Properties That Are Great for Education

From leafy London suburbs to the Cotswolds and Home Counties, here are 10 properties close to good schools available on the market now…

1. Abbot’s Wood, Godalming, Surrey

Close to: Charterhouse, St Hilary’, Prior’s Field

A beautiful Arts & Crafts home set in sprawling, verdant grounds, Abbots Wood – with accommodation spread over eight bedrooms and spacious reception rooms – is ideally suited to family life. The stylish period interiors, including a sweeping oak staircase, wood panelling and elaborate fireplaces, likewise lend themselves perfectly to entertaining on a large scale. On the outskirts of Godalming, the property is within good reach of the surrounding area’s many fine educational establishments, as well as London Waterloo station. Available through house. for £3m

2. The Manor House, Sherborne, Dorset

Close to: Sherborne and Sherborne Girls, Canford, Milton Abbey, Bryanston, St Mary’s

A manor house in the trust sense, this stunning Grade II-listed property is approached through its own park, resplendent with woodland and established gardens. The grand house boasts numerous impressive reception rooms: the dining, sitting and drawing rooms all have fine ceiling moulding, open fires and window seats for taking in the far-reaching views across the parkland. A formal circular hall leads to a galleried landing, where the principal bedrooms – all with double-aspect views – can be found. Outside, as well as sloping lawns and pastures, there lies a wisteria-clad walled garden and water garden, fed by a nearby natural spring; it’s bucolic country living at its finest. Available through Strutt & Parker for £4.75m

3. Castelnau, Barnes, London

Close to: St Paul’s, The Harrodian, The Swedish School in London

Part of the 19th century Regency terrace in Castelnau, this sumptuous Grade II-listed villa has been extensively restored, creating a contemporary, harmonious home which retains many of its characteristic period features. Interiors are bright and airy throughout, making use of the abundance of light filtering through the sash windows and French doors, and benefitting from remarkably stylish fittings and furnishings – particularly in the bespoke Swiss kitchen and fine rear reception room, which leads out onto a lovely balcony. The outside areas are equally elegant, with a west-facing garden and a charming brick-paved rose walk and pergola, along with a secret outside play area for the children. Available through Savills for £5,950,000

4. Church Street, Hampton

Close to: Twickenham Prep, Hampton School, Lady Eleanor Holles

Ticking the Education theme on two counts, this exceptional William & Mary house previously served as a school, and today remains within easy reach of the surrounding area’s excellent schooling facilities. A handsome 17th century build, the property is full of period features, including listed fireplaces, ornate ceiling cornicing and extensive panelling, lending an atmospheric touch to the reception rooms and bedrooms. Towards the rear, you can find a formal lawn, which is green and wisteria-scented in summer months. Hampton itself is steeped in Tudor history, serving as the seat of power during Henry VIII’s reign; nearby Bushy Park was the king’s preferred hunting ground. Available through Featherstone Leigh for £2,795,000

5. The Manor House, Cholderton, Salisbury

Close to: Farleigh, Godolphin, Winchester, Marlborough College

Set in sprawling grounds, which include pretty landscaped gardens, lawns and woodland, the impressive red and blue brick Manor House is an incredible example of the Queen Anne country style, making it a coveted Grade II* property. With seven bedrooms and five reception rooms – graced with high ceilings and period features – accommodation is exceedingly spacious. The surrounding area, within easy reach of the cathedral cities of Winchester and Salisbury, is renowned for its good schooling, meaning that parents will be spoiled for choice when it comes to education possibilities. Available through Savills for £3.1m

6. Oaksey Court, Wiltshire

Close to: Westonbirt, Pinewood, St. Mary’s Calne and the Cheltenham Colleges

Dating back to the Georgian period, Oaksey Court is situated at the edge of Oaksey village, affording it endless views over the rolling countryside beyond. Large, south-facing sash windows flood the airy home with light, with the drawing and dining rooms looking out onto the colourful, well-maintained gardens. Wiltshire is another region known for its wonderful educational institutions, with a variety of top-performing schools nearby. Available through Strutt & Parker for £2.5m

7. The Old Vicarage, Stroud, Gloucestershire

Close to: Stroud, Cheltenham, Beaudesert Park, Wycliffe College

A substantial former vicarage, this six-bedroom family home sits in an elevated position, overlooking the village of Slad and enjoying a vantage point over the beautiful, wooded valleys of the South Cotswolds. Naturally, the property is suffused with period accents, from mullioned windows to open fireplaces; particular features include a huge bay window facing the large lawn, which floods the principal drawing room with natural light. The surrounding area has a particularly good education range, both private and public. Available through Knight Frank for £1.5m

8. Abbey Lodge, Farthinghoe, Northamptonshire

Close to: Royal Latin School, Tudor Hall, Stowe, Winchester House

A unique property dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, Abbey Hall combines historical details and curiosities with the highest standard of contemporary living. Open fireplaces, heavy exposed beams, wood panelling and original flagstones seamlessly integrate into the bright, stylish interiors, making for an equally impressive and functional family residence. The main living area comprises of a spacious 16m long vaulted kitchen and family room with exposed timbers, a 4 oven Aga, mezzanine study area and plenty of space for entertaining, supplemented by a high-ceilinged drawing room. Grounds are landscaped with shaped topiary and gravel paths, and an ideal summer entertaining space is provided by the open-fronted barn, complete with a wood-burning stove. Available through Carter Jonas for £1,950,000

9. North Barn, Barnsdale, Oakham

Close to: Oundle, Oakham, Uppingham

Set away from a quiet country lane in the heart of the Rutland countryside, this excellent barn conversion is a rare opportunity to own a well-appointed, stylish home in an atmosphere of general rural idyll. The cleverly-designed home has plenty of space for families, dogs and guests alike, and is centered around a vast living area, with double-height glass wall framing the countryside beyond. What’s more, the local area around Oakham is home to some of the best schools in the country. Available through Mr and Mrs Clarke, offers over £1m

10. College Road, Dulwich

Close to: Dulwich College, Alleyn’s

Leafy and quiet, Dulwich is synonymous with the prestigious College – incidentally, just across the road from this architecturally important, Grade II-listed Georgian property. Offering an abundance of space throughout its four vast reception rooms and five bedrooms, it’s an ideal opportunity for families looking to reap the manifold benefits – educational and otherwise – of making their home in this pristine part of South London. Available through Harvey & Wheeler for £4,950,000

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