Best properties: houses for birdwatchers

1. North Yorkshire: £850,000

Howkeld Mill, Welburn Park, York

An elegant Grade II three storey water mill on the edge of unspoilt parkland in a beautiful rural area, which is perfect for spotting a plethora of birds such as chaffinches, creepers, nuthatches, herons and buzzards. The original mill race and stream also attracts kingfishers. Main suite with dressing area, 4 further beds, family bath, shower, kitchen, 3 receps, barn, outbuildings, gardens, stream frontage, tennis court.

£850,000; Humberts (01904-611828)

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2. Devon: £550,000

2 Sunnydale, Beesands, Kingsbridge

Situated just 200 yards from the water’s edge, this charming house offers a first-class viewing spot for wonderful coastal birds. The nearby bird sanctuary and freshwater lake are all surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside, and it sits right on the South West Coast path. To the rear of the property lies the large lawned garden, leading down to the beach, with a patio seating area offering an ideal place to sit and take in the fantastic unobstructed sea views. The popular fishing village of Beesands boasts the award-winning The Cricket Inn, just a short stroll away, which offers fresh local produce. Main bed, 3 further beds, shower, kitchen/dining room, 1 further recep, outbuilding – potential for development, subject to planning – parking.

£550,000; Marchand Petit (01548-857588)

3. North Yorkshire: £800,000

Wildman’s Barn, Mewith, Lancaster

This house occupies an idyllic rural position at the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, and has impressive views across the Three Peaks, a birdwatcher’s dream. Main bed with walk-in wardrobe, guest suite, 3 further beds, family bath, shower, open-plan kitchen/recep, 1 further recep, office, 3.5 acres.

£800,000; The Modern House (020-3795 5920)

4. Devon: £1.25m

The Round House & Cottage, Ilfracombe

A striking Italianate-style circular detached property together with a cottage. The property sits in an elevated position off an unmade residential road adjoining the Cairn Nature Reserve, a historic woodland and grassland area covering about 15 acres – which makes for perfect birdwatching. Main bed, 4 further beds, family bath, kitchen, breakfast room, 3 receps, rotunda room, 3-bed cottage, garage, gardens, summer house.

OIEO £1.25m; Stags (01271-322833)

5. Northumberland: £785,000

Horsley Hills, Oatens Bank, Newcastle upon Tyne

An expansive property in a peaceful yet convenient rural location. It sits not far from the Whittle Dene reser­voirs, a nature reserve popular with swifts, swallows, curlews and even the occasional osprey, which can be observed from the bird hide. Main suite, 1 further suite, 2 further beds, family bath, kitchen, 2 receps, music room, study.

OIEO £785,000; Finest Properties (01434-622234)

6. County Durham: £1.195m

Clove Lodge, Baldersdale, Barnard Castle

A substantial farmhouse overlooking the Blackton Reservoir. The garden features a decked terrace and gravelled seating areas from which to enjoy the birds, and views of the mature wood­land, paddocks, stream and waterfall. Main suite, guest suite, 2 further beds, kitchen/dining room, recep, library, 2-bed annexe, 2-bed The Hayloft, garage, outbuilding, hay barn, greenhouse; 17 acres.

£1.195m; Strutt & Parker (01423-561274)

7. Devon: £1.75m

Addisford, Dolton, Winkleigh

An extended Grade II 17th century cottage set in around 11 acres on the edge of Halsdon Nature Reserve, with direct access from the grounds to miles of beautiful walks. Once the home of renowned photo­grapher James Ravilious, it is easy to see how he drew so much inspiration when recording the rural life of North Devon. Main suite, 2 further suites, 1 further bed, family bath, kitchen, 2 receps, garage, garden studio, pool, double garage.

£1.75m; Knight Frank (01392-423111)

8. Devon: £695,000

Quay Place, Tuckenhay, Totnes

Lovely elevated views down Bow Creek and Crownley Woods beyond can be enjoyed from this first-floor flat, making it ideal for birdwatching, too. Main suite, 2 further beds, family bath, kitchen/dining room, recep, parking, summer house, direct water access.

£695,000 share of FH; Marchand Petit (01803-847979)