Cotchford Farm - the last home of Brian Jones in Hartfield, East Sussex

To be honest, we might have skipped this place ordinarily. But when we heard that Cotchford Farm in Hartfield, East Sussex was the last home of Brian Jones, as well as the home of A.A Milne, we suddenly got interested.

Cotchford Farm - the last home of Brian Jones in Hartfield, East Sussex

The house actually dates from the mid-16th century. A.A Milne bought the house back in 1925 as a country retreat and this is the place where the author would write the stories of Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh. Galleons Lap, Poohsticks bridge and Pooh Corner are all based on locations in the nearby 500-acre wood, if you happen to be a fan.

Cotchford Farm - the last home of Brian Jones in Hartfield, East Sussex

If that’s not enough, this is the country pile bought by Brian Jones in the ’60s. He bought the house in 1968, doing extensive work to the place when he moved in. But the house isn’t known for Jones’ renovations and DIY. This is the house where he died, in the swimming pool, back in 1969. it was sold not long after and is on the market now for the first time in 40 years.

Cotchford Farm - the last home of Brian Jones in Hartfield, East Sussex

The property is grade-II listed and according to the agent, is sat in ‘beautifully maintained, south-facing secluded gardens and grounds’, the same grounds where Jones used to play loud music and upset the locals in his final months. It’s also where you might find the odd Stones and Pooh fan – you just know they’ll be dropping by.

Cotchford Farm - the last home of Brian Jones in Hartfield, East Sussex

The house itself is arranged over three floors, with six bedrooms, three bathrooms and a wealth of features, including exposed timbers and beams, a split-level drawing room with views to four sides plus an inglenook fireplace, an oak panelled dining room, a study with brick fireplace, fitted bookshelves and cupboards, a family/playroom with adjoining shower room and a kitchen/breakfast room to name just some of the selling points.

Cotchford Farm - the last home of Brian Jones in Hartfield, East Sussex

Outside, you’ll find a tree-lined driveway, a courtyard area, private gardens, a heated swimming pool surrounded by terracing, an ornamental fish pond and a number of stone statues of Christopher Robin, Owl and the sun dial where Pooh and all his friends are incorporated beneath. Many more outbuildings too – the outside space really is a selling point here. Oh yes, ‘Pooh Sticks Bridge’ is half a mile up stream from the house, just in case you are wondering.

Fancy it? As you might imagine, a house with this kind of heritage isn’t cheap – £2,000,000 to be precise. More images on the agent’s site.

Find out more at the Savills website

24-bedroom Dunecht House stately home in Westhill, Aberdeenshire

This is stunning – and while the price might be high – it’s perhaps not as high as you’d imagine for the 24-bedroom Dunecht House, Westhill, Aberdeenshire.

24-bedroom Dunecht House stately home in Westhill, Aberdeenshire

This is a stately home and then some. Sat within 1700 acres of ‘designed’ landscape, Dunecht House was built in 1820, for William Forbes, whose family had owned the estate since the 15th century. The original square neo-Greek house was designed by John Smith, Aberdeen’s most prominent architect. In 1845, Dunecht was purchased by the 7th Earl of Balcarres. Two years later, it passed to Lord Lindsay, who remodelled the house using the architect that was working on Balmoral Castle for Queen Victoria.

24-bedroom Dunecht House stately home in Westhill, Aberdeenshire

That was completed in 1859, remodelling the facade of the old house and adding plenty of new features, including a belvedere, new bay windows and a striking 100ft high bell tower at the junction of the original house and the new west wing. More was added in the next five years, including a library and a chapel. Additional work continued with successive owners, creating what you see now – a huge country seat.

24-bedroom Dunecht House stately home in Westhill, Aberdeenshire

That seat is no longer required by the current owners and has been empty (but maintained) for some time. They want someone to ‘exploit the obvious potential that exists’. Could that be you?

24-bedroom Dunecht House stately home in Westhill, Aberdeenshire

If you do find the cash for this, you’ll find a Category A house, approached via a copper beech avenue. Once inside, over the first and second floors, there are currently 24 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, with the lower ground floor offering additional accommodation including a housekeeper’s flat.

24-bedroom Dunecht House stately home in Westhill, Aberdeenshire

You’ll also be wow’d by a painted panelled entrance hall, a morning room, an office and a wood-panelled dining room. There’s also a square staircase, elaborately decorated with Raphaelesque figures depicting the stages of life from birth to old age, a long gallery with a chimney piece of Italian marble, a small library and drawing room, a billiard room, a ballroom of ‘railway-station proportions’ and a reading room, to list just some of the rooms here. See the listing for the full breakdown and detailing.

