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Despite being published over a century ago, Wind in the Willows remains one of the nations favourite literary works, with the novels central pastime of messing about in boats proving an eternally popular hobby for the British. The properties below all benefit from a riverside location which would be coveted by Mole, Ratty and Mr Toad and today allow for home-owners to enjoy boating, fishing or picturesque riverside strolls from their back garden.
Deer Park Place, a Lutyens-style mansion, sits on the banks of the River Orwell, three miles to the east of Ipswich. A regular procession of yachts, Thames barges and boats can be spotted from the house and there is direct access onto the water. Woolverstone marina and the Royal Harwich yacht club are both situated a short distance downstream. The property itself boasts a huge leisure complex with swimming pool, jacuzzi, tepadarium, gymnasium and treatment room in addition to spacious reception rooms, six bedrooms and a staff annexe. The property is on the market for 3,950,000 with Jackson-Stops & Staff, Ipswich (01473 218218). Click here for more information.
The Old Mill is situated on the River Darent on the edge of Shoreham in Kent, a hamlet four miles to the north of Sevenoaks and within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The property dates from the 18th century, although there has been a mill on the site since the 12th century. Converted in the 1970s, the house retains original features but functions perfectly as a spacious family home. There is a separate one-bedroom oast house in addition to a swimming pool, tennis court and paddock. The property is on the market for 2,200,000 with Jackson-Stops & Staff, Sevenoaks (01732 740600). Click here for more information.
Mill Cottage and Polwheveral Mill are situated on the banks of a wooded tidal creek of Helford River, between Port Navas and the village of Constantine in South Cornwall. The current owners live in Mill Cottage and let out Polwheveral Mill, divided into two units, as a holiday home. A terrace has been constructed so that it is possible to enjoy an unimpeded view of the rise and fall of the tides and the large lawn runs down to the waters edge. The two houses are on the market as one lot for 1,350,000 with Jackson-Stops & Staff, Truro (01872 261160). Click here for more information.
Watersmeet is situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, South Devon, three-and-a-half miles north-west of the town of Ivybridge. The property is bounded on two sides by the Rivers Yealm and Piall, with a stretch of 150 metre double bank with fishing rights, allowing the owners to catch sea trout from their garden. The four-bedroom property includes a large sitting room with wood burner and arched windows with views over the grounds. The property is on the market for 758,000 with Jackson-Stops & Staff, Exeter (01392 214222). Click here for more information.
