A splendid Grade II listed Tudor cottage has just entered the market in Southam, Warwickshire, for £1.3 million — and it's a real head-turner.
Church Cottage, with a newly-installed Norfolk reed thatched roof, intertwines all the conveniences of modern living with period character. Surprisingly contemporary for such an old building, it really does offer the best of both worlds.
Despite it's traditional white-and-brown façade, it's whip-smart on the inside. In fact, previous owners installed a Sonos sound system, heating with remote access, high-speed broadband, gas-fired central heating, and high quality bathrooms — all with their own heated towel rails and swoon-worthy tiles. If you're after a home that effortlessly blends traditional with contemporary, then this is the one to choose.
The interiors are well-considered and in keeping with the setting. Muted greens, soft grey and pearly whites trickle through the whole home, while the traditional wood makes it feel like a proper country retreat.
Other noteworthy features include the welcoming drawing room (there's another wood-burning fireplace here), a fully-stocked library, large kitchen/breakfast room with limestone floor and hardwood units, plus a practical wine cellar with its very own tasting table. Cheese and wine nights just got an impressive upgrade.
The charm of this home lies in the exposed oak frame, timber work, cast iron radiators, inglenook fireplaces, and Georgian-style windows. Some walls are covered in original tiles, while others feel cosier with new fluffy carpet. Without the worry of redecorating, new owners can move in right away.
We're crushing on the gorgeous gardens, which include formal shrub beds, bagfuls of roses, a boarded fence, herbaceous borders and beds, block paths, and a seating area for alfresco dining. To the east side of the cottage, the lawn extends to a clematis-covered pergola and garden wall to the neighbouring church. It's so dreamy.
This property is currently on the market for £1,350,000 with Knight Frank.
Take a tour around the beautiful home...
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11 pretty picnic blankets for outdoor dining in style
This M&S foldaway picnic rug leans into the popular 1970s interior trend with its punchy colour combination and retro-inspired chequered print.
Pair it with the matching serving tray and snack bowls for a coordinated dining scheme.
This blanket’s tropical print makes it a fitting choice for summer — mainly as it’s reminiscent of sunny holidays relaxing on the beach.
Earthy tones will complement the green motif, so style it with a woven picnic basket and wooden dinnerware for a rustic look.
This blanket, part of Dunelm’s ongoing collaboration with the National History Museum, is designed to celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
Its vibrant print will create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for garden gatherings and family picnics. Style it with simple, minimalist tableware so that the eye-catching pattern remains the focal point.
This blanket’s rainbow stripes add a modern twist to the classic Herringbone pattern, making for a stand-out piece.
Mismatched dinnerware in various colours will add to the fun, or stick to neutral accessories to make the multi-coloured print pop.
Mountain Warehouse’s patterned picnic blanket is ideal for camping or hiking — it's lightweight, easy to carry around and folds up compactly.
Its playful puppy print will appeal to dog lovers, whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow pet owner.
This hardy picnic blanket is both stylish and practical, allowing you to set up your meal just about anywhere! It's lightweight and can roll up into a bag meaning it's easy to move around. And it's also waterproof, meaning no one needs to get soggy if you're sat on damp grass or sand.
Helpfully, there's also a hole in the middle for a parasol or umbrella, and best of all, this can be machine washed.
Experts in teatime treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket.
In the luxury department store's signature Eau De Nil colourway, this one is crafted from pure new wool — a durable fabric that can withstand frequent use and is naturally resistant to odours, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pair it with a famous Fortnum’s food hamper for a fancy picnic.
Beachwear brand BukawaSwim has meticulously considered every detail on this picnic blanket, from using upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes to its citrus design inspired by the French Riveria.
It's also reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange design and a neutral green, while the tasselled border adds some extra texture and interest.
Oliver Bonas is one of our go-to retailers for eclectic, quirky homeware — so, naturally, we can’t resist the brand’s outdoor collection. This picnic rug, complete with a playful checked pattern and contrasting colours, will add a splash of colour to any alfresco setup.
For a fresh and modern look, style it with white or grey dinnerware — or embrace the colourful aesthetic by adding pops of pink and yellow to your picnic arrangement.
At two metres long, this extra large picnic blanket will allow you to spread out food, drinks and other picnic essentials without feeling cramped. Its sand-proof backing makes it suitable for beach days, making it easy to brush off excess sand once you pack up – and it's very affordable, too.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
