This rustic cottage once housed the keeper of Highgate’s ancient woodland, which historically marked the border between London’s urban sprawl and the countryside.

A map dated 1906 offers the earliest record of the coach house, which had a storied career as stables, a 1950s car showroom and an artist’s studio before it was converted into a two-bedroom home in 1972.

Architect Caroline Ingle bought the semi-subterranean cottage in 1998 and extensively renovated it using reclaimed materials, including limestone and oak flooring. She also restored the cottage’s historic facade, and installed skylights in the sloping roof to peek out over the surrounding nature.

Though it has access to 28 acres of natural woodlands – the cottage sits beneath a canopy of trees – it also has a thriving garden and shaded patio area for warmer months.

But the best corner of the coach house is its upstairs reading room, which is well stocked with paperbacks and blankets for crisp spring afternoons.

Spread over two-storeys, the cottage can accommodate up to five guests, and is available to rent via One Fine Stay.

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