Country Life: March 16, 2022 Early Property Pages by julialaurencefuture

EVERY WEEK

MARCH 16, 2022

Smaller country houses What does the market hold for 2022?

ISSUE: 11

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THE VOICE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE

Parties are back

How to have the time of your life MARCH 16, 2022

Brave and mad: great feats of human endeavour New kitchens, old hill forts and Shackleton’s ship

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ONE FAMILY SPECIALISING IN FINE FURNITURE SINCE 1866

A fine satinwood, rosewood banded and sycamore marquetry inlaid demi lune side cabinet, the finely leaf and fan inlaid top above an anthemion and honeysuckle inlaid frieze with a drawer, above a classical yew burl inlaid urn and oval walnut banded cabinet. Limited stock left.

£5,745

Width: 32 inches (81.5cm) Depth: 14¾ inches (38cm) Height: 32 inches (81.5cm)

NATIONWIDE HOME APPROVAL SERVICE | BESPOKE COMMISSIONS UNDERTAKEN OVER 1,000 ITEMS OF EXCLUSIVE CLASSICAL FURNISHINGS IN STOCK CALL 01491 641115 | WWW.BRIGHTSOFNETTLEBED.CO.UK NETTLEBED

OXFORDSHIRE

RG9 5DD (OPEN TUES-SAT)

KING’S RD

LONDON

SW6 2DX (OPEN MON-FRI)

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HONLEY, WEST YORKSHIRE

substantial period house with royal connections, set in approximately six acres of immaculate garden and grounds. The property is approached via a long driveway with a gatehouse lodge and attached to the house is an impressive indoor swimming pool complex. 8 B E D R O O M S | 4 B AT H R O O M S | 5 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S | G Y M / G A M E S R O O M | H O M E O F F I C E I N D O O R S W I M M I N G P O O L | G AT E L O D G E | PAV I L I O N | G A R A G I N G | L AW N E D G A R D E N S | W O O D L A N D | E P C E H O N L E Y S TAT I O N 0 . 3 M I L E S | B E R R Y B R O W S TAT I O N 1 M I L E

Guide price £2,950,000 Knight Frank London jamie.robson@knightfrank.com 020 4502 7203 Ref: CHO012151901

knightfrank.co.uk Winner of six customer service experience awards in 2021

EVERSHOLT, BEDFORDSHIRE Guide Price: £1,500,000

4 Bedrooms | 3 Reception Rooms | 3 Bathrooms | E EPC

An Edwardian red brick house situated in 0.5 acres of wraparound mature gardens with panoramic countryside views. Built in 1913, the property offers 2,648 sq. ft. of versatile accommodation and has been extended and refurbished by the current owners to include a two storey extension and upgrades to the electrical systems and network wiring. Located in the rural village of Eversholt just outside Woburn Abbey’s parkland, the property is approached via electric gates to a gravelled driveway leading to a front garden which includes a circular turning area and a double carport.

Michael Graham Woburn Sands Richard Tyrrell 01908 586400 Michael Graham London Bob Bickersteth 0207 839 0888

michaelgraham.co.uk michaelgraham_living

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3 BEENHAM, WEST BERKSHIRE

fine Regency Grade II listed family house set in an elevated position with far-reaching views over its land of approximately 10 acres. Formerly the Rectory, today the house offers spacious accommodation over two floors, above a large cellar.

Guide price available upon request Knight Frank London & Hungerford edward.cunningham@knightfrank.com 020 4502 7121 mark.potter@knightfrank.com 01488 758437 Ref: CHO012157163

knightfrank.co.uk Winner of six customer service experience awards in 2021

Exceptional Country Estate Hexton, Hertfordshire Hitchin: 5 miles, Luton: 8 miles, London: 40 miles Hexton is a traditional country estate in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Grade II listed manor house within an extensive residential, agricultural and sporting estate. 11 bedrooms and 2 flats, landscaped park and gardens, swimming pool, tennis court, 6 additional houses/cottages, 4 let offices, outstanding high bird shoot, trout fishing lakes, arable, pasture and woodland. Environmental and natural capital opportunities. Available as a whole or in two lots. EPC = E-F

About 773 acres (additional sporting rights over a further 1,500 acres available) | Guide £15 million (Lot 1 £10 million)

Louise Harrison Savills National Farms & Estates 020 4571 6445 lharrison@savills.com

