LINKENHOLT, England — Sheep dot green hills. Pheasants hop across country lanes. Quaint cottages sit next to a tiny stone church. Neighbors who’ve known one another since birth greet strangers warmly. And for about $32 million, this leafy, nostalgic slice of England could be yours.
The village of Linkenholt’s 21 cottages, grand manor house, lush green cricket pitch and accompanying pavilion are part of an estate that also encompasses hundreds of acres of farmland and woods.
The only part not included is St. Peter’s church, which dates to the 12th century but was rebuilt in 1871. “That,” said real estate agent Tim Sherston, “is owned by God.”
Having an entire estate become available is “very unusual indeed, particularly in the south of England,” Sherston said. “I can’t recall the last time a village came up for sale.”
The 40 or so residents hope any new owner will keep the estate together. “The Garden of Eden, this is,” said Alan Smith, 84, a 60-year resident.
