Lake District

Who doesn’t love the Lake District? The stunning scenery, cosy cottages and healthy lifestyle make this one of our top places to live in Britain. If you are tempted to move there full time, then living near Windermere, the largest national lake in England, is a great location. Fishing, boating, canoeing, swimming, the Lake District has it all.

Bath

Bath is famous for its theraputic waters, but it has so much more to offer. The Circus and The Royal Crescent are some of the most desirable addresses in BA1. It has lots of great schools, Bath University, and Bath Abbey. Average house prices are £330,000.

Brighton

Brighton is known as London-by-the-sea. It has many beautiful squares, stunning architecture, and of course there are all the pleasures of living beside the sea. Kemp Town boasts Lewes Crescent, Sussex Square and the communal gardens. They are famous for a hidden tunnel that leads down to the seafront, which is said to have inspired Lewis Carroll in his writing of Alice in Wonderland. Average house prices are around £350,000.

Superlative Regency townhouse with westerly views over private gardens towards the sea.

Bristol

Some gravitate towards Bath, while others head to Bristol. It’s becoming increasingly cosmopolitain, thanks to University students choosing to live in the city after graduation. Property is snapped up quickly here, with average house prices at £223,000.

Cheltenham

Cheltenham has beautiful buildings dating from the 11th century, but it is known for the racecourse, good schools and the Literature Festival. There is no shortage of period properties in this historic city. The average house price is around £332,000.

North Devon

Property prices in North Devon are surprisingly good value for money. Ilfracombe is pretty coastal town, but isn’t quite as popular with tourists as neighbouring Wollacombe, making the perfect place to live. The average property price is £178,000.

St Neots

Simon Bradbury, from Fine & Country St Neots, is confident that his town is the best place in Britain to live. “In short, St.Neots really does have absolutely everything the discerning buyer could possibly need or want. In terms of housing supply – there are character properties dating back many hundreds of years cleverly mixed with modern and even brand new homes. The central market square is an utter delight.

“The area is constantly improving, with a recently opened multi-screen cinema, swimming pool, numerous gyms and a wide variety of restaurants and shops.”

“There is great access to Cambridge, only 18 miles away, and London Kings Cross is accessible via the train station in under an hour. The beautiful villages such as Great Gransden, Eltisley and Abbotsley are just a few minutes away, too.”

One of the signature homes of the well regarded Hemingford Abbots, Abbots End is a grand period home with ornate rendering and elegant features throughout.

Cornwall

Cornwall is famous for fudge, surfing and Cornish pasties. Many people visit for their summer holidays, but it would make a beautiful year-round place to live. Properties cost an average of £240,000.

Shaftesbury, Dorset

This must be one of the most picturesque streets in Britain, made famous by the iconic Hovis TV commercial in the 1970s. The terraced cottages on the hill don’t come on the market often, but average prices elsewhere in the village are around £217,000.

Swansea

Swansea is benefiting from an unlikely tech revolution, while the stunning beaches and scenery of Mumbles and the Gower still remain, making it a very attractive home to young professionals. Joanne Vine from Fine & Country Swansea says: “Swansea and Mumbles are currently benefiting from extensive investment, we have just opened a new science & innovation campus at Swansea’s university which will create 5,000 new jobs. With plans in place for an ingenious tidal lagoon and the knock effects of these investments is encouraging pockets of development and expansion throughout the city which will in turn see an increase in demand and value for properties in the area.

“We are very fortunate to be located the charming coastal village of Mumbles situated to the West of Swansea and on the doorstep of the Gower peninsular, which is an area of outstanding beauty and blessed with many beautiful beaches and expansive countryside.

“Towns that are in reasonable commuter distance to bigger cities can offer the best of both worlds as they will attract the professional buyers who would rather live in the suburbs to enjoy a quieter life with more countryside walks, friendlier communities, less pollution with bigger homes and pet-friendly outside spaces.”

Langland Villas is situated to enjoy the very best of coastal living set equidistant to the charming village of Mumbles and the award winning beach at Langland.

West Dulwich

This stunning village location has great transport links into London, with trains to London Bridge taking 15 minutes. Famous for its art gallery and open spaces, plus world-class schools. Average property prices are £656,000.

Windsor

This picturesque city has lots to offer, including the racecourse, Windsor castle, and it is only 30 minutes to Paddington. Property here is better value for money compared to the capital, with average prices of £508,000.