Oliver Carr Savills Central Farms & Estates 01223 790 324 ocarr@savills.com

savills

savills.co.uk

Kent, Hunton

A rare and exquisite estate set in a peaceful, rural location, 44 miles from London Yalding: 2 miles, Paddock Wood (London Bridge from 41 mins): 7 miles, Royal Tunbridge Wells: 12 miles Immaculately presented Grade II listed country house with 8 bedrooms and 5 reception rooms | Gate Lodge | Stable Cottage Traditional and modern estate buildings | Beautiful parkland setting with walled garden and lake, swimming pool and tennis court Woodland and pasture | Equestrian facilities About 132 acres (53 ha)

Over 50 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

Guide Price £10,000,000

Liza Howden

Simon Backhouse

National Estates & Farm Agency 020 7591 2214

Canterbury Oﬃce 01227 473 700

liza.howden@struttandparker.com

simon.backhouse@struttandparker.com

/struttandparker

@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

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4 5 CHIDDINGFOLD, SURREY/WEST SUSSEX B ORDER

n the open market for the first time in 25 years, a Grade II listed Deer Tower set in an elevated position. Surrounded by its own private estate, the property is situated close to the sought-after village of Chiddingfold. 4 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S | 3 B E D R O O M S | 3 B AT H R O O M S ST U D I O | BA R N | GA R AG E /GA R D EN STO R E | GA Z E B O | G R E E N H O US E F O R M A L G A R D E N S | S U N T E R R A C E S | PA R K L A N D

W O O D L A N D | A P P R O X I M AT E LY 1 2 0 A C R E S | C H I D D I N G F O L D 3 M I L E S H A S L E M E R E 5 M I L E S ( L O N D O N WAT E R L O O F R O M 5 6 M I N U T E S )

Guide price available upon request Knight Frank London, Haslemere & Guildford annabel.blackett@knightfrank.com 020 3866 7863 russell.grieve@knightfrank.com 01428 786268 nigel.mitchell@knightfrank.com 01483 355875

Winner of six customer service experience awards in 2021

knightfrank.co.uk

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4 5 LOWER SLACKSTEAD, HAMPSHIRE

classical style country house located in the rolling Hampshire countryside of the Test Valley. The wellproportioned property blends traditional architecture with modern technology and is set in landscaped gardens. 6 B E D R O O M S | 5 B AT H R O O M S | 4 R E C E P T I O N R O O M S T R I P L E G A R A G E ( C U R R E N T LY U S E D A S G Y M ) | S TA F F F L AT | S W I M M I N G P O O L G R A S S T E N N I S C O U R T/ F O O T B A L L P I T C H | C R I C K E T N E T

M AT U R E L A N D S C A P E D G A R D E N S | G R A S S L A N D & W O O D L A N D | E P C D A P P R O X I M AT E LY 5 A C R E S | H U R S L E Y 3 . 5 M I L E S W I N C H E S T E R 6 . 5 M I L E S ( L O N D O N WAT E R L O O F R O M 5 4 M I N U T E S )

Guide price £4,250,000 Knight Frank London & Winchester edward.cunningham@knightfrank.com 020 4502 7121 george.clarendon@knightfrank.com 01962 656115

Winner of six customer service experience awards in 2021

knightfrank.co.uk

Wonderful Village Home Empingham, Rutland Oakham: 5 miles, Stamford: 6 miles An extensively refurbished and impressive Grade II listed family home with cottage and delightful grounds. 4 reception rooms, 4 bedrooms, cellars, ancillary cottage and outbuildings, wrap around gardens, grounds of over an acre with former orchard and stone folly. About 1.23 acres | Guide £2.25 million James Abbott Savills Stamford 01780 510 027 jabbott@savills.com

Charlotte Paton Savills Stamford 01780 669 140 charlotte.paton @savills.com

savills

savills.co.uk

Stunning Rural Location Middle Duntisbourne, Gloucestershire Cirencester: 6 miles, Cheltenham: 12 miles A beautifully positioned Cotswold stone farmhouse. 2 reception rooms, 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, study, cellar, separate cottage, gardens, grounds, pastureland and woodland.

