A rural countryside property nestled in the eastern reaches of the Chiltern Hills on the Hertfordshire/Bedfordshire border. What’s not to love?
Shortgrove Manor Farm is found on Dovehouse Lane, just half a mile from the village of Kensworth, which benefits from a primary school, two shops and a pub. The village is also home to a popular tack shop and feed merchant, The Tack Haven/TC Feeds, which is conveniently located just a short stroll from the front door.
More comprehensive facilities can be found in nearby Harpenden (8.5 miles), while accessibility to London is excellent with trains from Harpenden to London St Pancras International taking 24 minutes.
Local equestrian centres for you to check out include Bury Farm Equestrian Village, which is 9 miles away, while for more low-key competitions, Warehill EC is just 5 miles down the road.
Fancy hunting? Head out with the Kimblewick Hunt, while your local showing society will be BSPS Area 15A.
As well as hacking on your doorstep, a short drive gives you access to wonderful off-road hacking in Ashridge woods (8 miles), while Milton Keynes EC (28 miles) has an extensive cross-country course ideal for training purposes.
There is a choice of excellent equine vets close by including Farr & Pursey Equine (10 miles) and Chiltern Equine, which has a clinic at Bury Farm.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
The agents offering this awe-inspiring home — which is priced at £3.5m — are Strutt & Parker.
Shortgrove Manor Farm comes with 35.41 acres of land. The house is approached over a long, tree-lined driveway culminating in a large central courtyard. There are well drained post and railed paddocks with further paddocks situated on the far side of the lane.
(Image credit: Justin Paget)
There are outstanding equestrian facilities, including 17 stables, some constructed in an American-style barn.
(Image credit: Justin Paget)
The loose boxes are spacious and have been designed with comfort and security in mind.
(Image credit: Justin Paget)
As well as a feed store and a tack room, there is a solarium and a horse walker.
(Image credit: Justin Paget)
The home is Grade II-listed and is constructed of mellow red brick under a clay tile roof. The house was originally built in the early 18th Century. Features of the interior include exposed timbers and deep inglenook fireplaces.
(Image credit: Justin Paget)
There are several elegant reception rooms at ground level. The seven bedrooms can be found over the first and second floors. To the east of the house is a self contained two-bedroom cottage, ideal for guests.
(Image credit: Justin Paget)
Across the paved courtyard is the indoor swimming pool, gym and home office finished with polished panelling and fitted bookshelves.
(Image credit: Justin Paget)
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Former H&H showing editor and deputy features editor
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.
