Stunning secret ‘shepherd’s cottage’ goes on sale with £1.3m price tag – but buyers won’t believe where it is

A STUNNING secret shepherd’s cottage has gone on the market with a whopping price tag – but you won’t believe where it is.

The “exceptionally rare” Grade II-listed property, which dates from 1680, looks as if it belongs in a tiny countryside village.

Despite its bucolic charm, the £1.3million house can actually be found in a bustling London high street.

But only those who know exactly where to look will find the “rare period gem”.

And even neighbours living a stone’s throw away may have no idea they live alongside it.

The gorgeous two-bed home has been hailed as one of posh Highgate’s “best-kept secrets” by estate agents at Prickett and Ellis.

“The cottage is one of the finest and rarest period houses in Highgate,” they said.

“It is like taking a step back in time.

STUNNING SECRET

“Its presentation and unique period features are a pleasure to behold.”

The property was initially built as a shepherd’s cottage, and stood alone on the brow of a hill.

But from the 1700s onwards, Highgate became far busier – and eventually the home was camouflaged by other buildings.

It stands just behind the popular High Street, but the entrance is completely hidden.

Once the lucky new owner finds their way in, however, they’ll discover surprisingly spacious rooms and a 40-foot garden.

A huge ornate fireplace stands in the living room, while the current occupant has set up a desk beside a sash window.

Terracotta flagstones have been laid on the kitchen floor. The room looks out onto the garden.

‘A PLEASURE TO BEHOLD’

And the outside space is filled with greenery. A little chair has been set up in a sunny spot between plant pots to give the homeowner a chance to make the most of the plot.

Whoever gets to call the cottage their home will be only the fifth owner in the past 150 years.

The house isn’t the only hidden property currently on the market in the capital.

One lovely home in Notting Hill lies moments from the Tube station – but it’s completely concealed behind a row of shops and a Nando’s.

Those who discover the secret door will find a whopping five-bed home spread over 3,000 square feet.

And other properties have secret features inside.

A spacious apartment in swanky Chelsea, which is on the market for a whopping £2,383 a month, comes fully-furnished with a sofa, bed and what appears to be a grand library.

But avid readers who reach for one of the leather-bound books will have a shock.

The bookcase is just a decoy – and it slides apart to reveal a kitchen behind it.