The land and gardens could also take up an article by themselves. Again, check the listing for details of the woods, formal gardens and surrounding parkland. The images here are just the tip of a very large iceberg too. There are 20 in total, see the rest on the listing.

Fancy it? Well, if the idea of a stately home appeals, £1,000,000 is the asking price. Not cheap, but it’s a lot of house for the money.

Find out more at the Rightmove website

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in rural Maidstone, Kent

This is a house that will divide opinion. On the face of it, a five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in rural Maidstone, Kent. But to others, it might just look like an industrial unit.

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in rural Maidstone, Kent

In fact, as I write this, the house has just been described to me as a ‘converted warehouse.’ It certainly isn’t that, this is a modern home (2009) built on the western shell of a disused reservoir and ‘retaining much of the structural integrity of the reservoir’. So a lot of space to play with.

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in rural Maidstone, Kent

Sat behind electronically operated security gates, the house is currently laid out on with five bedrooms and four en-suites on the ground floor, along with a 49 ft. open plan living area, a utility room, a separate cloakroom, a cinema room, a games room, a gymnasium with shower room, a wine room and a plant room.

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in rural Maidstone, Kent

The upper level has been designed as a further 40 ft. entertaining area with panoramic views via floor to ceiling windows. There’s also a sun terrace on three sides outside, along with ‘a generous parking area’ and a large integral double garage with electric doors.

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in rural Maidstone, Kent

Oh yes, you also get a patio, an inset heated swimming pool, a lawn areas overlooking a large fenced horse paddock and a ground source heat system which serves the main house.

Talking of technology, this place is an ‘A-Z’ of it, couple with a variety of high end finishes. To name just a few examples, you get the Lutron Homeworks 8 programmable wiring system (the ability to remotely control lighting, blinds, heating systems, security systems etc.), audio visual intercom, 16-camera CCTV, zoned underfloor heating, an integrated vacuum system, pre-wired media system, everything you need to kit out that cinema room, soundproofing for the current music room…the list goes on. All is available by negotiation.

Hopefully, the price will too, as the current one is a rather hefty £2,775,000. More images on the listing.

Find out more at the Rightmove website

1970s Chert two-bedroom house in St Lawrence, Isle of Wight

If you can’t afford to buy your very own ‘WowHaus’, why not take a holiday in one? There are plenty around that give you that opportunity, including this 1970s Chert two-bedroom house in St Lawrence, Isle of Wight.

1970s Chert two-bedroom house in St Lawrence, Isle of Wight

It’s an interesting house, completed in 1970 and originally a retirement home for two women, who gave local architect firm Gilbert and Hobson of Ventnor detailed instructions as to the kind of place they wanted. It was bequeathed to the National Trust when both women died in the 1990s and is now offered as a holiday ‘cottage’ within the quiet residential area of St Lawrence, which has some great sea views.

But obviously, the renovated Chert is no cottage, neither in build or fittings. Most of the original features and fixtures are still here, along with some original furniture, although most is reproduction, in keeping with the era.

1970s Chert two-bedroom house in St Lawrence, Isle of Wight

In terms of layout, Chert offers those sea views from the expansive first floor windows and large balcony. Below that is the entrance hall with utility room and spiral staircase. Go up that and you’ll find the kitchen/dining/sitting room, two bedrooms (1 double with 5′ bed and 1 twin), a bright orange bathroom adjacent to the  double bedroom and a shower room adjacent to the twin bedroom. There’s also a central hallway with access to large balcony.

1970s Chert two-bedroom house in St Lawrence, Isle of Wight

Note that the steep metal spiral staircase and uncovered garden pond might not be ideal for some people (small children, for example). But if that doesn’t affect you, Chert is available to rent now, but you’ll be looking at around £800 for a week in summer – and many weeks are already booked up.

Find out more at the National Trust website

1970s Villa Benedetti space age house in Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy

Remember the stunning 1970s Villa Benedetti space age house in Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy we featured a short time back? Of course you do, it was one of our most read features. Well, we have some VERY bad news about it…

Well, WowHaus reader Marie Therese, who is based in Milan, tried to book a viewing of the house. Over to her:

A sad day today. When I requested an appointment for viewing the Villa Benedetti in the Marche, Italy, I learned that the owner had decided to convert it into an apartment complex and has started to tear down the insides of the villa. Incredible.

