‘Its reserve and dislike of outward show, its reliance on the virtue and dignity of proportions only, and its rare bursts of exquisite detail, all express as no other style has ever done that indifference to self-advertisement, that quiet assumption of our own worth, and that sudden vein of lyric affection, which have given us our part in civilisation.’
Never was a truer word spoken. As a nation, we love Georgian properties to this day.
The trendy online estate agency The Modern House defines the characteristics of the Georgian style thus: ‘You can spot a house of this period by looking for symmetrical elevations, classical-inspired proportions, large windows and stonework.’
Here are some of the best available to buy now.
East House, Sydling St. Nicholas
Jackson-Stops£1.5million
Sitting proudly in one of Dorset’s prettiest villages, and surrounded by unspoiled countryside, this Grade II-listed house is a perfect example of the Georgian dream. Mellow red brick, period windows, high ceilings, generous proportions and a covetable fanlight above the front door are just some of the features you are likely to fall for. In the half-acre garden are a charming, thatched summerhouse and a stone barn that has been carefully converted into a studio. Yes, I think we could be happy here.
Soho, London
The Modern House£4.5million
The person who lands this house is beyond lucky. With five floors, four bedrooms and about 2,759sqft of internal space, it is a rare thing: a freehold home in the heart of Soho. Behind the handsome Georgian façade, Make Architects have created a stunningly elegant modern space. Think Venetian plaster walls; stairs and floorboards of black-stained wood; refined marble bathrooms. You get the best of both worlds here – history stares you in the face outside, while contemporary living rules inside.
The Old Rectory, Ash
Curchods£995,000
In this beautiful period house, between Guildford and Farnham, Tudor beams and an inglenook fireplace vie for your heart with gracious Georgian details. Perfect for family life (the playroom is flawless), you could move straight in. The online details don’t make much of the garden (which looks very nice) but there is an outbuilding and a garage. Best of all, there is planning permission to make your mark.
Newport House, Herefordshire
Knight Frank£10million
OK, this one is probably just for dreaming about – but, my oh my, does it make a pleasant dream. Walled gardens, immaculate stabling, working farms and a Victorian coach house are just some of the elements that make this important Herefordshire estate so desirable. Bought and extensively refurbished by the current owners in 2004, it sits majestically in the heart of 427 acres. The paneled billiard room and vast family kitchen have to be seen to be believed.
Powys
Fine & Country£950,000
With its neat, classical proportions and serried ranks of sash windows, this 250-year-old property is truly a Georgian gem. Sure, there is some work to do inside but we can’t imagine ever tiring of the stunning views across the valley and long to get our hands on – and subtly modernise – the traditional stone barns and outbuildings. Party barn, anyone?
Addebury, Oxfordshire
Hamptons£600,000
There are an awful lot of things to love about this Grade II-listed village house – the original working shutters among them. With five bedrooms, a private walled garden and pleasing Georgian proportions, it is well set up for family life and simply not to be missed.
Boath House, Nairn, Scotland
Knight Frank£1.975,000
For sale on the Moray coast is this boutique guesthouse and awarding-winning Kale Yard Café, which sits within a walled garden. The celebrated Scottish architect Archibald Simpson built the seven-bedroom house in 1827, and it has been described as the most beautiful Regency house in Scotland. The current owners bought it 25 years ago and transformed it from a ruin into the successful trading business it is today. But you could live in it as a wonderful, luxurious, private estate…
Islington, London
Foxtons£1,660,000
This substantial six-bedroom townhouse needs a lot of love. The right person and a bit of panache could restore it back to its former glory. With four stories, off-street parking, a sweet garden and masses of light, it is definitely a diamond in the rough.
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By Becky Ladenburg
January 2020