Inverness, Scotland

Inverness, the most northern city in the UK, is well-known for the castle, art galleries, and the easy reach of Cairngorms National Park. Many people visit to explore the legend of the Loch Ness monster. The average property price is £171,000.

Liverpool

Liverpool is an upcoming hotspot, perfect for city-dwellers. You’ll never walk alone in this city, with Sefton Park, nightlife and a lively music scene. Property costs an average of £150,000.

Market Harborough

Andrew Marshall at Fine & Country Market Harborough said: “Having so many astonishing areas of natural beauty and unspoilt villages on your doorstep yet being alongside top schools, shops and restaurants similar to those found further south is an attractive prospect.

“The attractive medieval town, with its wide, un-spoilt Georgian High Street offers the perfect balance between being close to the countryside and ease of access to road and rail networks allowing residents to commute to the capital.

“With the announcement that the planned electrification of the Midland Mainline will go ahead, London will be closer than ever. Currently trains already run to London St Pancras in approx. 1 hour and that journey time is expected to significantly reduce further once works are completed.

“Since I moved my own family here from South West London a few years ago, Harborough has gone from strength to strength, now resembling something similar to the area of London we moved from in terms of shops, restaurants and general feel.”

The Old Red House is situated on the edge of the sought after conservation village of Pipewell, which is steeped in history dating back to the 12th Century.

Yorkshire

Yorkshire is increasing in popularity, with many businesses relocating to this friendly part of the country. It’s good value for money, with house prices averaging at £178,000. There are numerous well-respected Universities, including University of Sheffield, Leeds and York.

As the high wooden gates of Barkston Towers part and one proceeds up the long walled driveway a striking home, castle-like in appearance appears like a great English stately home.

Cotswolds

This must be one of the presttiest parts of Britain. Best places to live across the Cotswolds include Broadway, Lower and Upper Slaughter, Chipping Campden and Castle Coombe. The average property prices are £326,000.

Durham

Famous for the Norman Cathedral, Durham regatta and the Oriental museum. The whole of the city centre is a designated conservation area. Bill Bryson called it a ‘perfect little city’. Average house prices are around £177,000.

1. East Midlands

Andrew Marshall, Fine & Country Market Harborough, says: “We have noted year on year increases in sales to buyers from London and the south east. We have had a lot more London-based applicants registering their interest in the area, and we predict that this trend will continue in 2016 and beyond. Home buyers moving out of London are attracted to the high quality of life, architecture, history, setting and community spirit typically associated with market towns.

“Market Harborough already has the highest average price of Leicestershire’s market towns but is still well below that of London and the South East. We are very fortunate to have so many astonishing areas of natural beauty and un-spoilt villages, plus top schools, shops and restaurants that help to attract buyers from further south,” explains Andrew.

“With the announcement that the planned electrification of the Midland Mainline will go ahead, London will be closer than ever. Currently, trains run to London St Pancras in approx. 1 hour and that journey time is expected to significantly reduce once works are completed,” he concludes.

2. East

Simon Bradbury, Director at Fine & Country St Neots, recommends investing in Cambridgeshire. “The area in and around St Ives in Cambridgeshire offers, in my opinion, one of the best investment opportunities in the UK. Less than 20 miles from the house price hotbed that is the city of Cambridge (now even more easily accessible via the incredible and renowned Guided Busway), St Ives is also about 20 minutes from the mainline stations of St Neots and Huntingdon, which offer direct rail links to London in less than an hour.

“The charm and peacefulness of village life, combined with the convenience of easy access to the cities of Cambridge and London, make St Ives a perfect investment opportunity. I expect the villages of Hemingford’s, Houghton, and Hilton to be particularly popular in the coming year,” Simon confides.

3. North

Sarah Edmundson from Fine & Country Lakes said: “The property market in the Lake District and North Lancashire remains challenging; although activity levels are on the increase, prices on the whole have remained static.  That being said, we have had enjoyed a positive start to 2016, and with the vast array of marketing tools available to us through the Fine & Country, the global network going from strength to strength and our dedicated local team, we are optimistic about the year ahead.”

4. South West

Bristol has experienced a surge in demand in 2015, and local Fine & Country agent Rupert Oliver is expecting the city’s popularity to continue. “This is most notable because of the electrification of the Great Western Line, but also Bristol’s strong student population and rising growth in the legal, health and engineering sectors. These factors, coupled with the low volume of new builds, means that it’s a good city to buy property in.”

