This weekend is all about embracing the past. Heritage Open Days, which runs from September 10 to 13, is a time when unusual or significant buildings of all ages and uses let the public in for a look-see, a chance to discover forgotten or hidden gems on the doorstep.

In the spirit of this, Fine & Country has gathered together five of its most historic homes in Warwickshire, which all happen to be for sale.

They might have thatch, they almost certainly have beams, and most of them are listed. What they all have in common is they are very fine examples of period properties and are available to buy to anyone with half a million or more to spend.

The Thatched Cottage in Nuneaton.
The Thatched Cottage in Nuneaton.

The Thatched Cottage, Nuneaton, £800,000

A charming “chocolate box” property that is not quite as old as it looks. Built in 1925 as a farmhouse, it has been lived in for the last 30 years by a couple who are thatched cottage enthusiasts and who have lovingly restored it.

The four-reception, five-bedroom home features fireplaces, York stone flooring, traditional oak beams – even in the kitchen – and a minstrel gallery off the master suite overlooking the “Grand Hall”.

The cottage comes with a secluded two-bedroom bungalow and an orchard in the grounds.

Tel: 02476 500015

Grade II listed Vale House in Willoughby, Rugby.
Grade II listed Vale House in Willoughby, Rugby.

Vale House, Willoughby, Rugby, £750,000

Another former farmhouse, though one built four centuries before in 1580.

A timber porch was added in around 1620 that came from the local Manor House. There is evidence of brick extensions to the main part of the house, which is timber framed and mellowed by age to grey and cream.

The current owners have made their own improvements during the 40 years they have lived there, modernising and adding to it.

Now Grade II listed, it has three reception rooms, a kitchen, five or six bedrooms and three bathrooms.

It has 1.7 acres of land with a 1.3 acre attached paddock.

Tel: 01788 820062

Double fronted, five-storey regency town house in Clarendon Square, Leamington.
Double fronted, five-storey regency town house in Clarendon Square, Leamington.

Clarendon Square, Leamington, £900,000

A wonderful example of a Regency town house, this double fronted, five-storey beauty has been given quite a contemporary spin inside.

However, as the property is Grade II listed, it still has many period features such as deep skirting boards, exposed timbers, open fireplaces, window shutters, coving and oak flooring, all of which have been enhanced by the vibrant colour scheme.

There are six bedrooms, five bath/shower rooms, three reception rooms and a south-facing patio garden.

The lower ground floor has private access and could be self-contained.

An open day is being held at this property on Saturday (September 12) from 10am-12pm.

Tel: 01926 455950

Grade II listed High House in Rowington.
Grade II listed High House in Rowington.

High House, Rowington, £1,850,000

This Grade II listed property used to be known by the rather more apt name of High Chimneys Farm, thanks to its towering flue.

The Queen Anne-style home dates back to 1650 and was once renowned for its prize-winning Herefordshire Cattle, which were exported all over the world.

During the Second World War, its elevated position and views across five counties meant it was the perfect vantage point for spotting enemy planes approaching the Midlands.

Its interior is handsomely beamed and includes four reception rooms, a kitchen, four/five bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Outside there are six acres of land, including a paddock.

Tel: 01926 455950

The Cottage in Station Avenue, Tile Hill Village.
The Cottage in Station Avenue, Tile Hill Village.

The Cottage, Station Avenue, Tile Hill Village, £525,000

Hidden from view down a long, gated driveway, The Cottage looks like it could have been plucked from the pages of a fairy story.

Believed to date from the 1500s, its intricate timbering against a white backdrop has seen it awarded a Grade II listing.

The black timbers are very much in evidence inside as well, running across the ceiling of most of the rooms, down walls and around doors.

Beyond its heavy wood front door are three reception rooms, most of them with wood panelling and exposed brick fireplaces, a kitchen, four bedrooms and two bathrooms.

In the pretty gardens there is even a well.

Tel: 02476 500015