Hortus Grandis

Hortus Grandis: Hertfordshire

A fine, period home, tucked away in manicured walled gardens, this rural retreat is all about Georgian elegance and exquisite taste. With enough space for a large family or a group of friends celebrating something special, it would originally have been the head gardener's home – built in the 1780s and surrounded by a walled garden of around an acre.

Set inside a wider estate of ancient woods and parkland, the sweeping drive makes for a grand entrance, with neat lawns for children and dogs to frolic on. Inside, a formal sitting room and a dining room offer plenty of traditional country house charm, with classics on the bookshelves and a roaring fire to sit beside after winter walks, while a snug provides a comfy place to play board games or watch TV. There's a smart kitchen, with everything you could need for cooking full meals at home, and a useful boot room for muddy feet and paws, while upstairs classic country furniture and neutral tones make the bedrooms comfy and calming.

Outside, play games in the garden in the shade of the giant pines, or head to the studio for a few games of table tennis. Stride off across the parkland paths to spot wildlife or drive to the nearby village of Watton at Stone on the River Beane. Around three minutes away by car, there's a pub and a village bakery, along with a butcher and a deli to pick up fresh ingredients.


Home truths:
*There's plenty of private parking here for up to six vehicles, and a secure, gated entrance
*The private garden is fully enclosed and safe for children and pets
*Your host can provide non-allergenic bedding on request
*Please note there are steps up to the entrance and no bedrooms on the ground floor – the gravel drive can also be difficult for those with restricted mobility
*The cellar and attic space are off limits as they're used for storage
*Mobile phone and wi-fi signal is variable here
*One well-behaved dog is welcome to sleep downstairs