Take 5… Homes with orangeries
Whether you’re after a modern orangery extension, or a more period design, we’ve chosen some of our favourite properties with an orangery already in place.
Take 5… Homes with swimming pools
With plans to travel abroad for a holiday still on hold for many this summer, naturally we will be looking at alternative ways to enjoy some precious time away from work. Making the most of any good weather in your back garden might be the obvious place to start. But for many the cornerstone for a good summer holiday, whether in the UK or abroad, is the ability to take a dip in a pool to relax, cool off and even exercise. Prior to the pandemic, for some having a pool might have seemed like an unnecessary burden that can be expensive to install and maintain, but now will an increased focus on spending more time where we live; having somewhere to take a swim at home is for many this summer’s hottest ticket.
The earliest swimming pool can be traced back to the third Millennium BC, when The Great Bath in Pakistan was built for religious purification ceremonies. Unlike today’s pools the Great Bath relied on rainwater and a near-by well. Later on, Ancient Greeks and Romans built artificial pools for athletic training and military exercises, while Roman emperors were also known to keep fish in them – which is where the Latin term piscine originates. In the UK the Victorians popularised swimming pools who saw the health and wellbeing benefits, with at least six indoor pools were built by 1837.
Today pools have come a long way with advances in modern technology and building materials and now come in all shapes and sizes and can be built pretty much anywhere – this includes on rooftops and even across two apartment buildings. And in the past few years there has been a growing trend for people to build natural swimming pools where plants and pumping water through shingle acts as a filter to keep the water clean. Elsewhere people have been making the most of new technology including air source heat pumps and specialist covers to make a pool as eco-friendly and energy efficient as possible.
Here we want to share with you some of the best pools on the market should you crave taking a dip this summer at your own home.
Brackenwood, Horsham, West Sussex
A handsome Edwardian, detached family home, with swimming pool, tennis court and outbuildings, set in delightful landscaped gardens and grounds of just under 5 acres.
Ulcombe Place, Maidstone, Kent
A substantial and elegant home with stunning views across the Weald of Kent. Within the grounds a magnificent walled garden is planted with fruit trees and provides a sheltered spot for the swimming pool.
Courtyard House, Lewes, East Sussex
Courtyard House is a charming period property forming part of Barcombe Place. The communal heated swimming pool benefits from a pool house with games room and changing room.
Greenawell, Newton Abbot, Devon
A superb arrangement of period farmhouse, cottages, outbuildings and land. A major feature of the converted buildings is the indoor swimming, circa 15 metres in length with an automated safety cover. Temperature control prevents condensation and it has a shower and changing room.
Farm Hill House, Kelvedon, Essex
A handsome Edwardian country house set in stunning grounds of 3.5 acres. Skilfully designed, the gardens enjoy continuous all year colour and interest and are home to a swimming pool and large terrace.