About 23 acres | Guide £2.5 million Anthony Coaker Savill Cirencester 01285 300 098 acoaker@savills.com

Peter Edwards Knight Frank 020 7861 1707 peter.edwards @knightfrank.com

savills

savills.co.uk

Beautiful Georgian Home Stanhope, County Durham Wolsingham: 6 miles, Corbridge: 19 miles, Durham: 20 miles Immaculately presented country house with far reaching views over Weardale. 5 reception rooms, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, games room, cinema room, sauna, gym, office and double garage. Separate Coach House with lapsed planning permission available by separate negotiation. EPC = G

Guide £1.2 million Andrew Black Savills York 01904 211 741 ablack@savills.com

Jordan Moynihan Savills York 01904 211 814 jordan.moynihan @savills.com

savills

savills.co.uk

This is the life.

Is it Yours?

Luxury Portfolio International® has some of the most diverse luxury real estate listings in the world. Let our exclusive network of well-connected, locally tuned brokers and agents find your next home.

luxuryportfolio.com @LUXURYPORTFOLIO

Devon, Broadclyst

A delightful Grade II listed Georgian farmhouse set in 16 acres with extensive barns with planning permission for conversion into five units Exeter: 7.5 miles, Honiton: 13.5 miles, Tiverton: 13 miles Hall | Drawing room | Study | Dining room | Study | Kitchen/breakfast room | Conservatory | Principal bedroom with ensuite bathroom 6 Further bedrooms | 3 Further bathrooms (one ensuite) | Extensive barns with planning permission for conversion into 5 units Gardens and grounds About 16 acres

Over 50 Offices across England and Scotland, including prime Central London.

Guide Price £2,750,000

Oliver Custance Baker

Richard Speedy

Country Department 020 7591 2207

Exeter Oﬃce 01392 215 631

oliver.custance.baker@struttandparker.com

richard.speedy@struttandparker.com

/struttandparker

@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

SAMBOURNE, WARWICKSHIRE OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £2,000,000 FREEHOLD

[6 bedrooms] [2,500 sq ft period barn] [lovely views] A substantial Grade II listed refurbished Georgian country home set in open gardens & grounds of c. 4.16 acres with a substantial barn offering potential for further accommodation (subject to planning permissions). 01789 863958 StratforduponAvon@hamptons.co.uk

HARPENDEN, HERTFORDSHIRE

£2,250,000 FREEHOLD

[4 bedrooms] [orangery] [guest annexe/office] A magnificent superbly presented family home stylishly refurbished with plenty of space for outdoor and indoor entertaining, set in a semi rural location within a 2/3rd acre plot. EPC E 01582 803953 Wheathampstead@hamptons.co.uk

HAMPTONS.CO.UK

ST ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE GUIDE PRICE

£6,500,000 FREEHOLD

[Walled Garden] [Jekyll Designed Gardens] [Grass Fields] [River] [Parkland] [Tree Lined Drive] A landmark country estate consisting of one of Hertfordshire’s finest Grade II* listed country houses. Set within an impactful 70 acre parkland setting, the property has exceptional views and a wealth of history both modern and ancient. Including staff cottage, housekeepers flat and outbuildings. Further staff cottages available under separate lots. PRIME COUNTRY SALES 020 4502 9212 COCKINGJ@HAMPTONS.CO.UK HAMPTONS HARPENDEN 01582 803 990 HARPENDEN@HAMPTONS.CO.UK

HAMPTONS.CO.UK

DEVON, TAVISTOCK

NORFOLK, TASBURGH

Ancient farmstead in the centre of 243 acres £4,500,000 guide | Exeter: 01392 214222

Grade II Listed equestrian facility £1,250,000 excess | Norwich: 01603 612333

CORNWALL, FEOCK

SURREY, WEYBRIDGE

Water fronted cottage in an idyllic location | EPC E £1,150,000 excess | Truro: 01872 261160

Half acre garden backing St. Georges Hill | EPC D £2,495,000 guide | Weybridge: 01932 821160

KENT, SEVENOAKS

WILTSHIRE, HEYTESBURY

Spacious family home close to the station | EPC D £2,650,000 guide | Sevenoaks: 01732 740600

Fine village house with a walled garden £910,000 guide | Shaftesbury: 01747 850858

PRO PERTY EXPERTS S IN CE 1910

jackson-stops.co.uk

SUFFOLK, LOWER RAYDON

CHESHIRE, PRESTBURY

Stunning Georgian fronted manor house £2,550,000 guide | Ipswich: 01473 218218

Magnificent house with views of the Peak District | EPC B Price on application | Alderley Edge: 01625 540340

Sustained demand and ongoing stock shortages make this a good time to sell.

