10 Houses with Grand Facades on the Market Right Now

We know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but the grand facades of these homes make a convincing argument…

1. Barrington Hall, Hertfordshire

With its ornate facade and and exceedingly fine interiors, the breath-taking Barrington Hall looks like it’s straight out of a romantic period drama. Particularly stunning is the double-height grand entrance hall, whose exquisite ceiling mouldings and plaster work lend it a supremely refined air. Other reception rooms, too, contain their fair share of stunning features, from marble fireplaces to oak floors, while the mullioned windows of the formal drawing room look out over the property’s resplendent grounds and lake. Other corners of the house strike a different, though no less elegant, tone, with bright, contemporary loft spaces and a split level entertainment room. Available through Savills for £15m

2. Chateau de Cottens, Vaud, Switzerland

Perched on an elevated positions surrounded by rows and rows of vineyards, this property is a chance to acquire your very own chateau, with splendid views onto Lake Geneva. While enjoying excellent transport links to one of Western Europe’s biggest financial hubs, the chateau’s situation in an exceedingly private park affords it a sense of serenity and seclusion. The 10-bedroom castle dates back to the 16th century, and those in the know will doubtless appreciate the rare, high-quality fixtures and fittings. Available through Christie’s International Real Estate, POA

3. Witnesham Hall, Suffolk

Set surrounded by its verdant, mature gardens, Witnesham Hall is a Grade II* manor property that boasts an impressive facade as well as a wealth of period features indoors. Elegant and benefitting form modern comforts, the interiors enjoy views onto the parkland, with plenty of mahogany panelling and cosy, well-proportioned reception rooms. Outside features include a lovely formal garden, swimming pool and tennis court. Available through Jackson Stops for £2.5m

4. The Manor House, Sherborne, Dorset

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

5. Hinwick House, Bedfordshire

On the market for only the third time in 300 years, the graceful, Grade I-listed Hinwick House is an outstanding example of Queen Anne architecture. Outwardly presenting an elegant Italianate façade, the classic country house interiors are predictably sumptuous, with sash windows flooding the principle reception rooms with light. Plentiful flexible accommodation is further provided by the 18th century clocktower and three estate cottages, while the capacious grounds encompass a Georgian walled garden mature parkland, two lakes, woodland and a stream. Available through Savills for £8.5m

6. Bowsey Manor, Berkshire

This unique country home has undergone extensive updating and restoration, now providing extensive elegant interiors in a lush formal garden setting. Entering through the spacious entrance hall, with vaulted ceiling and exposed timbers, one can find a drawing room and triple-aspect dining area, with a terrace looking out onto the garden. Upstairs, there are five principle bedrooms, with the master suite featuring a charming Juliet balcony, while downstairs includes a swimming pool and gym. Available through Sotheby’s International Realty, POA

7. Rudby Hall, North Yorkshire

Built of warm Ashlar sandstone to exacting classical proportions, this wonderful Grade II* manor also boasts 10 acres of glorious Yorkshire countryside. A sweeping tree-lined driveway leads to a honey-coloured façade flanked by classical columns, and the house opens onto a grand entrance hall, from which all the principle, equally impressive reception rooms spring. Intricate cornicing, painted wall features and original fireplaces are all features of this home, the windows of which show the unspoiled beauty of the nearby North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Available through Carter Jonas for £2.5m

8. The River House, Norfolk

True to its name, this cosy, light-filled Georgian home has an unspoiled view of the River Tiffey, at the end of its sweeping back lawn. Romantic formal gardens with rose arches, a water feature and ornate topiary, border the property, which also features an arboretum with fine species of native and non-native trees. Splendid views over the gardens, river and grounds are offered from the upstairs bedrooms, while the fully-modernised kitchen/dining room and bright Victorian orangery opens directly onto the gardens. Available through Strutt & Parker for £1,450,000

9. Cleveland Square, Bayswater

Elegant and exceedingly bright, this property is spread over two floors of a classic white stucco building of the kind that remains highly sought after in the capital. Fitted with contemporary appliances and heated oak flooring, the duplex apartment also enjoys a large, south-facing private terrace and access to beautiful and spacious community gardens – perfect if you’re looking for green space that’s a little more private than the near Hyde Park. Available through Wilfords for £4,750,000

10. Great Pulteney Street, Bath

With graceful classical proportions and multitude period features, this Grade I-listed Georgian townhouse is a prime example of Bath’s elegant architecture, situated on one of the city’s most magnificent historic streets. The rear of the house opens onto a lovely landscaped garden and outdoor dining area, and the property also includes four reception rooms – one of which enjoys southernly views of Bath’s fine Henrietta Park – and six bedrooms. Available through Sotheby’s International Realty for £3,650,000

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