17th Century Country Manor With Walled Gardens in South East England

This property is on the market for £3,950,000, listed with Savills.

Possingworth Manor is set within 17 acres of scenic grounds near the village Waldron in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The Grade II* listed estate dates back to 1281, with the present day manor built in 1657.

Over the centuries, Possingworth Manor has welcomed a procession of interesting figures through its doors, and a bit of scandal.

In 1918, the estate was leased by Alice Keppel, the intriguing mistress of King Edward VII and great grandmother of Queen Camilla, for her daughter Violet Trefusis and her new husband Denys Robert Trefusis.

Both the lease of Possingworth Manor and the marriage were arranged by Keppel in an effort to quell rumours about Violet’s ongoing scandalous affair with writer and garden designer Vita Sackville-West, Vita Sackville-West.

Virginia Woolf, who visited West often at Possington, is said to have based the character of Princess Sasha in her novel “Orlando: A Biography” on Violet.

In the 1920s. Lord Strathcona bought the home and hired George Trollope and Colls LTD to renovate the manor, most known for their work on Claridge’s Hotel in London.

The Jacobean country home offers a total of 11 bedrooms across 8754 square feet of living space with fine period detailing throughout.

The ground floor offers three distinct reception spaces adorned with open fireplaces and fine wooden paneling, including a 45 '5 x 18'9 drawing room with a magnificent hearth.

Just off the dining room, the kitchen has an oil-fired Nobel Range cooker and space for a breakfast table. It opens to a two-bedroom annex as well as onto a covered outdoor pool and terrace area.

Positioned for far-reaching views across the garden to pretty pasture and woodland, another south-east facing stone terrace provides a picturesque vista.

The sprawling grounds showcase an impressive garden infrastructure recently restored, featuring sunken paved areas, a walled ha-ha, and a magical walled garden with plenty of fruit trees, including apples, pears, plums, damsons, and quince.

There’s also a revolving summer house, and a detached two-storey barn with a garage, workshop, studio and store spaces.

All photos belong to the listing agency.

Former Carthusian Monastery and Wine Estate in Southern France

This property is on the market for €5,500,000 listed with Ménélik Plojoux of Patrice Besse Immobilier.

The French country estate spans over 100 acres of land nestled in the heart of the Forest of Valbonne in the Gard, home to rare species in the Mediterranean region.

Today, the former Carthusian monastery provides guest accommodation, in addition to enotourism with its expanding Côtes du Rhône wine estate, which produces 700 hl of wine per year.

Classified as a French historic monument in 1959 and 1974, the property dates back to the 10th century when it was a small monastery for Benedictine nuns that would be later abandoned.

In the early 1200’s a group of monks of the Carthusian order settled at the site and built out the monastery, which includes a convent church, a large cloister and a small cloister, and numerous chapels.

The church also features an intricate system of vaults built at this time by the Franque brothers from Avignon, specialists in the field.

The picturesque property offers plenty of Provencal charm with several towers on the property and its bell tower covered in Burgundian-style glazed tiles.

Featuring fine period detail throughout the various secular buildings, the property has various rooms used for receptions, cocktails, and buffets, as well as the rental of its gardens and large cloister for prestigious events.

The former Carthusian monastery provides guest accommodation with 13 ensuite bedrooms in the former Brothers’ cells and two apartments with several bedrooms each in the Bishop’s apartment.

This hidden gem with its tranquil cloisters and expanding vineyard, is waiting to be discovered, tucked away in the commune of Saint-Paulet-de-Caisson, in the Gard, Occitanie.

All photos belong to the listing agency.

Historic Landmark Estate in Cuautla, Mexico

This property is on the market for $40,000,000 listed with Mexico Sotheby’s International Realty.

Hacienda Santa Inés is considered a jewel of Cuautla, Mexico, a former sugar mill and majestic ruin with a nearly 500-year-old history and ties to Mexico's tumultuous struggle for independence.

It served as a sanctuary for revolutionaries who fought for Mexico's liberation such as Narciso Mendoza, fondly remembered as El Niño Artillero, and General José María Morelos y Pavón.