Craig Hughes from the Cheltenham branch says: “The market in Cheltenham is one of buoyancy and vibrancy. This is because there is still a lack of new instructions coming onto the market so once something does come on, interest is very high and viewings happened very quickly.

Fine and Country Cheltenham offers period regency houses within the town centre, modern executive homes and country residents with acreage and equestrian facilities. Because of this, our applicant levels are rising and weekend viewing slots are being booked and filled up well in advance. I think that house prices will hold firm in the price brackets of £500,000 to £1m with the larger property increases being seen below £500,000 and that the market in 2016 looks very strong for properties being marketed with Fine and Country.”

5. London

As Central London is becoming increasingly out of reach to many buyers, Lucy Edlin of Fine & Country Cockfosters recommends buying in the North of the capital city. “North London is one of the most sought after places to live,” Lucy says. “You have the best of both worlds here; Central London is a 30 minute tube ride away and yet the picturesque countryside surrounds you. The area attracts people from all walks of life; celebrities, working professionals, families, and investors. House prices are rising quickly here as well as in Central London, so it is a perfect time to invest,” she concludes.

6. Wales

Joanne Vine, Client Relationship Executive at Fine & Country Swansea, says their beautiful coastal location is one of the reasons why buyers are so attracted to the area. “We are fortunate to be located in the charming coastal village of Mumbles, situated to the west of Swansea and on the doorstep of the Gower peninsular, which is an area of outstanding beauty with many beautiful beaches and expansive countryside.

“In the Mumbles and Gower areas, property prices hold a premium due to the beach location. The area attracts a whole range of buyers from professionals, second home-owners, retirees and young families. We have a number of high performing government run schools along with a selection of independent schools.

“Another reason why Swansea and Mumbles are so popular is due to extensive investment. A new science and innovation campus has recently opened at Swansea’s university, which will create 5,000 new jobs. With plans in place for an ingenious tidal lagoon as well, the development in the area is encouraging pockets of development and expansion throughout the city, which will in turn see an increase in demand and value for properties in the area.”

7. West Midlands

Rebecca Doble, Sales & Marketing Director at Fine & Country West Midlands, said: “The New Homes team has reported excellent sales rates and have seen phenomenal success in Solihull and the surrounding areas. Birmingham and the Solihull area are seeing huge regeneration thanks to Birmingham airport being just 10 mins from Solihull town centre, which has daily flights to China starting this summer, plus the excellent highly rated schools, and superb transport links including the new Grand Central station and motorway network.”

8. Yorkshire and the Humber

Mark Manning from Fine & Country in Yorkshire, said: “Interestingly, we have already seen an increase in buyers arriving from the south this year as highly-skilled workers choose to leave London for buoyant city regions such as Leeds and the surrounding areas. The value for money, compared to the south for example, is exceptional.”

Visit fineandcountry.com/uk/ to discover beautiful properties in these locations and more.

They range from £600,000 to £3 million and are in every part of the country.

1. East Barsham, Fakenham, £2,950,000

Grade I Listed

This is one of our finest homes on the market. The  16th Century Manor House has eight/ nine bedrooms, six/seven reception rooms and a separate three bedroom cottage with detached gatehouse.

2. Edenbridge, Kent, £1,700,000

Grade II Listed 

17th Century oast barn conversion set in an idyllic semi-rural location with excellent communication links. The property has nine bedrooms.

 3. Lewes Crescent, Brighton, £3,650,000

Grade I Listed

Here is a regency town house with westerly views over private gardens towards the sea. It has six double bedrooms and four reception rooms. The townhouse has a tunnel to the seafront, said to be the inspiration for “down the rabbit hole” in Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.”

4. Bredons Norton, Tewkesbury, Worcestershire, £1,499,500

Grade II Listed

A stunning historic manor house with period features. The property has six bedroom suites and five reception rooms. There are beautiful landscaped gardens with outdoor swimming pool.

5. Empingham, Oakham, £1,250,000

Grade II Listed

The Old Granary is a truly exceptional village home that combines historic character and charm with stunning contemporary style and high-end design. The property has five bedrooms and even has a snug.

6. Marlborough Buildings, Somerset, £1,400,000

Grade II Listed

Georgian garden maisonette located in Bath city centre. This beautifully presented property comprises four bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen/dining room, drawing room, private garden and vaults storage.

