Large, stone period houses are a common feature in the Cotswolds, but they don’t stop there, they spread all out into the East Midlands county of Northamptonshire too. Why focus on Northamptonshire? In my opinion, it is one of the most underrated counties in England, and also the place I was born, and whilst the price tags on these homes are more suited for those with deep pockets, compared to other parts of the country they are good value.

The Old Dower House, Cosgrove

Located in a small village near Milton Keynes, this 17th century home boasts 6 bedrooms, 4 reception rooms, and even its own thatched cottage that is currently used as home offices. The property is Grade II listed and has good sized, landscaped gardens, it has retained many of its original features including exposed beams, exposed oak flooring, quarry tiled floors, fireplaces, and windows with the original shutters and window seats.

The oldest part of the property is the section comprising the kitchen and breakfast room with two bedrooms above. The home was originally owned by a baker so would have been far more simple than it appears today, it was sold to the Mansel family in the 1700s who continued to expand the building and make additions up until 1807.

This property is on the market for £1.75 million.

Godfrees House, Staverton

Godfrees House in Staverton, near Daventry, is a 5 bedroom, stone country home surrounded by picturesque countryside. The house has wonderful internal timberwork and a fine jettied oriel window, showing peeks of times gone by. In the hallway, guests can find large stone fireplaces, whilst in the kitchen, you can enjoy the warmth of an aga and even a walk-in pantry.

Two bedrooms have kept their original Tudor fireplaces, whilst the master bedroom is adjacent to a good size dressing room and en suite bathroom. In the garden, you will see tennis courts, a large parking area, spinney and even a cottage and stableyard. The house spreads across 4000 sqft whilst the garden is set within 23 acres of land.

This property is on the market for £1.6 million.

Piddington Lodge, Horton

This lovingly restored 17th century home is situated on the edge of the very popular Salcey Forest.  The property was once a hunting lodge and was owned by the Crown Estate until the mid-1920s, it has since been renovated and offers an open kitchen family room and a number of beautiful bathrooms, much of which has kept its old age character.

You are invited into the lodge through an old oak porch and into a reception hall with a matching staircase. The Drawing Room is a great space for family get-togethers and contains large windows with shutters, looking out into the pretty gardens. The en suite bathroom to the master bedroom is a real feature of the home, comprising a freestanding copper bathtub and walk-in shower.

Like the homes above, Piddington Lodge also offers a guest cottage with an open plan living area and a kitchen with French doors opening onto the garden.

This property is on the market for £1.5 million.

The Priory, Wollaston

Have you ever needed a home with 8 bedrooms? If so, this is the one for you! The home has undergone a sensitive restoration, dating back to the late 17th century, with parts being added later on. Like many of the neighbouring properties, the Priory was constructed in local limestone and retains the original plain-tile and thatch roofs. The property extends to over 7,300 sq ft on a large plot of over 2 acres, making ideal for large families who want enough room to run around.

The dining room is a beautiful part of the house, brought together by a combination of large stone fireplaces and signature stone flooring. The property is home to rustic beams and a number of cosy, stone window seats, overlooking the vast garden.

This property is on the market for £1.35 million.

The Thatched House, Sulgrave

The village of Sulgrave on the Oxfordshire/Northamptonshire border was once home to the ancestors of George Washington, the first president of the USA. The thatched house covers a whopping  4500 sqft and has kept much of its periodic charm.

The home is of significant historical importance, having been associated with the nearby Sulgrave Manor ever since its construction, the manor was built in 1539 for Tudor wool merchant Lawrence Washington, a direct ancestor of George Washington. The Thatched House was in fact a hotel owned by Sulgrave Manor right up until the 1970s when it was turned into a loving family home.

The Grade II listed home sits under a beautiful thatched roof and retains numerous period features including exposed timbers, window seats, window shutters, panelling, flagstones and inglenook fireplace. The current owners have put a lot of love into the property, rethatching it, rewiring it and even replumbing, they also added new bathrooms and a sprawling kitchen.

This property is on the market for £1.3 million.

The Old School, Geddington

A gorgeous converted Victorian school, crammed full with character, this property provides 4 bedrooms, all with en suite bathrooms. Built in the mid 19th century, the home was a school right up until a few decades ago and is immaculately kept with vaulted ceilings, a stunning lounge (once the assembly hall!), an oak staircase and galleried landing.

This property is on the market for £975,000.