Country Houses

For many, buying a country house is a 'dream come true', the culmination of many years of striving and hard work. Whilst for others it is a sound business proposal and a tax effective way to invest capitol and receive an income.

The UK is known for its rich variety of country houses, which span over a thousand years of domestic construction. Be it medieval or modern, the British isles provide an extraordinary range of architectural styles from which to choose. At the outset of the property search, decide upon which is most important, location, or architectural style. For most it is possible to achieve both, however if you are welded to a specific location due to the need to access a certain school, the location takes precedence. If you wish to live in a Queen Anne house, and only a Queen Anne house, then the property search should include a much wider area as the style of property is paramount. 

Having decided on where, or what, then please keep an open mind and consider each property on its merits. Subjectively, every architectural period has its strengths and weakness's. As a buying agent I want to know if you are seeking natural light and high ceilings, or the intimacy of low, beamed ceilings and wood panelling the preferred choice. 

Consider the size of the property, list all rooms you require such as a six bedroomed, four bathroomed property, with three reception rooms and two studies. Alternatively, note your requirements in terms of size square footage/square metres, and whether two, three, or even four floors are preferred.

Ancillary accommodation in the form of an annexe, cottage, or cottages, may be a requirement or considered as a future headache. If there is a need for ancillary accommodation the country house is often the best place to find it, however gone are the days of simply letting cottages to tenants. Legislation now requires rental properties to meet certain requirements before being considered as suitable for occupation within the rental market. As a buying agent I can guide you as to what needs to be done.

Land may be an option. Paddocks, pastureland, a copse or woodland are all desirable and may provide privacy, but land also brings responsibility. Within my role,  I provide guidance and in this regard advise clients if the property is compromised by a right of way, or public access. 

Energy is the buzz topic at present. Country houses built prior to the 20th century were designed to be heated by log or coal fires, subsequently by the addition of large windows,  an element of warmth was provided through solar gain. 

Since the 19th century, central heating, of one sort or another has played a part, most country houses use oil, or gas (mains or containerised), whilst increasingly bio fuel (wood chip or wood pellet) is being employed. Green energy options include hydro, ground or water source heat pumps, and of course photovoltaic (conversion of sunlight into energy - commonly known as P V). The future is likely to require a combination of these green energy solutions, a future for which the Country House is ideal. It can provide the space in terms of land and buildings, needed to house and employ green technology. 

Recoco Property Search are able to introduce clients to properties which provide potential for future development. Perhaps the conversion of an existing coach house, barn or stable block. Alternatively the creation of a new dwelling or dwellings, all will require planning consent and we are able to guide clients through this process.  

Many country houses  are registered as Listed Buildings, being of architectural or historical importance. This historic buildings register is the responsibility of Historic England (formerly known as English Heritage), and there are three categories, Grades I, Grade II* and  Grade II, with a record of all Listed properties available publicly. All listed buildings require consent, or consultation with the local authority conservation office, or Historic England prior to changes or alterations to the fabric of the building taking place,. This is in addition to any of the regular planning or building regulation requirements required by the local authority. When advising clients I am keen to point out that  a building being subject to a listing does not,  prevent or stop any alteration, it does mean that consent or guidance is required, along with the additional level of bureaucracy and associated costs.

 Having identified a suitable country house, understandably my clients seek assurance on 'future proofing'. This is about ensuring the present environment alters very little, as well as ensuring that  the property services and technology is well planned and robust enough to cope with change in the future.

There are a variety of services ensuring the supply of water, electricity and drainage, some have the benefit of mains services but many do not. Private water supplies can include natural springs, lakes, wells and bore holes. The mains electricity supply can be supplemented by wind, hydro and PV. Drainage is often private and in the historic form of a cess pit, sceptic tank, soak away, or a modern sewerage treatment unit. Legislation changed in 2020  regarding drainage pertaining to private houses and guidance is required.

The hospitality industry has become  increasingly common within the country house market during recent years. Existing owners and buyers often look to diversify, and use part, or all of their property for events (weddings and parties), AirBnB , film locations or business use. Gone are the days of the unused stables being a cost without benefit, now, once restored and converted, those stables are an investment producing a useful income stream.

Without doubt the most significant change to the Country House market has been the combined change of peoples working habits allied to the the technology which enriches the viability of home working. A relatively low cost investment in connectivity to an existing network or a domestic satellite system,  provide the tools which allow effective home working. Country houses provide buildings suitable for use as an office or, if preferred, space for an 'off the shelf' bespoke office pod to be sited, resulting in a short walk to work in the morning.

One seldom discussed aspect of owning acountryhouse, is the necessary implements andequipmentrequired to maintain the gardens and grounds. Often referred to as the 'toys' and considered as the fun part for many.  Starting with the necessary acquisition of a chainsaw and a ride on mower, then swiftly moving onto a quadbike (with a trailer of course),  before graduating to a Land Rover (or other practical 4x4) and then the ultimate - a tractor. 

Having moved in, your Country house will reward you with enjoyment, and provide the ideal setting for gatherings of family, friends and community being the hub of the extended family, or the  parish, with charity events and summer fetes on the lawn. . Alternatively you may cherish the privacy and solitude. Clients regularly say they feel they have left the world behind them as they drive through the gates.  The rewards of Country House ownership are great.