Cornwall is, without question, is one of the prettiest parts of Britain. The coastline is breathtaking and has so many different nooks and crannies of private beaches and coves which seem inexhaustable, while authors like Daphne du Maurier helped to cement places like Frenchman’s Creek as romantic, idyllic places to summer.
So many families visit Cornwall every year, whether they head for the foody havens of Padstow, the galleries and sweet shops of St Ives, or to the north coast for surfing and seafood, there is so much to see and do in this west coast favourite.
Some families spend so much time there they end up buying a holiday home in Cornwall: popular places to buy include the south coast around St Austell and Falmouth, or in the north near Newquay for a surfers paradise. Prices, too, are very reasonable for buyers coming west from the home counties. Unless you are buying right on the beach, of course, in which case you’ll still be paying in the millions for a lovely old country house.
Devon is just that little bit closer to London than Cornwall, but still offers outstanding beaches, wonderful seafood, bracing walks and some very attractive property for sale.
From small thatched cottages down little lanes to large estates and equestrian properties, Devon has a diverse portfolio for those looking to buy a holiday home or a country house as a primary residence.
South coast hotspots like Dartmouth and Salcombe can have million pound properties if they are located by the water; property in Devon is cheaper on the north coast, but still highly desirable: Ilfracombe and Bideford are much-frequented by surfers and those looking for a fantastic quality of life and a beautiful place to live.
The beautiful county of Dorset is a draw for people keen to move outside of London into real countryside. Its rolling hills and Thomas Hardy-esque villages could almost make you believe you’ve gone back in time, and the coastline includes some of the most iconic views in England: The Jurassic Coast is a huge draw and there are lots of little towns and villages within easy reach of this stunning landscape, from Lulworth to Bridport.
Inland is a large area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and towns like Cerne Abbas and Beaminster sit in this very pretty setting, characterised by rolling hills and flowing rivers. You’re also not too far from London; Dorset is still commutable a couple of times a week: Dorchester, Weymouth and Bournemouth all have direct trains to London.
The British landscape isn’t short of fine country houses which have been converted into delightful country hotels. Sometimes, though, the process works in reverse, as is the case with the enchanting Backwell House, in North Somerset.
Tawstock Castle near Barnstaple even comes with its own banishing table. And four bedrooms.
In prime position in Dartmouth, this superb five-bedroom home has breathtaking views.
Barrow Court is a home that demands — and deserves — superlatives.
The Wash presents itself perfectly in this Special Landscape Area, and has lashings of amenities on its doorstep to keep you entertained through all seasons.
Hawking Down House is a glorious country property that's full of potential. Penny Churchill explains more.
All this, plus a dovecot for 1,000 birds at Jaggards, in the heart of Wiltshire.
Mill Cottage in the Red River Valley looks achingly rural on the outside, but is gloriously refurbished for modern family living on the inside.
The utterly beautiful Pamphill Manor in Dorset is owned by the National Trust — but they've put it on the market with one small catch.
Penny Churchill takes a look at Avishays House, a 17th century creation that's in the grandest tradition of the country house.
Harptree Court is a stunning west country home up for sale. Penny Churchill takes a look.
The Bridehead Estate in Dorset has come up for sale — and it's quite an astonishing opportunity. Penny Churchill takes a look.
You'd never get sick of writing 'Trudoxhill' as your address — nor of living in this beautiful country home in this pretty Somerset village.
No house ticks every single box for buyers... but it must be said that Old Came Rectory, just outside Dorchester, comes awfully close.
Emmetts Grange is the highest farmhouse on Exmoor — and one of the most enticing. Penny Churchill takes a look.
From mansions and a castle to a wisteria-clad dream home, here's our pick of the best homes to come up for sale via Country Life in recent days.
Jane Seymour bought this stunning house a few years after becoming one of the most celebrated Bond girls in the entire 007 series; now, it's seeking a new owner.
Penny Churchill marvels at the genuinely delightful Chalcot House in Wiltshire.
Arabella Youens takes a look at the aptly-named Beach Haven, in the heart of one of North Cornwall's most popular spots.
Thalassa is a home that enjoys glorious sunsets, delightful beaches, privacy and seclusion — yet is close enough to the action to keep anyone happy. Arabella Youens takes a look.