7. Emborough, Somerset, £925,000

Grade II Listed

Detached house with symmetrical front, comprising three bedrooms, with master suite, five reception rooms and a detached two bedroom, two reception room annexe, and lovely gardens largely laid to lawn.

8. High Street, Kempsford, Gloucestershire, £1,390,000

Grade II Listed

A beautiful and elegant country house with a host of original features The property has 7 – 10 bedrooms, 3 receptions rooms, triple garage and parking.

9. Grafham, Huntingdon, £1,600,000

Grade II Listed

Former farmhouse stands in a stunning setting adjacent to Grafham Water and includes auxiliary accommodation in the way of a detached three bedroom bungalow and a timbered lodge.

10. Hollingbourne, £1,700,000

Grade II Listed

Former vicarage set within generous grounds. The property has five – six bedrooms and is in a stunning village location.

11. Hougham, Grantham, £1,350,000

Grade II Listed

Former rectory offering extensive accommodation of great character arranged over three floors together with a large converted barn standing in delightful wooded grounds of approximately 2.5 acres. The property has a total of eight bedrooms.

12. High Street, West Wratting, Cambridge, £750,000

Grade II Listed

A most impressive 17th Century part-thatched cottage occupying a prominent position with this most popular Cambridgeshire village. The cottage has four bedrooms.

13. Bear Street, Nayland, Colchester, £1,500,000

Grade II Listed

Once a Tudor counting house. Incredibly bright and airy and with lovely high ceilings, it comprises six en-suite bedrooms, five receptions, plus a guest suite.

14. Hough on the Hill Grantham, £1,250,000

Grade II Listed

Stunning home with open plan kitchen and breakfast area with a total of 7 bedrooms.

15. Beauchamp Avenue, Royal Leamington Spa, £1,875,000

Grade II Listed

A beautifully renovated Regency villa in a most desirable town centre location. The substantial accommodation includes a stunning kitchen/family room, three receptions, study, cinema room and gym/games room. The property has seven bedrooms.

16. Whitecross Street, Barton-Upon-Humber, DN18, £890,000

Grade II Listed

Queen Anne residence with annexe in superb grounds. The property has three double bedrooms, seven attic rooms & extensive cellars. It even has a luxury master suite with both bathroom & separate steam room.

17. The Courtyard, Bridge End, Warwick, £950,000

Grade I Listed

A deceptively spacious family home set in a private courtyard development with stunning open views over Grade I Listed parkland and Warwick Castle. The property has four bedrooms.

18. Clarendon Square, Leamington Spa, £800,000

Grade II Listed

Beautiful double fronted five storey Regency town house overlooking Clarendon Square. With six bedrooms, five bath/shower rooms, three reception rooms and a south facing patio garden.

19. Lower Road, Onehouse, Stowmarket, £745,000

Grade II Listed

Country house set at the end of a private drive with magnificent gardens and a beautiful lake. The accommodation extends to around 4200 sq ft and offers spacious rooms with fine views to the rear garden. There are a total of four bedrooms.

20. Whitton, Scunthorpe. £600,000

Grade II Listed

The Grove is a Grade II Listed Georgian farmhouse which has been extended to provide substantial four/five bedroom accommodation offering the flexibility and versatility demanded by modern life.

To discover more homes , visit our websitewww.fineandcountry.com/uk

Interior designers at Landmass London only settle for perfection. Established in 1998, the experienced team are renowned for creating London’s most desirable homes. Their unrivalled imagination has earned them numerous accolades including Best Interior Design in London. They specalise in commissions from home owners wanting to produce the most prised configuration of their property, complimented by timeless interiors and beautiful features.

They were recently hired by an art collecting family living in a hidden away home in Little Venice, London. The clients wanted to accentuate the original period details of the property and make the most of the vast ceiling heights and use the spacious rooms to provide an impressive sense of grandeur and scale.

Three of the key rooms that were given a full makeover were the lower ground family room, the living room and the kitchen. The two designers, Eleri Lloyd and Ruth Soria, talked to Exclusive Home Worldwide to explain the thought behind the finished designs.

Ground living room

After talking to their clients, Eleri and Ruth learned that the ground floor would be perfect as an entertaining space. From the start of the project they were very eager to knock through the dividing wall between the hallway and dining area to flood the space with light and have a large open plan entertaining space.

As the property is Grade II Listed, they had to obtain planning permission to make the change. It also meant that they carefully protected and restored original features such as the cornice, skirting, doors and frames, which are original to the building. “The restrictions caused some problems as the ceiling was traditional lath plaster, which is also a protected feature in certain areas of the property,” Eleri points out. “This meant we had to consider alternatives to spot lighting in the ceiling in these parts of the house.”

