Charming country barn home has an unexpected permanent resident

Tucked away in the British countryside is a home with an eerie secret buried in the backyard.

The barn conversion in West Harting, a short drive from the market town of Petersfield in the East Hampshire district of Hampshire, appears charming, if not a little worn.

Drab furnishings cloak the windows, outdated appliances and cabinetry frame the kitchen while the home’s two bathrooms embody practical and functional design.

Yet, despite the home’s humble style, the three bedroom freehold is considered a unique offering and so desirable it’s on the market with an asking price just north of $1 million.

The 121 square metre property is billed as needing “modernisation”, with its existing generous sitting and dining room “ideal for entertaining or relaxing with family”.

“Externally, the property boasts a detached double garage and driveway parking for several vehicles, making it perfect for households with multiple cars or those needing workshop space,” the listing with Henry Adams Estate Agents reads.

“Original features and rustic charm add to the appeal, making this a truly unique home.”

One particular feature noted by the agents is a small private copse, or small group of trees, next to the property.

The section of nature holds close ties to the home’s former owner.

In fact, the earth itself will forever be linked to them as they are buried here.

“A particularly special feature is the small private copse of trees adjacent to the home—offering a tranquil natural setting and a haven for wildlife,” the listing reads.

“Please note the previous owner has been buried in a discreet corner of the copse.”

With such a unique added feature, it’s little surprise the listing found its way online to a popular Reddit thread about UK property listings.

Scores of users of the social media site mused about the candid details in the listing.

The majority of commenters found levity with the play on words of someone buried in the copse, while others were more reflective.

“Am I the only person who thinks this is kind of nice? If the previous owner liked it so much to be buried there… assuming this isn’t a suburban patio situation, I think it’s kind of poetic,” one person wrote.

“It wouldn’t bother me one bit and I think I’d tend to look after their grave and talk to them when outside,” a second person shared.

“I agree. The dead can’t hurt us, it’s the living we need to watch out for.”

The property is on the market for £600,000 or $1.2 million.