Commuter-belt homes in England and Wales
This contemporary oak-framed country house sits on the edge of Marlow, an area of London's outer commuter belt that has been made more accessible by the Elizabeth line. The train from Marlow runs into Maidenhead in just a few minutes, where the Elizabeth line takes commuters into Paddington. The house has four bedrooms and five bathrooms, a one-bedroom annex and a paddock, set in 0.72 hectares (1.78 acres) of land with views across the countryside. The open house for viewings is on 22 March, 10am–2pm. £2.2m. Fine & Country, 01628 200 511 Photograph: Fine & Country
Behind the Grade II-listed red-brick facade is a new development on the town's high street. There are two of the four apartments still available, including a one-bed on the lower ground floor. Engineered oak flooring runs throughout the living space, switching to carpets in the bedroom. The original ceiling beams are still on show, too. The road is on the edge of Knole Park and the expanse of uninterrupted countryside beyond. It is a short walk up the high street to the railway station, where the fast train takes 22 minutes to London Bridge. £335,000. Savills, 01732 789 740 Photograph: Savills
Lisvane is considered one of the most desirable suburbs of Cardiff, 4.5 miles to the north of the city centre and on the edge of the green belt. This contemporary property sits behind electric gates and under an overhanging pitched roof. The light-filled open-plan living area is connected to the bedrooms by a glass floating staircase. Through the glazed panels that run the length of the dining area is a courtyard garden and sunken plunge pool. The nearest station is Lisvane & Thornhill, a 15-minute train ride from Cardiff Central. £820,000. Savills, 029 2036 8919 Photograph: Savills
From the front, this Victorian mid-terrace house looks compact and typical of the urban cottages of the era. However, from the back it's a towering property over four floors. On the lower floor – still above garden level – is the open-plan kitchen and living room, which opens into the conservatory and then on to a deep-decked terrace. Steps lead to the linear garden and a storeroom underneath the deck. Totnes station is a short walk and has a direct service into Plymouth in 26 minutes and a fast train to London Paddington in two hours 40 minutes. £700,000. Marchand Petit, 01803 847 979 Photograph: Marchand Petit
For those dreaming of a country life, this stone-built property fits the bill. On the edge of Longframlington, the house has period features such as fireplaces in the main living room. There's a garden room, a boot room, a walk-in larder and a log store. The gardens comprise a vegetable patch, orchard and a potting shed. Higher than the village, the five-bedroom home has views over the Coquet Valley and towards the sea. Despite its bucolic setting, it is a 17-minute drive to Morpeth, where the fast train to Newcastle takes 15 minutes. £850,000. Galbraith, 01434 693693
Photograph: Kate Buckingham/Galbraith
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