Historical conversion in Berkshire: new and traditional-style homes near Ascot's 60-minute train links to London Waterloo

There is more to Ascot than its racecourse. The Berkshire town is a giant recreational back garden for golfing, hiking, polo and boating.

Within a couple of furlongs of the high street and train station — with regular one-hour trains into Waterloo — mansions shelter behind high hedges and electronic gates.

Also tucked away in leafy lanes and culs-de-sac are more human-scale houses, often bought by thirtysomething professionals with a City career and a toddler or two.

Brompton Gardens has architectural pedigree, as the redevelopment of Brackens House, a Victorian country mansion built by the wealthy King George family, who quit Kensington for the quiet woodlands of Ascot.

William, the eldest son, was a keen horseman and kept the local blacksmiths in business until he was killed during the First World War leading a cavalry regiment.

Much later the 19-acre estate became fragmented, turned into offices and with functional outbuildings added, which spoiled the graceful lines.

Now though, it has been sensitively redeveloped into 57 homes, including apartments in the original house, with new elements that include traditional-looking stable blocks, cottages and “woodland villas”.

The grounds have nature trails, a pond and lawned areas, while a curved entrance driveway lined with mature Wellingtonia trees makes for an impressive sense of arrival.

Prices from £645,000. Call Berkeley Homes on 01753 336 339.