A new marble fire place was installed and oak chevron flooring was introduced with a bespoke stain and oiled finish. Subtle paint colours were chosen to enhance the sense of space.

“The client’s art work was also a key factor for the design and a hanging system was introduced around the room, which enabled our client to hook lights above paintings as they wish,” Ruth discloses. “The neutral surroundings let these art pieces speak for themselves.”

Lower ground family room

“The brief for the lower ground floor was all about creating an area for the family to relax, watch TV, and allow the children to play in the garden while being supervised from the kitchen area,” Eleri explains. The space is very flexible, with the kitchen separated by sliding pocket doors which can disappear into the wall to have an open plan kitchen living area when desired.

“We designed the bespoke joinery in a simple elegant shaker style around a subtle marble fireplace,” says Ruth. “The shelving is back lit with diffused integrated LED lighting, which can create lovely mood lighting when the main lights are dimmed. The TV is recessed into a niche to give a neat modern finish and to avoid any unsightly brackets or wires.”

In the family room, they created a more relaxed look and installed wide board oak flooring with bespoke stain and oiled to match the ground floor finish.

Kitchen

“When it came to the kitchen we looked at a number of styles that would work,” Eleri reveals. “The client loved the elegant shaker style option and decided on a Tom Howley kitchen.  Once the company and style was chosen we then guided the client on decisions that had to be made on finishes, materials, internal subdivisions, appliances, taps, and socket locations. We also sourced the pendant lighting and ensured the light spots were installed in suitable locations for working in the kitchen.”

Tom Howley, Design Director at Tom Howley, comments: “This classic contemporary kitchen features stunning cabinetry by Tom Howley and the latest state of the art appliances, ideal for any lived in kitchen. The client wanted a space that would allow a whole family to interact, and the integrated curved dining area will allow the family to enjoy more time together in the kitchen.

“The use of the soft, neutral colours like cabinetry painted in Tom Howley’s bespoke colour Tansy, emphasises the lightness of the room and creates an uplifting environment to start the day. In addition to looking striking, the large American style range by WOLF and fridge freezer by Sub Zero are ideally positioned for easy access when preparing dinner. The kitchen perfectly complements the timeless design of the rest of this stunning Grade II listed property.”

To discover more about Landmass London visit http://www.landmass.co.uk/

The advert, which will run throughout March, April and May 2016, will focus on our lifestyle approach to selling homes as it depicts the wide range of properties on the market. Using the theme of ‘story telling’, the advert focuses on the importance of choosing the right agent who understands how to turn a home into a bestseller.

“This is an exciting time for Fine & Country,” said CEO Jon Cooke. “We already have a very strong print and online presence, and TV was a natural next step to allow the brand to reach more people than ever before.

“In addition to the lifestyle element, the advert will also demonstrate that while we’re well known for beautiful country houses, we also list a wide range of modern urban apartments and townhouses, catering for all types of sellers of prime residential properties.”

Watch out for a closely linked print campaign which will feature in the national press at the same time. Plus, we will be releasing behind the scenes photos and videos on social media in the run-up to the big reveal on national TV on 1 March, so make sure you follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Joanne Vine from Fine & Country Swansea has lots of questions for buyers to ask, though she says that often questions will depend on the individual needs of the buyer. However, these are the points that should always be raised, and some are particularly important when on a second viewing.

• How long has the property been on the market? If it’s a long time, then ask why the agent thinks it hasn’t sold yet.
• No matter if you have school age children or not, it is wise to check the school catchments as homes within good school catchments will hold their value.
• Again checking the local amenities is a good idea, as even if you don’t need a bus route or local shop it is good to check this out for future resale purposes.
• How long have the vendors been at the property? This is a good question as if the house has changed many hands in a short time there could be a reason why.
• Why they current owners selling? Will they vacate if a sale is agreed?
• Is it freehold or leasehold?
• If it is a flat or apartment, what are the charges? Are there any age restrictions? Can you have pets? Is the parking allocated and are there any guest spaces?
• Are there mains services? How old is the boiler and has it been regularly checked by a registered professional?
• Have the current vendors done any updating or redecorating during their period at the home? If so, do they have any receipts or warranties still in place?
• Has there been any planning passed or applied for?
• What are the boundaries and are there any issues?

