The UK is full of historic homes that sit in timeless villages among the rolling hills of the British countryside. Think Downton Abbey vibes…
These homes whisper the stories of centuries gone by. With their timber beams, ornate stonework, and character-filled interiors, they offer more than a place to live. They are a unique blend of charm, history, and a chance own a little piece of British history.
Their timeless appeal is undeniable.
Take this one-bed, one-bath cottage in the village of Blakeney, within the Forest of Dean district in Gloucestershire, England.
Located on a quiet country lane, this cottage dates back to 1850 and was extended in 1983. The lounge has exposed ceiling timbers and a large inglenook-style fireplace with a woodburning stove. A thumb latch plank door, leading to the kitchen, adds to the charm. The kitchen/dining room has a butler sink and quarry-tiled floor. There is also a bathroom downstairs.
Upstairs is the bedroom and a landing which could also be used as a bedroom. There’s flagstone paving at the front of the house and decking at the rear. Also at the back of the house is a garden with a rockery, bushes and shrubs. There’s also a terraced lower garden, and steps down lead to the end of the garden which backs onto a stream.
The area is characterised by more than 42 square miles of mixed woodland, one of the few ancient woodlands in England today. A large area was reserved for royal hunting until 1066.
Blakeney offers picturesque views of the Forest of Dean and has historical significance, with evidence of a Roman villa dating back to 75 AD.
This property is on the market for £239,500 ($305,800). Find full details here.
Also located among some of Britain’s most scenic areas, is This one-bed, one-bath bungalow is in the small Village of Chop Gate, in The North York Moors National Park.
The North York Moors National Park is one of 15 national parks in the UK. Located in northeast Yorkshire in England, the park offers a rich tapestry of contrasting landscapes, including dense forests, deep dales, winding rivers, charming villages, and a stunning coastline. It’s recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve, offering spectacular views of the night sky free from light pollution.
The bungalow has a utility and dining area, kitchen, sitting room, double master bedroom, and luxury fitted shower room. Outside to the rear there’s a covered patio area and a storage shed. At the front, there’s a seating area, lawn and parking.
This property is on the market for £300,000 ($383,100). Find more details here.
Somerset in southwest England is a mostly rural county. It has a long and rich history, having been invaded by the Romans about 2,000 years ago and later by the Anglo-Saxons. Somerset is also known as the birthplace of cheddar cheese and is considered the cider capital of the UK. Over 400 varieties of apple are grown in this part of England.
This three-bed, two-bath property is nestled in the quiet Somerset village of Stawell. It’s a 25-minute drive from Glastonbury, which is home to one of the word’s largest and most iconic music festivals.
The Old Forge is thought to date back to the 1700s. It was converted in the 1980s and renovated in 2004. The property has striking oak double doors at the entrance. Inside, the building has French oak flooring, exposed stone walls, reclaimed pitched pine leaded windows, and bespoke stained-glass windows. Other features include the reclaimed cast iron radiators.
The property is set over three levels, featuring a main living area with exposed stone walls. The kitchen has cream shaker-style units and integrated appliances. The master suite includes a bathroom with Victorian fittings and access to a loft storage area.
The south-facing garden has a sandstone-paved terrace adjoining the house, with steps leading up to a lawn adorned with fruit trees, mature plants, and hedging. A seating area is nestled at the rear. This property is for sale for £650,000 ($827,500). Find more information here.
Thus next home is also in the heart of rural Somerset, and you’ll need a bigger budget, but it does come with some acreage…
This six-bed, four-bath property dates from the 1650s. Located in the quiet village of Parbrook, known for its apple orchards, College Green Farm was extended over the years and now has approximately 5,000 square feet of living space.
The house opens to a grand reception hall with reclaimed flagstones and an exposed blue lias stone wall. The heart of the home is the stunning kitchen/dining room, with soaring oak ‘A’ frame beams, underfloor heating, and a luxury kitchen with bespoke units, granite worktops, and premium appliances. The dining/seating area has panoramic countryside views and direct garden access.
The first floor has six bedrooms, including a principal suite with a spiral staircase to a dressing area and a private bathroom set into the eaves of the house. There are five more bedrooms, all with views of the gardens and landscape, and two more bathrooms. The property comes with 5.5 acres of land, consisting of gardens and agricultural land.
And the price for College Green Farm? A cool £2,550,000 ($3,258,000). Find more details here.
Ronan McMahon, Founder, Overseas Dream Home & Real Estate Trend Alert
P.S. If you’re interested in any of these listings you should hire an attorney and do your own due diligence. We haven’t done any due diligence on them.
P.P.S. Are there any particular types of homes you’d like my team and I to search for around the globe? Maybe you like the idea of a home in a foodie city…or you’d like to see what beach bungalows in Asia are on the market right now…or perhaps you’re curious about state-of-art modern homes in Europe? Drop me a note here and tell me what you’d like to us to look in to.