Epsom Derby 2013: properties for horse lovers £1.1m If you love your horses, then Downs House, adjoining Epsom Downs racecourse, has to be a front-runner for your affections. The property is close to the starting point of the Derby (you can watch the race from your front garden) and once entertained the great and good of the racing world. It was the training ground for Eclipse, an 18th-century thoroughbred racehorse (80 per cent of today's bloodstock is believed to descend from him). In the 19th and early 20th century, it was home to the Sherwood racing dynasty, winners of the Derby and Goodwood Cup. During race meetings, the family held an open house for trainers and jockeys, and the yard housed the famous horses of the day. It has suffered years of neglect, but could be once again transformed into the best seat in the house. Features include 10 acres of grounds and paddocks, stables, barn and two-storey bothy (Bidwells, 01223 559352).