Stately home or sleek and modern?

Anyone who knows me well knows that one of my dreams is to own a chateau in France (yes, I’ve always dreamt big). This is of course when my books are selling into the trillions. I’ll buy a grand, dilapidated chateau and bring it back to life. I’ll then be able to sit at my antique mahogany desk gazing across my parklands to the lake and write my stories.

Although I live in a modern house with modern furniture, I hanker to live in a heritage-listed building filled with antiques. So, I’m loving researching my current WIP which is set in a stately home in the UK. I haven’t yet picked which stately home I will base my fictional Ravensdale Manor on, but I’m enjoying the research and have discovered there are many stately homes for sale. So with a spare couple of million pounds, you can buy your very own Downton Abbey.

These are couple of my favourites:

Cod House, Jersey, £3.5m pounds

Picture source: fineandcountry.com

This magnificent house dates from the 1800's. It is approached via a long tree lined gated driveway, the house stands in approximately 1 1/2 acres of landscaped grounds and has underground garaging for 6-8 cars!  No problem about accommodating all your friends.  There are two separate 2-bedroom cottages available for guests.

Clayton Priory, West Sussex, £3.4m

 

Picture source: savills.co.uk

Clayton Priory is Listed Grade II and is an example of a classic Regency Country House. The property is believed to date from 1820, designed by John Biagio Rebecca for a Brighton merchant called Robert Podmore. The house instantly gained recognition for its fine architectural design and was mentioned in the 1835 Horsfield edition of History and Antiquities of the County of Sussex as "... an elegant and commodious mansion on an elevated situation..."

Bletchingdon Park, interest over £15m pounds

Picture source: saville.co.uk

Bletchingdon Park is a Grade II listed Palladian villa in an outstanding position and features parkland, woodland, a swimming pool and lakes, so lots to explore. This classic Georgian House is situated in immaculate gardens and includes a walled garden with summer house and tennis court all set in about 126 acres. You only need to find a spare £15m.  

Bletchingdon Park  could be the perfect setting for my Billionaire Romance #3 story as it features a walled, secret garden which is pivotal to the story. 

So what do you prefer in a home, modern or historic? I'd love to hear.