The hacienda's significance in history was solidified during the 1812 Siege of Cuautla, where Mendoza's heroic act of firing a cannon at a critical juncture, and legend has it that General Morelos y Pavón utilised the hacienda's intricate network of tunnels to evade capture during the siege.

Today, Hacienda Santa Inés is one of the beautiful properties in the state of Morelosa, and a highly sought-after wedding venue and events space.

Visitors to the hacienda are greeted by the sight of a nearly 20-acre cane field, a nod to its origins as a sugar mill, while the remnants of a chapel next to the sculpture gardens harken back to its days as a convent.

The 75,347-square-foot residence has 14 bedrooms, 16 full bathrooms and 30 half baths, and each bedroom suite overlooks the tranquil grounds from a private balcony.

There’s also an internal staircase up to the 190-foot-high chimney for panoramic views of the estate.

The property is surrounded by stunning water gardens with a tranquil landscape of lakes, cascading waterfalls, cisterns, and an aqueduct.

For those seeking adventure, the estate also comes with a professional soccer field and helipad, tennis courts, basketball and racquetball courts and an indoor pool.

All photos belong to the listing agency.

Renovated Liberty-Style Villa in Tuscany, Italy

This property is on the market for €2,200,000 listed with Immobiliare Athena.

The Liberty-style villa boasts breathtaking panoramic views set against the backdrop of the rolling Tuscan hills at the foot of the Castello dei Vicari in Lari, a walled mountaintop ‘frazione’ (hamlet) in the countryside near Pisa.

Set behind stone walls, the villa comes with five acres of private parkland with manicured gardens, a ‘limonaia’ (lemon house), and a sunny swimming pool overlooking the orchards.

The 8-bedroom villa offers approximately 12,200 square feet of living space across 3 levels, plus a large vaulted cellar, and has been updated with modern luxuries such as chef’s kitchen with a walk-in refrigerator and hidden work station.

Meticulously curated by the renowned architect who renovated the property, the villa is offered with period furnishings, and features fine period details, such as parquet and marble mosaic floors.

The dining room opens out onto the back terraces and manicured grounds, leading towards the renovated lemon house, an ideal spot for alfresco dining.

All photos belong to the listing agency.

Restored Georgian House and English Country Estate in Dorset

This property is on the market for £6,350,000 listed with Blue Book Agency.

Approaching Manston House, one is immediately struck by its stately façade, adorned with speckled stone, large windows, and majestic chimneys.

Beautifully restored, Manston House stands as a beacon of Georgian elegance and rural splendour, nestled in over 50 acres of grounds in the English countryside amidst the picturesque landscapes of North Dorset.

With its rich history, meticulous restoration, and idyllic setting, this Grade II listed estate offers a glimpse into the timeless allure of English country living.

Featuring classic Georgian proportions, Manston House is an ideal English country house with 9 bedrooms and elegant living areas arranged around a magnificent reception hall.

Originally built in the 17th century and rebuilt in 1857 following a fire, Manston House has undergone a transformative restoration project while retaining much of its late 17th century qualities, including many period fireplaces, window shutters and cornicing.

The renovation breathed new life into the property’s Georgian heritage while seamlessly integrating modern comforts such as underfloor heating, ensuite bathrooms, and a state-of-the-art kitchen.

Outside, Manston House is surrounded by immaculately landscaped grounds, offering a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Gravel paths wind through the manicured English gardens, while mature trees provide shade and privacy.

Gravel paths wind through the manicured English gardens, while mature trees provide shade and privacy. A tennis court and stables add to the English country estate's allure, and a privately-owned mausoleum and a parish church can be found on the grounds.

Beyond its borders, Manston House is ideally situated for exploring the delights of Dorset. Nearby villages offer charming shops, traditional pubs, and quaint country lanes waiting to be explored.

For those craving a taste of city life, major towns and cities such as Shaftesbury, Blandford Forum, and Salisbury are within easy reach, offering a wealth of cultural, dining, and shopping experiences. You can reach London Waterloo station in under two hours by train from Gillingham and Salisbury.

