How to discover the history behind the bricks
Are there stories hidden in your walls? Whether your home is a Georgian townhouse or a Tudor cottage, Stutt & Parker reveals the best way to uncover its hidden past.
Take 5… Winter gardens
When you think of your perfect garden, it probably comes with a vision of spring flowers bursting to life, or eating ‘al fresco’ but the period between the leaves falling from the trees and the first snowdrops appearing can show gardens with a different type of beauty.
Tall, frost-covered grasses; holly, laurel and other evergreen trees – as well as deciduous trees that, without leaves, standout for their shape or bark colour; statuary and topiary; pots and planters; ponds and water features: all come into their own in the winter season.
As our focus on how we use our gardens has changed over the last 18 months, gardening has more than ever been acknowledged to be excellent for physical and mental health – not just the activity, but being out in the fresh air. Creating your own vegetable patch can be particularly productive with fresh Brussel sprouts coming from your garden straight to the table on Christmas Day just might convert even the most avid sprout hater.
But what if you don't have green fingers? Don’t worry as the big pile of leaves and fallen branches can easily be repurposed to make excellent habitat for wildlife and potentially even support threatened British species. Putting hard work into your garden now will mean you will reap the rewards in spring, which is worth braving the cold winter temperatures.
Gardens do come in many forms and winter gardens in towns and cities are sometimes referred to as sky gardens or roof gardens – defined as “an area that extends a living space out into the fresh air”. For large new-build developments, it is becoming popular to construct large communal gardens and roof space that are purpose-built to be used in all elements.
So whether you are looking at your own country haven, or a city-based flat, a winter garden can still be that ‘extra room’ on your wish list. Find our latest properties with wonderful outdoor spaces – whatever the weather! You can also read more tips on how to get your winter garden looking good especially for those looking to sell your home this winter.
Evelix Farmhouse, Dornoch, Sutherland
This exquisite country house, brimming with style and elegance, is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds of around 11 acres, on the banks of the River Evelix. It includes rolling laws, colourful flowerbeds, specimen plants, trees, a vegetable garden, greenhouse, raised beds and a garden pond. There are numerous seating areas and a large terrace, ideal for entertaining.
A sensational detached Victorian house with self-contained annexe, in a Windsor town centre location, the low-maintenance enclosed garden has been thoughtfully designed and includes a large decked terrace, a covered seating area and a covered barbeque area, all combining to provide superb dining and relaxation space.
The Snipe Lock, Birdham, Chichester
Extending to the water’s edge and the jetty, the garden at The Snipe is a delight and an unrivalled setting to sit and relax or dine outdoors. Planted with borders containing a splendid variety of architectural shrubs and perennials, there is a pathway which allows exploration of the garden and which links to a paved terrace adjoining the conservatory.
Willow House, Fressingfield Eye, Suffolk
A stunning Grade II Listed six-bedroom Suffolk village house with a vineyard, Willow House has beautiful gardens to all sides, with the front garden featuring a pristine lawn, border hedgerow and flowerbeds, and a pathway leading to the entrance - all of which, is accessed over a quaint bridge with stream beneath usually hosting a paddling of ducks. The rear garden has extensive paved terracing, both at the back and side of the house, as well as an area of lawn and border flowerbeds bursting with colourful wildflowers. Beyond the garden is a stunning and peaceful vineyard, which extends to approximately 450ft and provides a secluded setting and plentiful Bacchus grapes. Adding to this tranquil paradise is the wildlife garden with a hidden pond hidden.
Television Centre, Wood Lane, London W12
The stunning, south-facing penthouse at Television Centre is divided into public and private spaces for hosting visitors, with the informal space for those who live there. The private is intimate and cosy, while the public is inviting and grand. The extensive roof terrace has wonderful views over the London skyline.
