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 church owned this property in the Somerset village of Northend for hundreds of years; now, after a huge refurbishment project, it's on the lookout for a new owner.
Just a few minutes from Bath yet with its toes also in the Cotswolds, this Grade II*-listed home is the archetype of the liveable country house.
This fine country rectory just outside Bath has had half a million pounds trimmed from its asking price – a realistic sign of the times, as Penny Churchill reports.
With a walled garden, an arboretum, a water garden and a vegetable garden, its no surprise that White House and its environs provided inspiration for Spring's creative genius.
Delta Cottage, high on the banks of Restronguet Creek, was the perfect setting for a sailing superstar to learn his craft. The beautiful family home now looks for a new owner to enjoy its idyllic location and incredible views.
One of the oldest, largest and most beautiful country houses in England has come up for sale – and while the guide price is just the start of what must be spent, Parnham House could once again be one of the finest homes in Britain.
A mansion in Dorset on the banks of the River Stour looks every inch the tranquil country pile, but Manston House has a fascinating history forged in fire. Penny Churchill explains.
Dove Rock has as fine a coastal location as you could imagine, and architecture which makes the most of it in every conceivable way.
Enjoying a breathtaking view on a daily basis from the comfort of your own home is a real luxury – and we've picked out six homes which offer it in abundance.
Woods House occupies one of the finest positions on the River Dart.
Murrawingi has superb views over the Salcombe estuary.
Upalong in South Hams has its own beach and five moorings.
Down in Lyme Regis a new development called Woodberry Copse promises high quality homes in one of England's most captivating coastal towns.
Wick Court is a fine Jacobean manor with river frontage, equidistant between Bath and Bristol.
Grade II*-listed Hapsford House at Great Elm, near Frome, Somerset has retained the purity of its centuries-old design.
We take our regular look at some of the finest houses to come up for sale via Country Life over the past week or so.