“Manston House is the epitome of Georgian elegance, nestled in the heart of North Dorset,” says Lindsay Cuthill, founder of Blue Book Agency, “[it’s] a sanctuary for those who appreciate the perfect fusion of heritage and luxury.”

All photos belong to the listing agency.

Elegant Tuscan Villa Set in the Florentine Hills

This property is on the market for €8,800,000, listed with Italy Sotheby’s International Realty.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany, just a short drive away from the cultural hub of Florence, lies a hidden gem that exudes timeless Tuscan charm and unparalleled elegance in Bagno a Ripoli.

The Tuscan villa dates back to the early 19th century and has been meticulously restored to its former glory, seamlessly blending modern comforts with historic charm.

The villa offers three floors of living spaces with generously proportioned rooms adorned with elegant furnishings, and expansive windows that offer sweeping views of the surrounding Tuscan landscape.

Two luxurious master suites are located on the first floor, each with a lavish en-suite bathroom. One of the master suites opens out onto a private terrace with panoramic vistas of Florence and beyond.

The villa also offers additional spaces dedicated to relaxation and rejuvenation on the first floor, also accessible via an external staircase.

A service apartment is connected to the main residence, alongside an annex property divided into two independent units, a one-bedroom unit on the ground floor, and a two-bedroom property in the basement.

Beyond the confines of the villa, a world of natural beauty awaits. The estate is graced by a rounded swimming pool, surrounded by lush parkland and a private chapel, creating an idyllic oasis for relaxation and contemplation.

Expansive grounds, spanning over 44 acres, feature verdant olive groves, wooded areas, and ample space for outdoor activities, promising endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.

Just a stone's throw from Florence, Bagno a Ripoli, though small in size, is abundant in offerings and its picturesque setting overlooking the Arno Valley and the mesmerising landscape of Tuscany sets the stage for a truly enchanting experience.

Here, amidst the tranquillity of the countryside, one finds a surprising array of amenities – from quaint cafes and authentic restaurants to charming country inns serving delectable regional fare.

With its convenient proximity to the Cradle of the Renaissance and easy access to neighbouring cities such as Siena, Arezzo, and the Chianti hills, this villa in Bagno a Ripoli serves as the perfect base for exploring the treasures of Tuscany.

All photos belong to the listing agency.

Provençal ‘Bergerie’ Converted Into a Country House in the Luberon

This property is on the market for €1,840,000, listed with Emile Garcin.

This former bergerie (sheepfold) is nestled in the heart of the picturesque Luberon region, boasting panoramic views and unparalleled serenity, situated on nearly 7 acres of pristine land with no neighbours in site.

The main house, exuding rustic charm and architectural elegance, spans approximately 3500 square feet of living space.

The grand entrance hall leads to the cathedral lounge adorned with a comforting fireplace, and a spacious kitchen. Adjacent to the kitchen lies a vaulted dining room, offering a cozy ambiance accented by another fireplace.

One of the most striking features of this property is the incorporation of several Bories, seamlessly blending history with modern comfort.

These ancient stone huts date back to the 13th century and are typically found in farmsteads across Provence. Two of these Bories, accessible from the interior, add an authentic touch to the living space.

The ground floor also encompasses a home office, accommodation with a kitchen, a bedroom, and a shower room, all opening onto a covered terrace with a summer kitchen – perfect for alfresco dining and entertaining.

Ascending to the first floor, the sleeping quarters consist of three bedrooms, each accompanied by its own bathroom. Additionally, a fourth independent bedroom with a private shower room offers flexibility and convenience, accessible from both the first floor and the inner courtyard.

Some of these rooms also feature independent access, presenting opportunities for commercial activities such as a bed and breakfast or a retreat venue.

An independent apartment, situated close to the main house, awaits renovation, offering the potential for additional accommodation or guest quarters.

The allure of this property extends beyond its interiors, with the expansive 6.9 acres of park enveloping the residence in stretches of garrigue and local vegetation.

The pièce de résistance, however, is the idyllic 40-foot infinity pool, where one can bask in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun while soaking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

In a world characterised by noise and haste, finding a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity becomes a rare luxury.