Yes, that’s right, the place is currently being gutted and will soon be replaced by some apartments.

1970s Villa Benedetti space age house in Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy

When you think of the possibilities for this place (movie and TV set, hotel, holiday home, house etc etc), it’s a shame that the place is just being ripped apart, lost forever and replaced with something very likely to have a fraction of the character of the original build.

So wave goodbye to the flying saucer disco – it’s now consigned to history.

1970s Villa Benedetti space age house in Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy – all the images

Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye modernist house

We are conscious that many of you (just like ourselves) cannot afford your very own modernist home. So how about creating your own in miniature? In fact, you can create Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye modernist house out of cardboard.

Yes, just buy the kit and this iconic 1930s house, which you’ll find in full size in Poissy, on the outskirts of France, could be in your home. Obviously you’ll have to make it though.

A company called Paper Landmarks sells kits of various iconic builds, including this one, which are made out of a stiff cardboard. You just buy the pre-cut or printed sets (the latter needing cutting) and follow the instructions and you’ll have your very own modernist home to enjoy everyday. But for a fraction of the price of the original. That’s unlikely to ever come onto the market, as it’s a listed building in France.

Le Corbusier's Villa Savoye modernist house

If you want one, they sell for $25 / $39 online – or you can pick up the kits in the UK via the Barbican Art Gallery or Bookends in London. See the maker’s site for a full list of retailers.

Find out more at the Paper Landmarks website

Note that you can also buy a built model via Etsy.

1970s Kenneth Steel-designed midcentury-style house in Taunton, Somerset

A house with potential you could say, as the distinctive shape of this 1970s Kenneth Steel-designed house in Taunton, Somerset would certainly form the basis of a cool period home.

1970s Kenneth Steel-designed midcentury-style house in Taunton, Somerset

According to the agent, Steel designed the house in the early ’70s, although the look is indicative of a slightly earlier era. Regardless of that, this should form the basis of a superb midcentury-style home, once you’ve put your own stamp on it.

1970s Kenneth Steel-designed midcentury-style house in Taunton, Somerset

Because that’s what you’ll need to do. Right now, this single-storey property has something of a ‘granny’ look about it, but that’s all decoration, nothing substantial looks to have changed since the original build.

1970s Kenneth Steel-designed midcentury-style house in Taunton, Somerset

So you still get a house with great views, set in just under a third of an acre of land and with accommodation including an entrance hall, a living room, a kitchen/diner with larder, a cloakroom, two bedrooms and a bathroom with separate shower. You’ll also find a store and a garage connected to the property.

1970s Kenneth Steel-designed midcentury-style house in Taunton, Somerset

All of that is on the market right now for £390,000. More images on the agent’s site.

Find out more at the Robert Cooney website

Four-bedroom 1960s modernist house in the Courtyards development, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Thanks to regular spotter Matt Somerville for sending over this four-bedroom 1960s modernist house in the Courtyards development, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire. It even comes with its own retro makeover inside.

Four-bedroom 1960s modernist house in the Courtyards development, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Not that you’ll be getting that. At least, there’s no mention of the furnishings being included in the deal. But the house itself, which part of the Courtyards development, should be a great blank canvas if you want to recreate that era.

Four-bedroom 1960s modernist house in the Courtyards development, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

We don’t know much about the development, aside from what the agent describes. According to the agent, each house is ‘cleverly designed around a number of courts’, which enjoy the ‘serene atmosphere and intimate scale found in the Courts of the Cambridge Colleges’. Each house is also designed for both privacy and for views over the gardens and landscaped communal areas.

Four-bedroom 1960s modernist house in the Courtyards development, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

As for the house itself, that offers up an entrance hall and a vaulted dining and sitting area, separated by a chimney breast which rises to the ceiling. The sitting room has an open fireplace, doors to the garden and stairs rising to the mezzanine gallery. The kitchen also gives access to the kitchen courtyard beyond. Upstairs, you’ll four bedrooms, a family bathroom, WC and a light tunnel.

Four-bedroom 1960s modernist house in the Courtyards development, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire

Outside there are those communal grounds and two garages en-bloc. The private gardens consist of a formal courtyard leading to the front door with the remainder laid mainly to lawn.

