INTO THE WOODS 130 Glorious tree-ringed homes that revel in their sylvan situations

Retreat to these magnificent homes tucked away in secluded forest glades. By Marie-claire Chappet

WEST WOODYATES, DORSET £18,500,000

You could easily lose yourself in the 970 bosky acres surrounding West Woodyates, a Grade Ii-listed, 12-bedroom family home near Salisbury. Hugged by orchards, a sunken garden and traditional farm outhouses, it is the epitome of picturesque sylvan seclusion. Contact Knight Frank (www.knightfrank.co.uk).

NEWPORT HOUSE, HEREFORDSHIRE £10,000,000

Constructed in 1712 by Lord Foley, Newport House has a fascinating history, serving as a tuberculosis hospital from 1919 and a sanctuary for refugees fleeing Soviet persecution in the 1950s. Now, it is a lovingly restored country estate made more enthralling by its idyllic surroundings – over 420 acres of rolling wooded farmland tumbling into the Wye Valley. Contact Knight Frank (www.knightfrank.co.uk).

BUCKLAND TOUT SAINTS, DEVON £2,500,000

Set up as a luxury boutique hotel (but with detailed plans for its conversion to private use), this William and Mary Grade Ii-listed house was once owned in 1238 by the Tout-saints family, who give their name to the region. It has enormous potential as a sizeable private home, with 20 bedrooms and sun-drenched terraces giving on to the property’s 4.5 acres of undulating woodland. Contact Marchand Petit (www.marchandpetit.co.uk).

SHERIFF HUTTON HALL, YORKSHIRE £10,000,000

This Grade I-listed home sits in what was once part of the Royal Forest of Galtres, and its protected woodland includes several ancient oaks standing alongside plentiful clearings with sporting potential. At the centre of this magical Grade Ii-listed boscage is the mansion itself – a curious and beautiful mixture of its Jacobean, Queen Anne and Victorian heritage. Contact Savills (www.savills.com).