Manor Farm at Marsworth on the Bucks/Herts border dates from the Reformation.

The earliest part was built during the 16th century at the time when Henry VIII was plotting to divorce his Roman Catholic first wife Catherine of Aragon and marry Anne Boleyn which was why he was hell-bent on doing away with the monasteries.

As you’d expect, Manor Farm has been vastly extended and updated over half a millennium. 

Today it’s a stunning equestrian property covering 120-acres across some of the most beautiful countryside where the two counties merge.

It’s on the market at the Great Missenden office of Hamptons International where the agents are inviting offers over £4m. 

The farmhouse and outbuildings still have nooks and crannies the early occupants might remember.

Next to the fireplace in one of the six bedrooms in the farmhouse are the wig cupboards where the yeoman farmer and his wife evidently kept the headgear when they changed it for a nightcap before they went to bed.

The sitting room in the oldest part of the building was originally the kitchen. It not only has an inglenook fireplace with bread oven and well-used meat hook there’s also the “wages window” where the farm labourers lined up to collect their pay.

It’s still the heart of the home  - “warm and inviting during the winter months and the perfect spot to take advantage of sunnier days with French doors opening onto the terrace, lawn and the pond beyond,” say the owners.

These days there are two kitchens “both of which double up as breakfast rooms.” One has an Aga, the other has a beamed ceiling.

Outside there are still signs of the original dog kennel in a brick wall. The former dairy between the two kitchens now serves as the dog room-cum-utility.

The dining room has windows on three sides and leads to the back staircase where the stone walls are believed to be 500 years old.

Upstairs at the top of the main staircase are the six bedrooms and three bathrooms. 

As well as these, there are three further bedrooms, two bathrooms, two sitting rooms and two kitchens in the granary which has been converted into staff accommodation.

The Grand Union Canal cuts through the land that belongs to the farm. 

The equestrian facilities include indoor and outdoor arenas,  all-weather gallops measuring about five furlongs, a courtyard of 25 stables, a horse-walker, a manège with a wax-coated surface and ample space for horseboxes and lorries.

Gary Hammond, associate director at the agent’s Great Missenden office believes there is huge potential for a future owner to diversify.

“There are bridges across the canal at various points where it cuts through the land. You could open a café,” he suggests, “the possibilities for expanding the business are endless.”