• What are the neighbours like and have there been any disputes?
• If the house is on a private road, who maintains it and pays for upkeep?
• Have they ever been burgled or flooded?

• If you like the property, we would advise you view it a second time at a different time of day (morning, afternoon or evening) and also busier times of the day. Ask the agent for a longer appointment so you can really take your time at the property.

Simon Bradbury agrees with Joanne. “As a buyer, the top question of all to ask is why the owner is selling. This will open up a wide range of information useful to the discerning purchaser, including an indication as to required time scales and whether or not the sale is discretionary or not.”

It’s a good idea to think about what is most important to you before the viewing. Simon advises asking questions specifically relevant to the needs of each individual buyer. So, for example, if access to schools is important, ask about it. If internet speed is key, ask what speed they are currently getting.

The great thing about asking questions is that, by law, estate agents cannot mislead you. “Remember, in order to comply with the Consumer Protection Regulations (which replaced the Property Misdescriptions Act in October 2013) estate agents must essentially not mislead prospective purchasers  – either knowingly or unknowingly,” Simon explains. “So the answers to specific questions can be trusted – even if made verbally.”

As there is a lot to remember, why not print out this page or have it ready on your smartphone during your next house viewing? 

Romantic room

Welle Manor is an Exquisite Grade II* Listed Medieval and Tudor Hall with Victorian additions. One of the rooms has been created and designed especially for romantic novelist Barbara Cartland, a friend of the former owner. She used to enjoy visiting the house and was said to like Norfolk Punch, a tonic believed to have healing powers which was created in the house.

Centre of the village

One of the signature homes of the well regarded Hemingford Abbots, Abbots End is a brilliantly pink period home with ornate rendering and elegant features throughout. The current owners have carried out an extensive refurbishment combining period features such as open fires with modern convenience including underfloor heating.

Gorgeous gardens

Vale Farm is a beautifully presented seven bedroom farmhouse set in approximately 10 acres of land. The property enjoys a unique setting with romantic grounds that have been laid out to encourage and appreciate a wide variety of wildlife.

Pink in Pembrokeshire

Built around 1900, this pink property was originally the vicarage for St Katherines Church which is next door. There are views of the river from many of the principle rooms, and the balcony accessed from one of the main bedrooms. It would be ideal as a large family home, bed & breakfast, or perfect for an extended family.

Cosy cottage

This cottage really does offer the perfect rural ideal. Believed to date from circa 1570, it still retaind many original features. It is situated off a country lane, surrounded by established old English gardens and country walks over to Brightling Park. The fire is the perfect place to curl up in front of on a cold and damp February day.

Astonbury Manor 

Have a courtship like the lords and ladies of yesteryear with this apartment in the stunning Astonbury Manor. The building is an outstanding example of Jacobean architecture and now this grand home is separated into substantial and very exclusive apartments. This is a rare opportunity to purchase such a beautiful and unique home in such surroundings.

Pink villa

The property is located close to both Carvoeiro and Ferragudo. The position offers breathtaking 360° views taking in the ocean, mountains and all the way down the coast. Includes a jacuzzi perfect for enjoying a glass of champagne in on Valentine’s Day, as well as a heated pool and landscaped gardens.

Beside the church

This handsome 18th century stone farmhouse has delightful views across the gardens and paddocks of six acres. The quaint Grade II Listed St Andrews church is just a stone’s throw away, which would be the perfect romantic location for a last minute wedding ceremony.

Full of character

This countryside home is full of character, from the collection of outbuildings to the house itself. Inside, there are a wealth of authentic features including exposed beams and feature fireplaces. The living room would be the perfect place to add Valentine’s decorations and spend the day.

Pink in Portugal

This Manor House from the 18th century, a former hunting pavilion of an aristocrat family, is a wonderful place nestled in the Natural Reserve and protected heritage of Sintra. With an outstanding view, complete privacy, and wonderful weather it’s the perfect choice for those who appreciate charm and tranquility in a historical setting.

To discover more homes perfect for Valentine’s Day, visit our website www.fineandcountry.com/uk

1. Villa for sale in La Californie, Cannes, 25,000,000 €

This magnificent villa is just five minutes from La Croisette and the centre of Cannes. The property offers total privacy and tranquility within a stone’s throw of the seaside. The villa has a total of seven bedrooms.

2. Ullenhall, Henley-in-Arden, POA

A contemporary English “Chateau” set within the county of Warwickshire and strategically located for ready access to the motorway network and a number of historic towns. The property has seven bedrooms.