NORTH DEVON, HARTLAND

Book a market appraisal to discover the true potential of your property.

Former mill in an idyllic setting | EPC E £800,000 excess North Devon: 01271 325153

LONDON, PIMLICO Five bedroom freehold family home | EPC D £2,800,000 guide Pimlico: 020 7828 4050

WEST SUSSEX, HURSTPIERPOINT

WEST SUSSEX, LODSWORTH

Beautiful period home set in extensive gardens | EPC E £2,250,000 guide | Mid Sussex: 01444 484400

Fantastic views with permission to extend and refurbish £1,950,000 guide | Midhurst: 01730 812357

PRO PERTY EXPERTS S IN CE 1910

jackson-stops.co.uk

Cropwell Grange Cropwell Butler Vale of Belvoir. Nottinghamshire East Midlands NG12 3AH. A Grade II Listed Georgian Country House offering fabulous views across its own extremely private grounds, gardens and parkland of 10 acres. Cropwell Grange in its location, stunning architecture and surrounding land represents one of the county’s finest country homes and is offered to the open market for the first time in over four decades. Not visible from its gated entrance just off the village green, a long sweeping tree lined drive creates a sense of ceremony with its impressive final reveal of the grand house. There are numerous outbuildings including garaging and stabling and a separate large two storey barn that is ripe for residential conversion subject to planning. 6 bedrooms

NO CHAIN

Cellars

Multiple reception rooms to include billiards room, living room & dining room

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF £3,250,000 For more information on this property or to book a viewing please get in touch: MELTON MOWBRAY: 01664 491610 GRANTHAM TRAIN STATION MEET & GREET: 01476 855618 ofﬁce@mooresestateagents.com | www.mooresestateagents.com | www.countryequestrianhomes.com REX GOODING: 0115 945 5553 | info@rexgooding.com

Own It.

Co-owned dream homes p a ca so.com

HAFOD Y FOEL & LLWYN CELYN TALERDDIG, LLANBRYNMAIR, POWYS

Situated in a prime forestry location on upland hills in mid Wales, Hafod Y Foel and Llwyn Celyn are two impressive parcels of first rotation, mature, commercial woodlands available for sale as a whole or in two lots. Excellent access. Sporting rights owned and included in the sales. For full details visit www.tustins.co.uk or contact the Selling Agents on the number below. As a whole, 188.57 Acres (76.31 Hectares) | Freehold for sale | For the whole offers over £2.7 Million Contact Mike Tustin or John Clegg on 01869 254938 miketustin@tustins.co.uk | johnclegg@tustins.co.uk Tustins Group Ltd Unit 2, Park Farm, Akeman Street, Kirtlington, Oxfordshire OX5 3JQ

CHARTERED FORESTRY SURVEYORS, VALUERS & AGENTS

THE HOME OF PREMIUM PROPERTY O U R PROPE R T Y PAGE S A R E W H E R E T H E F I N E S T HO U SE S A R E SHOWC A SE D T O A R E F I N E D, W E A LT H Y R E A DE R SH I P I N B O T H T H E U K A N D OV E R SE A S

COUNTRY LIFE is where buyers search for their dream For property advertising information please contact Lucy Khosla: lucy.khosla@futurenet.com – 07583 106990

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At your service Acting only in the interest of buyers, property search agents source the best houses, take the hassle out of the purchase process and negotiate the right price for your new home Alex Stroud, Stroud and Fuller Nominated by Spear’s Wealth Magazine as one of the capital’s top 10 buying agents for the fourth year in a row, Alex Stroud enjoys an unrivalled position at the highest end of the London property market. Having worked on his own from 2010, two years ago he joined forces with Johnny Fuller to create ‘possibly the most experienced, knowledgeable and well-respected pairing currently

operating in the central London market’. Having acquired and sold a vast list of properties, mostly off-market, they have recently added Oliver Lurot to their team, who has an intimate knowledge of Kensington, Notting Hill and Holland Park. This selfdescribed workaholic, is known for his discretion, charm and patience. (07584 038000; www.sflproperty.co.uk)

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Francis Long of Hanslips Hanslips gives buyers a clear advantage in the marketplace by providing them with full information on what’s available and expert judgement of the price that might be achieved for the right house. The world of property is very rarely what it seems. However hard you look, many of the best properties available are sold without ever reaching the public domain. The smartest

Gavin Moody, Eversby Property Search Manor houses, Georgian rectories, rural country properties and hilltop farmhouses —Gavin Moody helps his clients find outstanding properties across Kent, Sussex and the Surrey borders. The finest houses rarely reach the open market and it takes an established network of contacts, in-depth local knowledge and tenacity to secure those elusive, sought-after properties.

