They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Well if the architect Sir Robert Taylor had not died in 1788 and instead been able to journey to Beusale in Warwick, he would have had his ego thoroughly massaged.

For in the same year that he passed, a farmhouse was being built that was a replica of a villa he had designed as a summer and weekend home for Sir Charles Asgill, the Lord Mayor of London.

On the banks of the Thames in Richmond, Surrey, Asgill House was built in the Palladian style.

Now Grade I listed, it has been described as has been described as “among the last villas of importance to be erected on the banks of the Thames”.

It clearly made an impression. In 1788 architect Francis Hiorn replicated Asgill House in Kites Nest Lane, Beausale, Warwick.

This was not, however, a weekend getaway but a farmhouse and the closest it comes to a body of water is Inchford Brook.

One can easily see why the unusual six-sided shape of Asgill House might have captured the attention of admirers.

The replica in Beausale has been built using Sandstone Ashlar, with flanking wings, a pyramidal slate roof and projecting modillion eaves cornice.

Its many special architectural and historical features have seen Kites Nest Farm earn its own Grade II listing.

Built over three storeys, inside it is rather handsomely decorated with a wonderful country kitchen with vaulted ceiling, lots of exposed brick to the walls and fireplaces and beams to the ceilings.

The six sides means it has some unusually shaped rooms.

On the ground floor there is an entrance hall, living room, study, dining room, breakfast kitchen, conservatory/sun room, utility room, vestibule and cloakroom toilet.

The first floor is given over to the master bedroom with en suite, and another bedroom.

The second floor has two more bedrooms and a bathroom.

Though the listing prevents too many changes from taking place to the main building, Kites Nest Farm does come with barns that have permission to be turned into residential accommodation.

There are four in all. Barn one is a two storey barn while barn two is a single storey barn. Barns three and four are both detached single storey barns, that latter one currently used as an annexe to the main house.

It features a substantial workshop, three additional rooms and a bathroom.

Grounds extend to approximately 1.54 acres. The property is accessed via a driveway with symmetrical brick built gate towers either side giving the site privacy and prestige.

To the left of the grounds there is a small paddock area. At the back it is laid mainly to lawn with some trees, shrubs and borders.

Being a farm it enjoys a rural location and has some lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

But it is still convenient for those who have to travel into work, either in London or Birmingham, with Warwick, Warwick Parkway and Leamington Spa offering fast and direct services.

There is also easy access to the M40, M42, M1 and M6, while Birmingham International Airport is just 15 miles away.

Lovers of castles will enjoy the fact that Beausale is close to two fine examples of this formidable type of building.

To the north east there is Kenilworth, famous for its ruined castle which was first a medieval fortress then later an Elizabethan palace.

It still has its Norman keep and a tower built by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, to woo Elizabeth I. To the south east, Warwick Castle is rather more complete. Founded in 1068 by William the Conqueror, on his way to Yorkshire to deal with the rebellion in the north, it is a hugely popular tourist destination and concert location.

The rest of Warwick is somewhat newer. The great fire of 1694 destroyed much of the medieval settlement which means that most of its buildings came after this period.

Educationally, it is led by Warwick Boys School which is believed to be the oldest boys school in the country having been founded in 914.

There is an open house for potential buyers being held at the Kites Nest Farm this Saturday from 1pm to 3pm.

Contact Fine and Country on 01926 455950 for details.

VIEWING INFORMATION

AGENT: Fine and Country

TEL: 01922 455 950

WEB:www.findandcountry.com

GUIDE PRICE: £1,000,000