3. Kingswood, £4,500,000

Located within a beautifully landscaped acre plot in one of the most exclusive locations in Kingswood. It has stunning views over the golf course and a total of seven bedrooms.

4. Avon Lane, Saltford, Near Bath, POA

Superb detached period home located in a secluded position on the outskirts of the popular village of Saltford. Immaculate accommodation with four reception rooms, triple garage and five bedrooms.

5. The Penthouse Petersham House, Harrington Road, SW7, £10,000,000

This spectacular apartment has a direct entry lift, large double aspect (North/South) reception, kitchen dining room,  3 en suites, panoramic roof terrace, hot tub, gym, superb views and three spacious bedrooms.

6.Los Flamingos Golf, Benahavis, 4,950,000 €

This new build villa is located near to the prestigious Villa Padierna Hotel and offers panoramic views out to the Mediterranean Sea and golf course, with the Rock of Gibraltar and Africa in the distance. There are six bedrooms.

7. Hougham Grantham, £1,350,000

Grade II Listed former Rectory offering extensive accommodation of great character arranged over three floors, together with a large converted barn. It has a total of eight bedrooms.

8. Guadalmina Baja, Marbella 8,500,000 € 

An incredible villa, situated in a quiet cul-de-sac, only minutes from the acclaimed Guadalmina Spa & Golf Resort Hotel and the sandy beach. The property combines the flavour of an original Moorish design by the well-known architect Cesar de Leyva, with modern, luxurious living standards. There are five bedrooms.

9. Ramsey, Huntingdon, £795,000

This unique contemporary family home is situated on a secluded plot approaching three-quarters of an acre with its own private gated driveway. It has four bedrooms.

10. Quinta Patino, Portugal 4,500,000 €

This stunning house is situated in a prestigious and very quiet area in the Quinta Patino, Estoril, next to the golf course. There are six bedrooms.

11. Long Melford, Sudbury, £3,500,000

Westgate Park is a truly exceptional and spacious family home. There are six bedrooms.

12. Long Lawford , Rugby, £1,250,000

A delightful, imposing Grade II Listed, Georgian country house, with extensive accommodation. The property has eight bedrooms.

13. Quinta da Penha Longa, Portugal, 3,990,000 €

This stunning property has beautiful interiors. The house has five bathrooms, a spacious living room, dining room, fully equipped bright kitchen and four bedrooms.

14. Sheepy Magna, Warwickshire, £1,300,000

Sheepy Lodge is an elegant country mansion. It boasts seven bathrooms and nine bedrooms.

15. Pipewell, Kettering, £1,050,000

An impressive Georgian stone farmhouse built sometime between 1830 and 1850, having recently undergone a full renovation and refurbishment programme. The property has five bedrooms.

To discover more luxury properties visit the Fine & Country website.

1. Marbella

Standing high above the 12th fairway of Aloha Golf it is situated only minutes from Puerto Banus and has stunning views to the La Concha Mountain and the Mediterranean Sea. This beautifully designed villa is truly one of a kind and is one of the few Grade II listed buildings in Marbella.

An architectural dream the villa is full of light and space with immensely high ceilings. The external design using natural stone and with a floating glass entrance is intriguing and provides interest from the moment you arrive at the villa.

2. Petersham House

Presented in immaculate condition, this spectacular apartment has a direct entry lift, large double aspect (North/South) reception, kitchen dining room, 3 bedrooms with 3 en suites, panoramic roof terrace, hot tub, gym and superb views.

3. The Droveway

Discreetly set back from the road in a highly sought after area of Hove, sleek wooden electric gates open to reveal this supremely elegant property. Sweeping curved white walls, smoked oak floors and an abundance of floor to ceiling windows all combine to create a unique example of contemporary architecture at its very best.

The master bedroom is also a master class in interior design. As you enter through a walk-in dressing room complete with an abundance of open wardrobe storage, you then encounter full height windows which wrap around the room. These open onto a decked terrace and offer a panoramic view stretching down to the sea.

4. Coopers Farm

An exceptional grade II listed farm house complete with magnificent, award winning, barn conversion.

The main building being the farm house is the dominant part of the property comprising of entrance hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen breakfast room, utility room, cloakroom, conservatory, four well-proportioned bedrooms including master with en-suite and balcony and bathroom.

