Rural commuter homes
(Picture: ES)Any seasoned commuter will tell you that it’s usually not the train itself that tips a commute into not-worth-the-trouble territory, but the invisible journeys tacked on either end – the final schlep across London, or the early morning cross-country drive to the station.
All within a 20 or so minute walk of a train station with direct links into London, our edit of commuter homes for sale pairs the best of rural life with (relatively) stress-free travel.
Even if the time saved isn’t significant, the daily savings on parking might just take the sting out of that annual season ticket.
Harlington, Bedfordshire
£1.85 million
This grade II-listed manor house with a generous ten bedrooms is close to the village green. It comes with a cluster of outbuildings, including a stable block and two annexes, and the main house has 17th century wood panelling throughout.
Inigo, 020 3687 3071
Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire
£450,000
A picture-perfect detached period cottage with three bedrooms, moments from the train station and local shops. Features include exposed beams and part-thatched roof, as well as a south-facing garden and off-street parking.
Mackay Property, 01279 600567
Kintbury, Berkshire
£575,000
This thoughtfully decorated red brick house has three bedrooms, two receptions, a utility room and a cellar, plus a well-maintained and manageable garden. It sits within a Conservation Area and a wider Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Knight Frank,020 3869 4758
Salfords, Surrey
£475,000
A characterful two-bedroom apartment on the second floor of a converted Victorian house with a surprise: a large roof terrace with countryside views. It also has allocated and visitor parking, a share of the freehold and access to adjacent land.
Jackson Stops, 01737 222027
East Malling, Kent
£1.9 million
This period cottage on a half-acre plot has been extended with real imagination. Now double the size, its more than 2,000 sq ft of space includes five bedrooms, a study, a basement and a stylish garden annexe with kitchenette and shower room.
The Modern House, 020 3795 5920
Headcorn, Kent
£1.75 million
A one-of-a-kind listed medieval hall house set in almost five acres, which includes landscaped gardens, two open fields and a wooded area. The house itself has four bedrooms, separate guest quarters and historic character in spades.
Savills, 01580 720 161
Shalford, Surrey
£400,000
A bright two-bedroom semi detached home well-positioned for walks along the river Wey. The neutrally-decorated interior includes an open plan living area with woodburning stove, and there’s a courtyard-style patio garden outside.
Seymours, 01483 576833
Sevenoaks, Kent
£1.45 million
Something of a time capsule, this Grade II-listed home is tucked away in a quiet location but handy for the station. Set in the middle of a generous wraparound garden, it features five good-size double bedrooms, two reception rooms and a separate utility.
Strutt & Parker, 01732 466 942
Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire
£650,000
A three-bedroom semi in popular Beaconsfield, with generous living space and a garage with direct access to the south-facing garden. Located in the more rural western egde of the town, it has has woodland views to the rear.
Hamptons, 01494 328833
Aldbury, Hertfordshire
£525,000
Dating back to the 16th century, this spacious end-of-terrace cottage in the heart of the village is within walking distance of the train station in neighbouring Tring. Two of its three bedrooms have high vaulted ceilings, and there’s also a study downstairs.