Working closely with clients on confidential and exclusive searches allows for swift decisions, avoids the pitfalls of the purchase process and ensures successful outcomes. With a background in finance, negotiating the best price for the best house is at the heart of Mr Moody’s approach: his reputation depends on it. (07958 780122; www.eversby.com)

buyers invest in a specialist agent who sees the whole picture, not the picture that sellers want you to see. Hanslips is independent and acts exclusively for buyers, so there is never a conflict of interest. The company covers London, south-eastern England, central southern England and the Cotswolds. (07884 437209; www.hanslips.com)

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years. The company was founded by Jo Eccles, who is referred to as a ‘superstar in property’. The team is renowned for being passionate about what it does and for giving straight-talking, honest advice. Eccord also has an in-house property management team that manages clients’ investment properties and homes. (020–7244 4482; www.eccord.com)

AWS Prime Property AWS Prime Property is an expert property consultancy based in Knightsbridge, encompassing search, acquisition and development. It guides clients through the complex and competitive prime London market, saving them time, sourcing the finest and rarest properties, and negotiating the best terms for them. The majority of the acquisitions are conducted entirely

off-market, sourced from the firm’s enviable black book. Founder Alex Woodleigh-Smith comments: ‘For most of our clients, their time is simply too valuable to spend trawling websites and fielding calls from agents. We properly research each search, previewing an average of 50 properties per client. Only the very best reach our shortlists.’ (020–7385 7049; www.awsprime.com)

Jamieson Property Search For more than 10 years, Jamieson Property Search has sourced, negotiated and secured some of the best properties in Norfolk and Suffolk. It can help you find and acquire your dream home with a service that’s tailormade to your needs and makes your new property its sole aim. Working with the company, clients take full advantage of its extensive personal

Property Vision Property Vision has been one of the leading buyer’s adviser businesses in the UK for nearly 40 years. The company works for private clients looking to buy prime real estate in London or the country, either for residential or investment purposes. It provides impartial advice into every aspect of purchasing all types of property across London, the South of England and the

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and property contacts. Jamieson Property Search works directly for your benefit and negotiates entirely on your behalf. This not only makes it much more likely to find your dream home, but also increases your chances of appealing to the vendor, negotiating successfully and completing the sale. (01328 822547; www.jamiesonpropertysearch.co.uk)

Property market

Penny Churchill

The grand Italianate entrance hall of Grade II-listed Hexton Manor, Hertfordshire. £15m

Estates for all seasons

One includes seven houses, one has turrets and an imitation keep and another is missing its ‘big house’, but, with landscaped parkland intact, offers an exciting building opportunity

ODAY’S COUNTRY L IFE highlights the launch onto the market of three exceptional, although quite different, country estates. The first is a residential and sporting estate in the Chilterns AONB; the second, a thriving 2,000-acre mixed farming estate in Norfolk; and the third, a treasured collector’s piece set in 120 acres of Capability Brown-style parkland in deepest West Sussex. Louise Harrison of Savills (020–7016 3715) quotes a guide price of £15 million for the historic, 773-acre Hexton Manor estate near the picturesque village of Hexton, five miles from Hitchin and 40 miles from central London. The estate sits on a peninsula of north Hertfordshire that juts northwards into the Bedfordshire plain, whereas its southern half forms the wooded north tip of the Chiltern Hills AONB. For sale as a whole or in two lots, Lot 1 comprises the Grade II-listed manor house, six houses and cottages, plus a traditional stable courtyard that has been converted to

four commercial units—the whole is set in 186 acres of formal and wild gardens, landscaped parkland and fishing lakes, on offer at £10m. Lot 2, priced at £5m, comprises 586 acres in all and provides a dramatic contrast between the productive farmland in the north of the estate and the steep wooded valleys to the south of the house that are home to the Hexton high-bird pheasant and partridge shoot, arguably the finest in the northern Home Counties. Owned by the Abbey of St Albans until its surrender at the Dissolution in December 1539, the Hexton estate was acquired in 1593 by Peter Taverner, whose descendants lived there until 1772. Thereafter, it changed hands several times in quick succession. In 1809, it was described as ‘a wellappointed country estate with park and gardens’ by its then owner, William Young, who left it to his daughter Caroline and her husband, Joseph Lautour, who was High Sheriff of Hertfordshire.

