation. You know you are getting something with the aforementioned ‘architectural or historic interest’. You know that rather than just purchasing and owning a structure, you are becoming a guardian of history and heritage. But also, if you want to change anything, you are going to have difficulty in doing so. Double-glazing was not around when xx house was built, so it is forbidden now.
The sweet spot, then, is to find something that looks like it should be listed, but isn’t. That way you get all the prestige of owning an English country house, but also you can make it fit for 21st century needs.
Does ‘21st century needs’ also include green wallpaper with various species of exotic birds on it? A cheetah print carpet? According to the owners of Broad Oak, in East Sussex, yes it does. We do not judge. £2.25 million with John D Wood & Co.
Oast houses are fun because they look like they are wearing little wizard hats. Originally, they were used for drying hops as part of the beer-making process, but these days, they have been transformed into stylish country homes that you can see up and down the land. Homes such as Broad Oak.
This particular example occupies a prime position above the High Weald National Landscape, with views to boot, as well as 6,600sq ft of refurbished living space. And what space it is. Original features aplenty, with lots of modern flair and eclectic furnishings. We approve.
With seven bedrooms in total, the property is nothing short of spacious. Four of them are arranged in the oasts themselves, while the characterful principle bedroom suite occupies most of the first floor and also comes with a wraparound roof terrace, from which to enjoy the sensational views.
On the ground floor, you will find a host of exciting reception spaces, from the vast open plan kitchen and dining room, to the large drawing room on the other side of the house. There is also a study, sauna, gym and lounge area.
The excitement continues outside, where the U-shaped building is wrapped around a central courtyard where you will find a swimming pool. The gardens and grounds extend to 13 acres in total, and there is a provision for a tennis court, if you’d like one.
Further outbuildings include a stable/storage block, as well as a double garage. There is also a large unused barn on the driveway. Magic.
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'Never has there been a more important time to publicise great Victorian and Edwardian buildings in peril': The importance of saving our historic buildingsFor the 16th year, the Victorian Society is calling on the public to nominate Victorian or Edwardian buildings in England and Wales that are in need of saving.
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A beautiful old farmhouse in 15 acres of breathtaking Scottish scenery, for sale at just £825,000A wonderful country home with almost 15 acres of land has come up for sale at a price which will make urban dwellers question their life choices.
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A beautiful old farmhouse in 15 acres of breathtaking Scottish scenery, for sale at just £825,000
A wonderful country home with almost 15 acres of land has come up for sale at a price which will make urban dwellers question their life choices.
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A country house that was the set for one of the best-loved sitcoms of the 1980s is for sale, with 40,000sq ft of space, 39 bedrooms and almost endless potentialLynford Hall, a vast neo-Jacobean house that's been everything from a country hotel to an agricultural college, has come to the market. Toby Keel tells its story.
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A sprawling castle set amid ancient woodland has come to the market for the first time in 150 yearsGyrn Castle, set amidst woodland on the outskirts of an ancient village, is now seeking new owners. Penny Churchill reports.
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A Tudor Revival home built by a Victorian adventurer, with beauty, grandeur and its own putting greenFulford Hall is an idyllic country home, yet is situated less than a dozen miles from Birmingham. Penny Churchill tells more.
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Five glorious properties for sale from the 11th to the 21st centuryA tithe barn, a Grade I-listed Norman keep, and a Georgian masterpiece all graced the pages of Country Life this week
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You can now rent King William IV’s former home in London’s Mayfair — for a princely sumThe London property — with royal lineage — is on the market with the estate agency Wetherell for £25,000 a week.
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Dream of revolution inside the 18th-century villa once occupied by Napoleon's French troopsAn apartment inside historic Villa Gnecchi Ruscone is on the market and it comes with a grand ballroom rumoured to have been frequented by Napoleon.
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May the force be with you if you move into this London apartment block that Obi-Wan Kenobi (and Cher) once lived inOliver’s Wharf was once the residence of megastar Cher and the actor Sir Alec Guinness — as well as Mark Knopfler of the Dire Straits.
