Get some peace and quiet in a rural idyll

Foyswell has an idyllic setting on the Stratfield Saye Estate, on the Hampshire/Berkshire border, and is reputed to have once been owned by the Duke of Wellington.

Now selling with a price guide of £725,000, it is described as a "charming period cottage" by agents Knight Frank.

Listed and dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, Foyswell has exposed beams and a large inglenook fireplace in the drawing room, which leads out to a garden room overlooking a sweeping lawn where eucalyptus, laburnum and lilac trees grow.

The cottage itself, which is set in nearly three-quarters-of-an-acre of grounds, is adorned by honeysuckle, pyracanthia and roses.

Foyswell has a dining room and a kitchen with utility and breakfast areas which lead through to the garage, which has a store above.

The selling agent suggests the breakfast room and garage could be converted into one larger room.

A galleried landing on the first floor leads to the master bedroom - with its adjoining dressing room and bathroom - and two more bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Keepers Cottage is tucked away in secluded gardens on the edge of Silchester village, and has potential to extend the accommodation.

It is being sold through agents Lane Fox with a price guide of £685,000 and also offers three-bedroomed accommodation, an en suite and a family bathroom.

The original part of the cottage is thought to date back to the early 19th century, and the spacious ground-floor accommodation consists of a sitting room, dining room, study and kitchen-breakfast room, which is adjoined by a utility room.

Like Foyswell, Keepers Cottage has about three-quarters-of-an-acre of garden, and Lane Fox describes its position as "unique".

The property is reached by a public path across Silchester Common.

The village has a public house, church, nursery and primary school.

The selling agents said: "The location is ideal for country walks and horse riding."

Keepers Cottage also boasts a double garage.