Take 5… Homes near high streets
With more people wanting to able to able to cycle to their high street, walk their children to the local school and jog around the area at the weekend, take a look at our top pick of homes near the high street.
Take 5… Homes with Gardens
Gardening business in the UK is consistently held up as one of the fastest growing sectors. A decade ago, gardening was considered a hobby for the ‘middle-aged’ and retirees. But all that has changed: gardening has become a pastime for all ages. Gardens, of course, come in all shapes and sizes – from acres with arboretums, to cottage gardens and courtyards. But whatever the type, the world we live in means our outdoor space is more important than ever. The mental and physical benefits of gardening have long been lauded: the tranquillity, the gentle pace of work, the keenness to live and eat well from that which you produce – whether from a large greenhouse or pots on your patio.A few artistic containers and plants can transform even an ‘unappealing’ outdoor space. Some homeowners will relish the challenge of taking on a large garden themselves, whilst others appreciate a more low-maintenance space.
You can learn as much about gardening from the internet and social media as you might have done from your grandparents’ knee: garden content to delight and inspire continues to surge on social. The enduring popularity of gardens is celebrated at Chelsea Flower Show annually with thousands attending and even more watching for inspiration. Just as tennis courts see a rise in activity post-Wimbledon, so the garden
For families, discovering the joy of the garden together crossed generations: from planting seeds to harvesting, cutting flowers, or picking fruit and veg, there is no age limit on enjoyment! Some gardens are utilitarian, others have a focus on outdoor entertaining with barbeques and pizza ovens, some on children with space carved out for football and trampolines, and others are passionate about the wildlife and its environment.
The glory of gardens can be celebrated in these 5 properties for sale across the country: enjoy the different feel and plant styles that thrive in the variants of soil and weather conditions that celebrates the diversity of planting across the British Isles.
Gwysaney Hall, Mold, Flintshire
The front lawns at Gwysaney Hall lead down to the ha-ha with views across fields and woods beyond. The Chapel Garden includes a former chapel once attached to the Hall, with original walls and stone mullioned windows, a Yew arch, Rose Garden with paths and box hedges, flower borders, stone walls and a backdrop of specimen trees, a water garden on the side of the hill below the Hall, an award-winning Pinetum with a wide variety of specimen trees under-planted with spring bulbs. The Hall enjoys kitchen gardens within the former walled garden, with fruit cages, a potting shed, two greenhouses and brick walled cold frames.
At the rear of the open plan living and dining space in Hamilton House, a spiral staircase leads to the fourth floor and a glass reception room. Doors from here lead onto the panoramic roof terrace with incredible views in every direction and ample space for eating, drinking, relaxing and entertaining.
South Sands House, St Margaret’s Bay, Kent
South Sands House is set in sizeable gardens with a detached summer house annexe comprising a sitting room, kitchen and bedroom with en suite bathroom, a tennis court (a rarity for the location and arguably the finest located tennis court in Kent!), areas of level lawn bordered by well-stocked flowerbeds, viewing terraces and a block-paved terrace off the rotunda, ideal for entertaining and al fresco dining. The property as a whole enjoys a far-reaching panoramic vista over St Margaret’s Bay and the English Channel towards France.
Spinners Walk is near the centre of the historic town of Windsor. A low-brick retaining wall and evergreen hedging front the street; an area of lawn edged with well stocked borders lies adjacent to an off-road parking area, and at the side is a pretty cobbled courtyard garden, enclosed by walls topped with trellising and providing ideal space for planters and pots, and for outdoor dining and relaxation.
Holly Tree Cottage, Forebridge, Malborough
Holly Tree Cottage is set in the most beautiful gardens and grounds, combining a mix of formal lawns, mature yew hedges and a box hedge parterre with herbaceous borders, mature trees and hedges, a wild meadow area to the side, and a vegetable garden. A gate leads directly out to the Kennet and Avon Canal giving access to wonderful walks direct from the garden.
