The five-bedroom 17th-century house built of Cotswold stone was originally a small weaver’s cottage now substantially enlarged

The five-bedroom 17th-century house, built of Cotswold stone, was originally a small weaver’s cottage, now substantially enlarged. pounds 149,750 through Palmer Snell (01297 35244).
Weavers Cottage near Amberley in Gloucestershire stands in five acres of gardens and paddocks. On the edge of a village, with school, general store and two pubs, the house has far-reaching views across Axminster and the Axe valley. There is a two-acre paddock and two stable blocks with tack room and haybarn. One-day events, cross-country and show-jumping competitions are all within easy reach With a 25ft sitting-room and 16ft kitchen. For sale at pounds 149,950 through Jacksons (01723 379991)

Oaklands, a three-bedroom house seven miles from the Devon coast, is the perfect country home for Trigger. If you want to build a stable on the land check first with the relevant authority.

Go to the British Horse Society for advice about a horse’s needs.Tell the estate agent exactly what you want: “A bit of land” is not good enough.. Spell Howe, a four-bedroom house near Filey in Yorkshire, has views across to the North Sea coast, but the horses would be more interested in the equestrian accommodation which includes two paddocks of almost five acres, and two stables. If it is not adjoining the property, be assured that it is secure There should be some shelter for the horse. But perhaps the reluctant parent of a daughter in the throes of a love affair with horses should take the advice of the BHS. “Send her down to work in the local stables every morning for six months, and every evening, rain or snow. If she still wants one then you are not likely to go wrong.”Buying land for a horseCheck it is large enough: At least one and a half acres would allow a rest period for part of the field.Check the water supply: Main supply or a running stream that will not dry up in first dry spell.Check state of fencing: It can be expensive to repair.

“There are too many people with young daughters who look at owning a pony through rose-coloured glasses. The ongoing costs can be extremely high.”It is hardly an estate agent’s job to advise on horse welfare, but those in rural areas will often know how suitable the land is. However, that is half the size recommended for grazing a horse. New houses with land are a pretty rare commodity, although Berkeley Homes has just sold one with three-quarters of an acre.