This Provençal bergerie, transformed into a captivating country house, offers not just a residence, but a lifestyle – one where the rhythms of nature dictate the pace, and each moment is savoured in quiet contentment.

Conveniently located just an hour from the Avignon TGV station and an hour and fifteen minutes from Marseille-Provence airport, accessibility is paired seamlessly with exclusivity.

All photos belong to the listing agency.

Magnificent 17th Century Château Near Lyon, France

This property is on the market with Gideon Lang-Laddie of The Agency, listed for $13,500,000 USD.

Featuring regal architecture from the grand siècle and an elegant setting on the banks of the Saône, the chateau is nestled in 36 acres of grounds with formal gardens, woodlands, paddocks, and an orchard.

Château de Fléchères is a truly spectacular property in south-east France, located in Fareins, about 25 miles north of Lyon.

It was built in 1613 to mark the nobility of Jean Sève, an important Calvinist figure and one of the richest and more influential men in Lyon, following by his pivotal role in the 1594 Lyon uprising, which ultimately restored power to Henry IV, the first Bourbon king.

Throughout the chateau are frescoes by the famous Baroque Italian painter Pietro Ricchi painted in 1632, which depict images of nobility designed to establish his family amongst the nobility ‘de cloche’.

The mediaeval elements of the chateau — including its moat, ramparts, corner towers, fortified entrance, and a drawbridge— helped to give credibility to the family legend which made the de Sèves direct descendants of the Marquises of Seva, a celebrated feudal family of Piedmont, known from the 13th century.

The entire estate is listed as Monument Historique and features fine period detailing throughout, and the 10-bedroom chateau was renovated in the 2000s.

Château de Fléchères offers a total of 20 grand rooms across 13,000 square feet, featuring rich detailing, seen in the Rococo-style blue room with panelling by carpenter Philibert Lonbois, and in several apartments, including one in the Louix XV style. 

Of note is the 3000-square foot Calvinist temple on the third floor that comes with an alcove bedchamber and ‘Holy Trinity’ dormer windows, illuminating its silk-panelled walls.

The old farmhouse, converted to house the swimming pool, is set within a courtyard garden with lovely low-angle views of the castle.

With its stunning courtyard and gardens, the property has immense potential for prospective investors for boutique tourism, just a short drive to the gastronomic center of Lyon, as well as the Beaujolias, Burgundy, and Rhône Valley wine regions.

All photos belong to the listing agency.

Provençal-Style Estate in Napa Valley, California

This Napa Valley luxury rental is available for monthly lease. Price is disclosed upon application.

The Napa Valley wine country estate has a coveted Ponti Road address in Rutherford, an area known for its unique terroir and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Surrounded by 2.5 acres of Cabernet vineyards and landscaped gardens, the Napa Valley property is approached via a dreamy plane tree allée that perfectly evokes the romance of Provence. 

The luxury rental offers 5,268 square feet across the main 4-bedroom villa and a 2-bedroom guest house, featuring a wealth of quintessential Provencal charm with exposed beam ceilings, Venetian plaster walls, and warm French limestone. 

The 4.04 acre property has beautiful outdoor spaces for entertaining and relaxing with a swimming pool and a hot tub, a sports court and a putting green.

All photos belong to the listing agency.

Catalan Estate Near Barcelona Designed by a Gaudí Protégé

This property is on the market for €6,200,000, listed with Fantastic Frank.

Featuring a distinctive stone gable and brick vestibule, this art nouveau-style farmhouse was built in 1912 by the architect Juli Batllevell, a disciple of Antoni Gaudí.

The Spanish estate spans some 316 forested acres, complete with olive groves, a vineyard, and a chapel.

Refurbished for modern living and run as a boutique hotel, the main residence spans over 20,000 square feet of interior space with high ceilings throughout and 14 bedrooms.

Designed with local materials, the property features a wealth of authentic features such as stained-glass windows featuring traditional motifs and mosaic tile floors.

The Catalan estate also comes with a swimming pool, a guest house, a ‘masia’ (farmhouse), and several outbuildings.

This spectacular property is set near the Sant Llorenç del Munt i l’Obac natural park, less than an hour north from Barcelona.

All photos belong to the listing agency.