If you are chained to London with work, but determined to live the countryside lifestyle (complete with your horse, of course), here are four horsey properties a short train ride from the big smoke.
1. Rye Farmhouse, West Sussex
Commute: 50mins from Haywards Heath to London Victoria
For you: a four-bedroom Grade II-listed, timber-framed Sussex farmhouse in a truly rural spot, with its own lake and a substantial range of farm buildings.
For the horses: three to four stables, set in 91.7 acres.
What’s the damage? £1.695m
Agent: Betcheller Monkhouse
Telephone number: 01798 872081
Visit: www.batchellermonkhouse.com
2. Shingay Gate Farm, Hertfordshire
Commute: 50mins from Cambridge to London Kings Cross
For you: this six-bedroom property, which used to form part of the Wimpole Estate, includes an indoor swimming pool and home cinema.
For the horses: a barn with eight stables, set in 12 acres.
What’s the damage? £2.35m
Agent: Fine & Country
Telephone number: 01223 363700
Visit: www.fineandcountry.com
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3. Heather Cottage, East Sussex
Commute: 55mins from East Grinstead or 42mins from Haywards Heath to London Bridge or London Victoria
For you: a four-bedroom house in a secluded location with direct access onto Ashwood Forest.
For the horses: three stables, two hay/feed stores and a 40x20m arena, plus two more stables in one of the paddocks. Set in six acres.
What’s the damage? £1.195m
Agent: Howard Cundey
Telephone number: 01342 824824
Visit: www.howardcundey.com
4. Monks Farm, Surrey
Commute: 37mins from Guildford to London Waterloo
For you: a five-bedroom Grade-II listed farmhouse with a separate converted granary, further ancillary accommodation and swimming pool.
For the horses: extensive stabling, including 12 brick built stables arranged around a courtyard , a large feed room and secure tack room, plus a horse walker and 60x20m arena. Set in 91 acres.
What’s the damage? £3.45m
Agent: Churchill Country & Equestrian
Telephone number: 01403 700222
Visit: www.churchillcountry.com
Ref: Horse & Hound; 16 July 2015