5. Michael’s Nook

Originally a substantial gentleman’s residence which was subsequently converted in 2005 from an internationally acclaimed hotel renowned for its elegance.

A magnificent and palatial style four bedroom property built in the traditional Lakeland style which has been extensively and sympathetically upgraded by the present vendors to an extremely high specification.

6. Brathay How

The property is situated on the outskirts of the popular town of Ambleside, in an elevated position commanding breath taking panoramic south facing views across the beautiful adjacent Lakeland countryside.

This has created a magnificent nine bedroom property, boasting six en-suite bathrooms and four reception rooms.

7.  Barnjet Cottage

A quite wonderful home set within a generous and beautifully presented plot with far reaching views across the local valley and the River Medway.

The master bedroom has double glazed windows to the rear and side, a vaulted ceiling with exposed structural beams and underfloor heating.

8. Steeple Claydon

A completely refurbished, remodelled and extended 17th-century cottage which is simply exquisite throughout.

To the first floor, the landing is full of character with feature windows to two elevations, access to the superb master bedroom which has many exposed beams, windows providing a lovely view over the rolling countryside, fitted wardrobes and a door to the en-suite shower room.

9. Michael’s Croft

A unique and magnificent opportunity has arisen to purchase a luxurious, architect designed house on the outskirts of the picturesque village of Grasmere in the heart of Lake District National Park. Finished to the very highest of standards with superb quality of build and fitments, this striking house was shortlisted in the Northern Design Awards and provides the opportunity to own and enjoy a beautifully presented, 5 bedroom home, in this highly sought after location.

10. Avon House

Superb detached period home located in a secluded position on the outskirts of the popular village of Saltford. Immaculate accommodation comprises five bedrooms, four reception rooms, triple garage and outbuilding.

This stunning property began life around four hundred years ago as a dairy farm, but in more recent years it has been greatly extended and modernised to create the most beautiful family home.

To discover more amazing properties with beautiful bedrooms, visit the Fine & Country website.

1.Walnut Tree Road, Pirton, Hertfordshire, SG5, £745,000:

Little Green Cottage is the image of a quintessentially British Cottage. With a thatch roof recently reconditioned in 2011, exposed interior and exterior beams, white picket fence and duck pond to the rear this home really is a slice of true country living. It has a total of four bedrooms.

2. Morwenna Cottage, Waresley, Cambridgeshire, £490,000:

Beautifully presented cottage with a magnificent kitchen breakfast room with hand painted units, Rayburn and inglenook fireplace.The cottage has three bedrooms.

3. Oxenton, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52 9SE, £620,000: 

This picture perfect cottage has charming original features and lovely views. Anyone looking for a classic thatched cottage need look no further. Just outside Cheltenham, this country cottage has great commuter links and gorgeous views. The cottage has five bedrooms.

4.Underfield, Greenodd, Nr. Bouth, LA12 8HU, £1,950,000:

A most magnificent 6 bedroom family home, situated in the picturesque Lake District National Park, yet with excellent access and benefitting from an additional 4 bedroom letting cottage, comprehensive selection of useful outbuildings suitable for further development if required.

5. Yew Tree Farm, Ellington, Cambridgeshire £535,000: 

This charming sixteenth Century four bedroom detached cottage is situated on a third of an acre plot. The house has exposed timbers and good ceiling height together with a large AGA in the kitchen breakfast room. There are four bedrooms.

6.Rowlandson Ground, Coniston, Cumbria, LA21 8AF, £1,250,000:

A unique opportunity to acquire a small and delightful Lakeland estate with approximately 12 acres which offers privacy, peace and tranquillity. The property has five bedrooms.

7.High Grassrigg, Killington, Sedbergh LA10 5EW, £550,000:

A unique and impressive opportunity to acquire a beautiful, much extended and developed cottage on the outskirts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. There are four bedrooms.

8. The Bower, Gower, Swansea, £350,000:

The Bower is a charming chocolate box thatched cottage situated just a stone’s throw away from the beautiful beach at Port Eynon. It has three bedrooms.

9.Croxton, Croxton, St Neots, £450,000:

This charming cottage has been recently re-thatched and offers a modern extension and large gardens with an open outlook to the rear. It has three bedrooms.

10.Market Place, Castle Combe, Wilts, £775,000:

Located at the historic heart of this picturesque village with easy access to two pubs and shops. The cottage has four bedrooms.

To discover more beautiful homes from Fine & Country, visit our website:http://www.fineandcountry.com/