07 Jun 2018
City life. The constant rush, endless people and, let's be honest, total chaos is enthralling and exciting – until it isn't. While the more hardy among us may happily spend their lives in the heart of the hustle and bustle, for many there comes a time when it is quite literally time for pastures new.
This month, Quirky Homes presents remote properties ideal for those looking for an idyllic retreat away from the rest of the world. Sadly, a warming mug of cocoa and cosy slippers are not included.
18-bedroom Georgian Mansion10-18 bedroom house for sale in Uffculme, Near Tiverton, Devon, EX15
Our first property is currently operating as a wedding business – and its secret to success is hiding in plain sight.
The meticulously restored Georgian mansion is located within its own ring-fenced listed Deer Park, complete with perfectly maintained trees, an expansive ribbon lake and separate gated entrances opening on to two formal drives.
Set within 117 acres, the property is certainly expansive enough to give shelter to those seeking an escape from reality, yet is just two miles from the well-connected M5. Unless, of course, you don't have time to sit in motorway traffic – did we mention there's a helicopter hangar?
Former Laird's Home in the Highlands6 bedroom country house for sale in Latheron, Highland, KW5
For those looking for total reclusion, look no further. Located in the Scottish Highlands, Gilliovan House offers views of farmland and sea as far as the eye can see, with the closest civilisation being the small village of Latheron.
Having undergone extensive renovation since its construction in the mid-18th century, the former Laird's home has retained its original character while offering spaces suitable for modern living.
A small range of traditional outbuildings – including stables and coach house – come complete with the six-bedroom property.
Cottage on the Cornish Coast5-8 bedroom house for sale in Porthpean, St. Austell, Cornwall, PL26
From North to South, our next property sits on the coastline of Cornwall and offers enchanting sea views.
The property comprises two main buildings – Castle Gotha and Silvermine Cottage – as well as gardens, grounds and outbuildings. The 5-bedroom Castle Gotha farmhouse offers generous living spaces and a quirky first-floor sitting and living room.
With no neighbours nearby, residents here can enjoy the sea views uninterrupted and even have access to the South West Coast Path should they wish to get a bit closer.
And for when you do fancy some human interaction, the old market town of St Austell is just three miles away.
Welsh Retreat4 bedroom house for sale in Trefeglwys, Caersws, Powys, SY17
Our penultimate property takes us to Blaencerniog in Wales, a property that has been enjoyed as a holiday retreat by its current owners and their loved ones for more than a decade.
Set at the end of a mile long track in the heart of the countryside, Blaencerniog is perfect for those looking to indulge in an array of outdoor pursuits including riding, walking, fishing and cycling. The local market town of Llanidloes is six miles away and, for a true holiday experience, Ynyslas beach is 30 miles away.
Tally Ho Cotswolds Barns5-11 bedroom house for sale in Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54
Our final property comprises two Grade II listed stone barns set with an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the North Cotswolds.
Dating back almost 200 years, Tally Ho Barns retains many of its original period features yet recent renovation work ensures the highest standards of modern living.
The main barn offers light and airy living spaces with double height vaulted ceilings perfect for displaying serious artwork. Further along the driveway is a three bedroom cottage and separate two bedroom apartment, with the former stable barn covereted into a large entertainment area complete with storage and cloakroom.
But it's not only inside the property that's impressive. The extended grounds include a woodland area, kitchen garden, greenhouse, orchard – and in the unlikely case that all that isn't enough, there's even an additional field over the lane from the main house.