Call of the Wild: five rural homes for a winter escape
With the most recent change of seasons comes the allure of a crisp afternoon stroll topped off with a tipple in a cosy pub – and there’s no better backdrop to partake in this ritual than the countryside. Here are five houses for sale, united by their bucolic rural positions and spectacular views ideal for winter walks – from a modernist home on the edge of the South Downs National Park in Hampshire, to a beautiful house with acres of lush private gardens in Dorset.
Swettenham Road, Congleton, Cheshire
This contemporary home in the Cheshire countryside has been designed to connect to the outdoors –four beautifully planted acres of gardens and woodlands, which is nothing short of delightful. The five-bedroom house has soaring high ceilings, flowing interior spaces and clerestory windows – but perhaps most notable is the sliding glass doors that open up to make connecting to nature a breeze.
The home’s brilliantly rural position means there are walks in abundance. Locally, you can stroll along the River Dane, but if you are after something more challenging, the exquisite Peak District National Park is in easy reach at only 13 miles away. As for the post-walk meal? The 16th-century pub The Swettenham Arms is nearby, with local ales and traditional pub food, such as homemade lasagne and roast pork belly.
Goscombe Lane, Gundleton, Hampshire
Not only does this single-storey modern house in Hampshire sit within two acres of beautiful private gardens, it’s also located on the border of the wonderful South Downs National Park. The latter has something for all outdoor enthusiasts: rolling hills, whisper-quiet woodlands and expansive heathland in which to roam.
The house itself is particularly warm and welcoming after a brisk walk; it’s designed with a high-level of energy retention in mind and the sitting room is arranged around a cosy wood-burning stove. Then there are the pleasing tall glass walls that welcome scenes of the verdant outdoors into the living spaces.
Woolland House
At Woolland House there is no real need to venture further than the gardens. Its 17 beautiful private acres, which include meadows rich with wildlife and lakes filled with rainbow and brown trout, is nestled within the striking Dorset AONB. Unsurprisingly, then, it’s the perfect place to enjoy cool walks through nature reserves and, when spring arrives, through bluebell woods.
The house, which has been built in the traditional Dorset vernacular of stone, red brick and flint, is equally as spectacular as its surroundings. Home cooks will delight in the kitchen and its Aga – what better location to rustle up an autumnal pie? Alternatively, curl up beside one of the open fires with a good book plucked from the library. Inspired by the changing colours of the seasons? There’s even an artists studio, originally built for the famous sculptor and printmaker Dame Elisabeth Jean Frink RA, for budding landscape painters to escape to.
Pannal Green, Pannal, Yorkshire
This thoughtfully renovated mid-century house is situated on the edge of the pretty North Yorkshire village of Pannal. The surrounding views of rolling fields and mature trees pour through the large picture windows in the dining room and snug – as does plenty of natural sunlight.
The house is only a short drive from a multitude of spots for walking, such as the rocky Almscliffe Crag or the nearby River Nidd. Slightly further afield – but well worth the journey – is the expansive and rather spectacular Nidderdale AONB. Afterwards, the charming local pub The Black Swan beckons: it’s just a short stroll from the house and serves warming, hearty meals.
Bashurst Hill, Horsham, West Sussex
Here you get the best of both worlds: this house is positioned in a sought-after rural location in the West Sussex countryside, yet is just under an hour from London by train. It has a striking contemporary design with a rectangular form and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide connection to the surrounding undulating gardens. The main bedroom has a lovely Juliette balcony that opens to lush green views.
The National Trust-run rolling valley of Devil’s Dyke and the exceptional Petworth Park are ideally located within an hour’s drive, making for brilliant day trips. After rambling around with frost crunching underfoot, head back to Horsham’s The Hornbrook Inn to warm up under oak beams by the open fire.
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