Picture-postcard looks make Cotswold stone particularly attractive to house hunters and an example is a former 18th-century coaching inn, once known as The Silver Tavern.

Crown House, pictured right, is a Grade-II listed house in the village of Sandford St Martin, near Chipping Norton.

Ranged over three floors, it includes a drawing room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, six bedrooms, two bathrooms, a first-floor kitchen and a cellar.

Other highlights include an Aga in the kitchen, while the dining room has an inglenook fireplace and flagstone floor.

The property has many period features including exposed beams, open fireplaces and leaded windows and comes with garages and outbuildings.

The grounds include a walled garden, sun terrace and gravel drive.

Crown House is on the market for £900,000. For more information, contact agents Knight Frank on 01865 790077 or visit knightfrank.com Another stone property in a village setting is Advent House in Kingham, pictured top.

Advent House was built ten years ago from Cotswold stone and a reclaimed Cotswold stone tiled roof.

It includes a drawing room, a dining room, kitchen/family room with doors leading to the garden and six bedrooms, two of which are ensuite, plus a family bathroom. There is an attic room, double garage and the back garden has views over surrounding countryside. Other attractions include a cast iron spiral staircase, feature fireplaces with wood burning stoves, exposed beams and a timber balcony off the master bedroom.

Advent House is on the market for £895,000.

For more information, or to arrange a viewing, contact agents Tayler & Fletcher on 01451 830383 or visit taylerandfletcher.co.uk