Handsome homes for sale near the UK’s best national parks

Want to swap city life for a house in the country? These rural homes for sale are a stone's throw away from some of the UK's most spectacular landscapes

When it comes to outlooks, it doesn't get much more impressive than the UK's breathtaking national parks. 

From the shimmering shores of the Lake District to the tranquil waterways of The Broads, we're blessed with an abundance of unblemished natural landscapes – now imagine having these rural idylls on your doorstep.

READ MORE: 11 affordable homes with priceless views

Whether you’re hankering after a sprawling country estate or a cosy coastal home, we’ve got you covered, whatever your budget. Here are the best homes for sale right now, near some of the country’s most cherished beauty spots.

Two-bedroom cottage, Brecon Beacons: £160,000

There are endless walking trails and adventures to be had in the great outdoors in Wales' scenic Brecon Beacons and this semi-detached cottage is right in the thick of things.

Situated in an elevated position in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the two-bedroom cottage benefits from views over the river valley of Clydach Gorge.

Well maintained and ready to move into, downstairs there's a kitchen and a living room with a feature fireplace, while a beautiful circular stone staircase leads up to the first floor, where you'll find two bedrooms and a modern shower room.

Both the front and rear gardens have south-facing views of the gorge, while the private patio at the front, framed with a pergola, is a sun trap. In winter, triple-glazed windows will keep the chill out of this charming retreat.

This picturesque cottage is currently on the market with James Dean for £160,000.

Four-bedroom Georgian House, Lake District: £385,000

This spacious property in Beatrix Potter's beloved Lake District is offered for sale with a very tempting price tag.

The Lake District in Cumbria, in northwest England, is probably Britain’s most famous national park and is hugely popular with holidaymakers, who flock here to walk its rugged fells, visit quaint villages, or make a splash in the tranquil lakes.

This four-bedroom detached house, which has the suitably dreamy name – The Meadows – is a fabulous advertisement for the good life. It’s surrounded by glorious countryside and flanked by mature wraparound gardens, and what's more, it's just as impressive inside.

Downstairs, the bespoke country-style kitchen is a real highlight, but there's also a snug, a boot room, utility room, dining room and lounge. The four bedrooms are situated upstairs, as is a huge multipurpose family room.

The house is located in the village of Drigg, which is surrounded by rolling green countryside. There is a good local pub nearby and the train station is just a 10-minute walk away. The only question left to ask is, when can we exchange?

This bargain property is on the market with PFK for £385,000.

Three-bedroom 17th-century cottage, Peak District: £400,000

Spanning 555 square miles, the Peak District is an outdoor playground favoured by the residents of Manchester, Sheffield and surrounding towns on the weekends.

But what if you flipped the narrative? Basing yourself in the Peak District, you could soak up the rural scenery every day and occasionally commute to the nearby cities for work or play instead.

This three-bedroom cottage has stood for well over 300 years, and yet the contemporary refurbishment has given it a fresh feel, while remaining sympathetic to its heritage.

For instance, the open-plan kitchen-diner is modern, yet flagstone flooring and exposed beams soften the space and impart character. 

Close to local pubs and schools and an easy commute from the region's major towns and cities, this beautiful property would make a wonderful family home.

That said, the house is currently run as a holiday let, so you may wish to keep this lucrative stream of income going instead of moving in yourself.

This sweet retreat is listed for sale with Saxton Mee for £400,000.

Five-bedroom period property, The Norfolk Broads: £495,000

If you’ve been dreaming of peaceful waterways and far-reaching stretches of unspoiled scenery, The Broads National Park can offer the perfect coastal paradise.

A handsome, neat property from the outside, this five-bedroom house in North Burlingham, just a few miles from the Broads, is brimming with character inside.

Period features including wood panelling, beams and open fireplaces abound and there is plenty of accommodation on offer. As well as the five existing bedrooms, there's the potential to extend into the attic, while the large landing could possibly be transformed into another bedroom.

Outside, there's almost half an acre of land, which includes a garden office, outbuildings and a pub, complete with its own bar area and seating.

On the market with Brown & Co for £495,000, this endearing cottage is a real find.

Six-bedroom house, Snowdonia: £520,000

In northwest Wales, Snowdonia is home to the highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon, and is famed for its flawless beauty.

It's a place where rugged mountains meet glacial lakes, where traditional Welsh culture thrives and Victorian resorts still preserve some of their former grandeur.

This detached property in Conwy, near the seaside town of Llandudno, could make a fantastic family home or collection of holiday rental properties.

As it's currently laid out, the beautiful residence is set across three floors, which encompass six bedrooms and an impressive three kitchens.

Not only does it offer a lot of room for the money, but it comes with gorgeous gardens and astounding views across to the island of Anglesey.

Considering a move to Snowdonia? This house is offered for sale by Beresford Adams for £520,000.

Three-bed family home, Cairngorms: £895,000

This architect-designed house, located on the edge of the UK’s largest national park, the Cairngorms, is a real treat.

Set on a steading near Scotland's Spey Valley with views of the Cairngorm mountains, it has been built to fit in seamlessly with its surroundings, with echoes of its former agricultural use.

The original granite of the steading combines with frameless glass in the walls and roof, so there's no chance of forgetting about your jaw-dropping surroundings. The glazed walls also slide open to create an incredible indoor-outdoor living space that spills onto the terrace.

The main bedroom is on the ground floor, while a further two ensuite double bedrooms are upstairs. Thanks to its flexibility, this design lends itself well to separating the levels into two distinct living spaces if desired.

This remarkable property is currently on the market with The Modern House for £895,000.

10-bedroom house, Dartmoor: £1,995,000

This substantial family home, or rather mansion, has exceptional views over the wild, rugged landscapes of Dartmoor.

Set amid three acres of land, the estate offers your very own rural idyll, from the bluebell wood to the orchard, paddock and vegetable patch.

The house has been designed to make the most of its unrivaled location, with large arched windows and sliding glass doors extending throughout the contemporary property.

The large open-plan kitchen-diner and adjacent snug lead out onto the decked terrace, complete with an outdoor kitchen, pizza oven, firepit and sunken hot tub.

Offering ten bedrooms and seven bathrooms, there are five large double rooms, four of which are ensuite, providing ample accommodation. Meanwhile, the plush master suite boasts its own dressing room and double shower.

Behind the main house, there are two self-contained holiday apartments, all finished to a very high standard, plus there's a separate annex above the garage too.

This huge property is on the market with Knight Frank for £1,995,000.

READ MORE: The world's most remote luxury homes for sale

Lead image: Strutt & Parker