If all of that appeals, the asking price is £450,000.

Find out more at the Zoopla at eBay website

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in Broomheath, Woodbridge, Suffolk

It apparently won both won both craftsmanship and design awards from the Suffolk Association of Architects. When you look at this five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in Broomheath, Woodbridge, Suffolk, you can see why.

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in Broomheath, Woodbridge, Suffolk

It’s a stunning build, very much a modern home, but with inspiration taken, in part, from the original modernist movement. One thing confuses us though. Why is this place called Broom Heath Cottage?

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in Broomheath, Woodbridge, Suffolk

This is the most un-cottage-like place you’ll ever encounter. Just a glimpse at the fixtures and fittings tells you that. We’re talking an integrated audio visual system, automated lighting control throughout, fingerprint door entry, CCTV and security systems, along with a computerised building management system, which links to a roof weather station and controls the internal room temperatures, via under floor heating.

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in Broomheath, Woodbridge, Suffolk

In terms of the building itself, you’ll find a two storey central atrium, with glass ceiling, leading to a large contemporary bespoke kitchen. There’s also an open plan living area with a large feature fireplace and sliding glass walls, which leads to the gardens and a swimming pool, along with a large well equipped home office.

On the lower ground floor, you’ll find a home cinema, games room and wine cellar. The first floor features several bedroom suites including the master bedroom with a ‘spectacular’ bathroom and large dressing room fitted out in walnut, along with a gym.

Five-bedroom contemporary modernist property in Broomheath, Woodbridge, Suffolk

On the second floor there is a further large bedroom / reception room and a bathroom plus access to a large roof terrace with far reaching views. Within the house, you’ll also find a self-contained flat, as well as a substantial annex above the garage and boat store.

Outside, there are automated gates, a drive, extensive terraces and balconies, mature woodland and the River Deben on the edge of the property. There’s also that pool, an outdoor room with a fireplace / BBQ, a changing room/wet room and a outside lighting and audio system.

Dream house it most certainly is. Cheap it isn’t. £2,950,000 is the guide price. More images at the agent’s site.

Find out more at the Jackson-Stops and Staff website

Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed Heathcote grade II-listed Arts and Crafts house in Ilkley, West Yorkshire

A stunning property that has been used for commercial purposes for many years. But now, this Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed Heathcote grade II-listed Arts and Crafts house in Ilkley, West Yorkshire is available to use as a house once more. For a price.

Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed Heathcote grade II-listed Arts and Crafts house in Ilkley, West Yorkshire

As we said above, this substantial build was designed by renowned Arts and Crafts architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens, initially for John Thomas Hemmingway, a wool merchant in Bradford. That was big business back in 1906.

Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed Heathcote grade II-listed Arts and Crafts house in Ilkley, West Yorkshire

According to the agent, no expense was spared when it was built and Lutyens is believed to have remarked that ‘this house was for a very rich man who could not spend money: until he met me.’ It’s a statement house, that’s for sure.

Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed Heathcote grade II-listed Arts and Crafts house in Ilkley, West Yorkshire

Heathcote was in private ownership until 1958 when it was bought by N G Bailey for its company headquarters. it has been in corporate use for the last 50 or so years, but on the plus side, the company has maintained many of the original features, including green Siberian marble columns in the central reception room and a black marble staircase with black iron balustrade, created by Italian craftsmen. You’ll also see plenty of carved details both inside and out, some of which reflect the trading nature of the original owner’s business.

Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed Heathcote grade II-listed Arts and Crafts house in Ilkley, West Yorkshire

As well as the period features, you also get space. Lots of space. Almost 12000 sq. ft. (1114 sq. m) of living space, arranged over three floors, along with impressive gardens and grounds originally designed by Gertrude Jekyll, extending to just under 3 acres and including lawns and Italian style ponds, each with a waterfall feature through carved stone lions heads.

Sir Edwin Lutyens-designed Heathcote grade II-listed Arts and Crafts house in Ilkley, West Yorkshire

The accommodation inside will no doubt need reworking, as this hasn’t been a house for some years. Although it does have eight defined bedrooms currently, along with a garage block and separate detached house on the grounds. Maybe you could live in that while you do the renovation?

That is, of course, if you get a lottery win this weekend. or you just happen to be sitting on a pile of cash already. If either applies to you, £1,995,000 is the asking price.

Find out more at the Carter Jonas Harrogate website