This unique Grade II listed cottage looks like it could appear in the pages of a fairy story book.
Called The Hovel, the thatched home is believed to have been mentioned in the Domesday Book and is of medieval origin. It is thought to be the last original hovel in England.
The Hovel is available via Michael Graham with a guide price of £400,000.
Hovels were small dwellings found across the country in medieval times and were most likely occupied by agricultural workers.
The home in Ludgershall, Buckinghamshire, was originally just a two room dwelling, now the main living area and the second bedroom. In the sitting room, the ceiling runs to a maximum height of 6ft 2in. At a later point, the kitchen, bathroom and main bedroom were built.
This hovel was situated within the Manor of Ludgershall in Buckinghamshire at the time the Domesday Book was written. The manor was owned by Geoffrey, Bishop of Coutances, a trusted adviser to William the Conqueror.
The current owner said: “I purchased the house 12 years ago and it was the fact it was so old and unlike any of the other houses I had looked at that attracted me.
“It dates back to medieval times and is simply oozing with character and charm; I very much doubt that anyone else lives in such a unique home.
“It retains a wealth of really beautiful and very unusual features such as undulating oak beams, wattle and daub ceilings, and a lovely little inglenook fireplace in the living room. It really is a beautiful home.”
The fireplace houses a wood-burning stove, behind which is now the second bedroom. The Hovel has hot, running water and central heating.
Helen Whiteley, Commercial Director for property website OnTheMarket.com, said: “According to the owners, it could be the last original hovel in the country so it is particularly special and we’re very excited for the next owner who will have such a rare and charming building to call their home.”
Graham Robson, Area Manager for Michael Graham, Aylesbury, said: “We’ve never had anything like this come to market before. It’s completely charming.”
“The home is reached by a small bridge over a brook, the Hovel is positioned on the edge of a village green and has around a quarter of an acre of gardens. Within the grounds is a bay-fronted summerhouse.”
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