Parrotts Lane, Buckland Common, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23

Hidden discreetly within a tapestry of bucolic Buckinghamshire countryside, this beautiful Grade II listed property - its earliest fabric dating to the 16th century - is more than a house. It is a quietly resonant, almost organic presence: a historical witness to centuries of English rural life, shaped gently by time and the hands of generations of custodians.

Set within over 1.5 acres of lush gardens and grounds, the house unfolds in a series of episodic moments; some cultivated, others romantically unkempt – and each offering a private vantage on the surrounding landscape. Mature trees, wildflower meadows and formal planting all conspire to create a sanctuary that is both deeply secluded and visually expansive. From every window, nature is drawn in, framing the architecture with texture and tranquillity.

The property has evolved organically over time; expanded and adapted in response to the changing needs of each generation, with the result now just under 3,000 sq ft of richly characterful, versatile accommodation. And, while parts of the house would certainly benefit from some sympathetic modernisation, its soul remains gloriously intact: hand-hewn beams, timeworn fireplaces and a feeling at every turn, that you are walking through a layered architectural narrative.

The experience begins with a grounded, almost ecclesiastical entrance hall, from which the living spaces radiate. The sitting room, with its woodburning stove, flows into a peaceful garden room, while the formal dining room - anchored by a huge inglenook fireplace - feels made for candlelit conversation. Along the hall, a light-filled family room opens directly onto the gardens.

The kitchen and breakfast room is farmhouse in spirit yet practical in execution. A gently ticking over AGA offers warmth and ritual at the heart of the space. From here, doors open to a generous southerly-facing terrace, where the scent of herbs mingles with the soft heat of sun-warmed brick. A utility room, cloakroom and secondary entrance complete the ground floor.

Upstairs, there are four generous double bedrooms, each enjoying views across the gardens. The principal suite is dual-aspect, with an adjoining dressing room and en suite shower room. Bedrooms two and three also feature en suite bathrooms, while bedroom three also offers a charming ancillary space - low in ceiling but full of character - ideal as a reading nook, concealed wardrobe, or the dreamiest of children’s dens.

Outside, the grounds read like a garden in three movements: lush, landscaped formality, wildflower freedom and domestic utility. On the southern elevation, wisteria, unrestrained and utterly show-stopping, drapes over brick and sash in a display of floriferous drama. Beneath it, a block-paved terrace with built-in barbecue becomes the perfect stage for summer gatherings.

A sweeping driveway arrives at a generous parking area, flanked by a series of beautifully utilitarian outbuildings: a Victorian-style greenhouse, timber sheds and a large garage building. To one side, three stables enclose a neatly arranged courtyard, adding a rural rhythm to the setting.

Although peacefully positioned in the heart of the countryside, Kiln Cottage enjoys close proximity to Tring, Berkhamsted, Chesham and Wendover—each just 15 minutes away and offering boutique High Streets, coffee shops and direct rail connections to London in as little as 30 minutes. This is a home that balances rural serenity with urban accessibility.

Kiln Cottage is, quite simply, a place of possibility; a house that invites quiet stewardship, creativity and care. Its architecture does not shout - it whispers. And in doing so, it asks for a new chapter, written by those who value heritage, imagination and the gentle rhythm of countryside living.