Christmas Cottage, Picketts Lane, Surrey, RH1 5RG

With outstanding elevated views across the Surrey countryside and towards St John's to the North, Christmas Cottage, formerly known as Christmas Close, is a fine example of English heritage, lovingly updated throughout and sitting within the private surrounds of stocked gardens, approaching 1/2 acre.

Having drawn up on the expansive gravelled driveway, steps lead you to a most enviable approach, through an atrium with a feature water fountain set against the backdrop of the original timbers; the origins of this now masterfully extended cottage.

Homage and sympathy is paid to the character of this prestigious home throughout, where pared back decor highlights a plethora of original features including gorgeous floors, majestic inglenook fireplaces and striking exposed beams.

Although originating from the 16th Century, the accommodation is remarkably suited to modern day living.

Upstairs, three double bedrooms offer their own individuality, with the master bedroom undoubtedly notable, with its walk in dressing room and luxurious ensuite, in addition to a sumptuous family bathroom with separate tub and rainfall shower enclosure.

Downstairs, the restful sitting room pulls the outside in, through a beautiful bay window, and a small study area just off to one side would make for a wonderful reading nook, or space to work from home, opening on to the patio.

Centrally, the house features a spacious dining room, where original doors, cosy beams and the inglenook fireplace will provide talking points at a dinner party.

There's easy access to the wine too, which can be kept cool in the adjacent cellar. Next door, the kitchen is a fantastic space for home cooks.

Here a modernist kitchen includes a slab of granite atop the breakfast island and base units, which house an induction hob, wine fridge and boiling water tap amongst other appliances.

A useful utility area sits to the rear, opening onto a small courtyard for open air cooking.

When hosting larger gatherings, the garden features a perfect space for the outdoor kitchen and BBQ underneath the timber framed gazebo, where a glass of wine can be enjoyed, admiring the natural pond which is surrounded by areas of planting, lawns and established trees and shrubbery.

It's also home to a former garage, now a useful workshop. It'll be the summer months you'll be counting down to however, as you'll want to make full use of the swimming pool.

Surrounded by a decked terrace, this secluded spot also features a breeze house for sitting and unwinding at the end of the week.