Want to live in the countryside – beautiful big house, large gardens and country views – but still enjoy all the benefits of a cosmopolitan city? Say hello to lovely Lavender Cottage in the village of Dunkerton, about four miles south of the elegant UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath.

Built using ashlar Bath stone, the four-bed house, with annex and separate two-bed cottage, down a quiet lane and with a sweeping drive, is said to date back to the mid 18th century. Back in the day, Dunkerton was surrounded by mines of the Somerset coalfields (interesting fact: parts of the Ealing comedy The Titfield Thunderbolt were filmed at the former Dunkerton Colliery). Today, it’s a pretty little village mainly comprised of period properties, surrounded by stunning views. You like?

Inside, the archetypal farmhouse style kitchen/breakfast room has trad wooden cabinets, a butler sink (natch), beams, tiled floor and one of those split stable doors (open just the top half or the whole door) leading out to the gardens. You can almost hear the birds tweeting in the trees. The peace won’t be disturbed by the sound of a washing machine – there’s a separate utility room for all of that gubbins.

Spread yourself and the fam out in five light and airy reception rooms – large reception hall, sitting room, family room, study and dining room – complete with fab features like open fires, stone fireplaces, stripped and polished wooden floorboards. Some of the rooms have been cleverly opened up, creating an open plan, contemporary feel to a period property and perfect for modern living.

French windows lead out to the garden.

Drink on the terrace before dinner, darling?

Upstairs, there are four bedrooms (and a playroom/TV room) on the first floor but the main one’s our fave, with an en-suite and large wooden casement windows overlooking the gardens on three sides.

But this one’s not bad, either.

Imagine waking up to this view.

This room would make a brilliant pad for a teen.

The gardens are gorge. With beautifully manicured lawns and established plants and trees, all you need do is order a croquet set.

Also in the gardens: a nice little earner.

Built from Bath stone like the main house, the self-contained Snug is a holiday cottage with its own parking area (and potentially, separate drive), large open plan living room, kitchen and a bathroom on the ground floor.

Two bedrooms and another bathroom up above. Neat.

Location, location, location

One of Somerset’s best pubs The Wheatsheaf is a mile and a half away at Combe Hay. Shops, restaurants, culture, top independent schools like Prior Park College, The Paragon School, Monkton Combe Prep and Senior, Kingswood Prep and Senior and girls’ school Royal High School Bath, GDST Prep and Senior – and a fast train to London Paddington (in 76 mins) – are around four miles away in Bath.

Somerset’s coolest towns: Frome (indie shops, best street market in the South West, Babington House), Bruton (Michelin restaurant and international art gallery Hauser & Wirth) and Castle Cary (The Newt in Somerset) are all within approx 20 miles.

So, the big question is: how much is it on for? Clue: you might be pleasantly surprised. Put your guess in the comments box below then head to the Strutt and Parker website to find out if you were right (no peeking!).

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