4 bed detached house for sale

Clipperdown Cottage, Beacon Road, Ringshall, Berkhamsted HP4

Jon-Paul Brampton presents... An enchanting Grade II listed 18th-century cottage set in a secluded half-acre plot within the iconic Ashridge Estate.

The property

Nestled in an extremely private and elevated position within the heart of the Chiltern Hills, this Grade II listed 18th-century detached cottage occupies a plot of approximately half an acre, surrounded by some of the most beautiful and protected countryside in the South East.

The property sits within the Ashridge Estate, a vast expanse of National Trust woodland, rolling chalk downland and ancient beech forests that form part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This extraordinary landscape has long inspired filmmakers and nature-lovers alike, with the estate providing iconic backdrops for productions such as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Les Misérables, Sleepy Hollow, and The Dirty Dozen. Living here means stepping into scenery that feels cinematic in every season.

The cottage itself retains a wealth of original 18th-century features, offering three to four bedrooms, two separate reception rooms, a study, kitchen, bathroom, garage and driveway parking. While it now requires modernisation, it presents tremendous potential to create a characterful and idyllic family home in one of the most sought-after rural settings in the region.

For many years the grounds have supported a well-established kennels and cattery, a use well suited to the property’s secluded woodland position and long association with responsible dog breeding. This element of its history adds a unique dimension for buyers seeking space, tranquillity, and privacy.

The cottage is offered on a leasehold basis (peppercorn ground rent).

Located in the peaceful hamlet of Ringshall, the property enjoys immediate access to the National Trust landscapes of the Ashridge Estate, while nearby highlights include the Ivinghoe Beacon, Dunstable Downs, and the charming village of Little Gaddesden. Despite its rural tranquillity, excellent amenities, schools and rail connections can be found in Berkhamsted and Tring.

This is a rare opportunity to reimagine a historic cottage set amongst ancient woodland, cinematic scenery and some of the most treasured countryside in the Chilterns. But please don't just take my word for it! Browse the photos, read the description and watch the video tour. Then and only then if you think this could be the house for you, please get in touch to arrange a viewing.

The location

Approached via a gated, kilometre-long public right-of-way track that winds through ancient woodland - crossing cattle grids and revealing occasional openings to magnificent views - this wonderfully rustic route is part of the property’s charm, though its rugged nature, particularly in harsher weather, may not be ideal for every buyer.

Clipperdown Cottage enjoys an exceptional position along Beacon Road in Ringshall, set within the breathtaking Ashridge Estate, a vast National Trust landscape celebrated for its ancient woodland, rolling chalk downland and rich history dating back to medieval times. Surrounded by miles of protected countryside, the cottage sits close to the iconic Ivinghoe Beacon, one of the Chilterns’ highest points and a landmark long associated with centuries of travel, defence and beacon signalling. Today it remains a treasured viewpoint, offering far-reaching panoramas and immediate access to the Ridgeway National Trail.

Despite its wonderfully rural setting, the property benefits from excellent connectivity. The thriving market towns of Berkhamsted and Tring are only a short drive away, each providing a mix of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and highly regarded schools. Both towns offer mainline stations with fast services into London, making the cottage ideally placed for those seeking countryside tranquillity without sacrificing convenience.

This rare location combines heritage, natural beauty and practicality—perfect for anyone who values the charm of the Ashridge woodlands while staying close to vibrant Hertfordshire town life.

The agent's notes

Please note -

The property is Leasehold (peppercorn ground rent) with the Freehold being owned by The National Trust.

Lease length is currently 70 years

The property is Grade II Listed

The property's heating is fuelled by oil. There is a septic tank for sewage.

The property benefits from vacant possession and no onward chain.

All viewings undertaken by Jon-Paul Brampton the anti-money laundering regulations

We are required by law to conduct Anti-Money Laundering (aml) checks on all parties involved in the sale or purchase of a property. We take the responsibility of this seriously in line with hmrc guidance in ensuring the accuracy and continuous monitoring of these checks. Our partner, Movebutler, will carry out the initial checks on our behalf.

As a buyer, you will be charged a non-refundable fee of £30 (inclusive of VAT) per buyer for these checks. The fee covers data collection, manual checking, and monitoring. You will need to pay this amount directly to Movebutler and complete all Anti-Money Laundering (aml) checks before your offer can be formally accepted.