Let’s go outside: seven homes perfectly positioned for cobweb-blasting country walks
A brisk walk in the countryside is guaranteed to shake off the twixmas slump. Each of these handsome homes are near outstanding expanses of nature to explore and, most importantly, return from. Because what’s better than a bracing stroll in the full blast of the winter weather? Kicking off your boots when you get back home ...
- Writer
- Hannah Nixon
Slade Hooton Hall, Sheffield, South Yorkshire
The grand, 17th-century Slade Hooton Hall might only be an hour and 45 minutes from London’s Kings Cross, but its rural location and host of surrounding greenery make it the ideal countryside retreat. There are plenty of wonderful walks to take on the grounds or, if you wanted to explore further, a public footpath leads from the village to the majestic, 12th-century Roche Abbey.
Townend House, Hopton, Derbyshire
Close to the Peak Distinct, this charming bolthole is encircled by an abundance of green vistas and even an outdoor natural spring-fed pool in the nearby town of Matlock Bath. Stumble outside when it’s finally time to stretch your legs and you’ll be greeted by the traffic-free path beyond the country gate around Carsington Water. The High Peak Trail is only a mile and half, which seems more than manageable or, for the more adventurous, head for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Derwent Valley Mills.
Wrescombe Court, Newton Ferrers, Devon
Wrescombe Court is a handsome, stone-clad, Grade II-listed farmhouse set in an area steeped in history dating back to the Doomsday book. The area is famed for its amazing walks along the South West Coastal Path, which also draws walkers keen to experience the scenic views from the headland. Ideal for a windswept coastal walk, the route takes in host of excellent beaches on the way including Cellars Beach, Warren Beach, Stoke beach and Mothercombe.
Hartland Point, Hartland, Devon
The rugged beauty of Hartland Point extends from the striking Grade II-listed Georgian home and into the landscape beyond. The North Devon coastline has a plethora of walking paths along the coastline and even a waterfall onto Berry Beach. The Tarka Trail near Bideford is close enough to stroll on Boxing Day but far enough to feel as though you’ve extended yourself.
Lintz Green, Rowlands Gill, Tyne and Wear
Lintz Green is a characterful former station master’s house nestled in a verdant hamlet that sits along the edge of the Derwent Valley Railway Walk which runs from Consett to Swalwell. The nearby Pontburn Woods (named one of the country’s top 10 woods by The Sunday Times) also has an established path that is popular with locals. You’re surrounded by a wealth of other beauty spots including Chopwell Woodland Park, Derwenthaugh Countryside Park, the Pennine hills and the Lake District so there really is no excuse not to get outside before the night draws in.
Church Road, Rotherfield, East Sussex
This charming cottage is nestled within the luminous High Weald National Landscape. The nearby Ashdown Forest has over 6,500 acres of woodland to explore and was used as the inspiration for the landscape of Winnie-the-Pooh. Ancient breeds of sheep still graze on the rich pastoral land, which is also excellent for bird spotting (don’t forget to pack your new binos). Back in Rotherfield, the house is extremely close by to The King’s Arms, a 17th-century pub with a roaring fire, if that’s as far as your legs will take you.
Lavington House, Naccolt, Kent
Lavington House – a unique home of two exquisite halves – has uninterrupted views towards the expansive Kent Downs National Landscape making it the ideal jumping off point to blast off the cobwebs after festive feasting. The Wye National Nature Reserve is also extremely close by and provides a bracing backdrop for spotting rare wildlife and taking in the Kentish air, before returning back home for boardgames and leftovers.
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