The Lautours made numerous improvements and, in about 1820, had the manor, originally built of brick, stuccoed in the lateGeorgian style. Following her husband’s death in 1845, Caroline continued to embellish the park until 1869, when she died, leaving the estate to her son, Capt William Lautour Young. During his tenure, the estate was let to tenants and was almost derelict by 1901, when it was bought by a rich textile merchant, George Hodgson. In the course of an ambitious 18-year restoration programme, he renovated the manor, removed the single-storey wings, rebuilt the

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Find the best properties at countrylife.co.uk

Late-Georgian Hexton Manor offers 14,589sq ft of accommodation and is set in 773 acres of parkland and farmland, with a fine shoot

village, revived and developed the gardens and grounds, built follies and bridges, and erected the gate lodges at either entrance of the long, tree-lined drive. An estate plan dated 1837 shows the park and pleasure grounds as being much the same as they are today. In 1919, Hodgson sold to the wool merchant and politician, Sir James Hill, since when the Hexton Manor estate has changed hands only twice in 100 years, most recently in 2018, when it was acquired by the current owners from the Ashley Cooper family.

During their relatively short tenure, the owners have developed the estate into a thriving family enterprise with a healthy income stream from farming, let residential and commercial property, the in-hand management of Hexton’s long-established shoot and the use of the house and grounds for filming and photo shoots. The focal point of the estate is the grand Hexton Manor, which is still a ‘work in progress’ to some extent. It offers 14,589sq ft of accommodation on three floors, including

a striking Italianate reception hall, three recently renovated main reception rooms, two sitting rooms, a large kitchen/breakfast room and a conservatory on the ground floor; a master suite, two guest suites and five further bedrooms on the first floor; with two integral flats on the top floor and vast cellars on the lower-ground floor. Over in Norfolk’s Waveney Valley, Charlie Paton of the Savills farms and estates team (020–7409 5916) is handling the sale of the highpowered 1,953-acre Gawdy Hall farming March 16, 2022 | Country Life | 105

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Property market

Gawdy Hall, Norfolk, enjoys 1,953 acres of farmland with 117 acres of parkland. £24.25m

estate near Harleston, 12 miles from Diss and 19 miles from Norwich, at a guide price of £24.25m for the whole, or in seven lots. There is no longer a ‘big house’ on the estate, as the hall built in the 1500s by the influential Gawdy family was demolished in 1939, the year after the estate was sold at auction to Jean Henri Tresfon, grandfather of the present vendors. At the time, the old house was in need of substantial repair and, faced with crippling taxes and the huge building costs involved, it was decided to replace it in the short term with a four-bedroom, South African-style timber lodge that Tresfon enjoyed living in so much that he never got around to rebuilding the hall. Happily, the original 117-acre landscaped parkland, serpentine lake and ancillary buildings, including the former entrance building to the hall, coach house and kitchen garden, still remain and could provide an appropriate setting for a grand new country house, subject to planning consent. Thanks to constant reinvestment in the land and buildings over the years, the now highly mechanised farm has evolved from a payroll of 58 men working 1,050 acres in 1953 to three men working an acreage of almost twice that size today. ‘It’s almost unheard of to find a ringfenced, near 2,000-acre farming estate for sale in Norfolk with an extensive residential portfolio, a large block of ancient woodland —a SSSI and the setting for a former shoot—

and the potential to create a new principal house in historic parkland,’ Mr Paton observes. Down in leafy West Sussex, Grade II-listed The Deer Tower at Shillinglee stands in splendid isolation at the heart of its verdant 120-acre estate within the South Downs

National Park, five miles from Haslemere and three miles from Chiddingfold on the Surrey/Sussex border. Annabel Blackett of Knight Frank (020–3866 7863) quotes a guide price of £6.25m for the charming, 18th-century house with its four turrets and imitation keep, which stands on high ground overlooking its parkland and the heavily wooded Shillinglee estate of which it was once a part. For sale for the first time in 25 years, The Deer Tower, according to its listing, was originally ‘a verderer’s look-out or an “eyecatcher” from Shillinglee House, originally a manor of the Duke of Norfolk’s Arundel estate, built in 1735 and revised in the 1770s, when a 2,000-acre landscaped park was laid out by Earl Winterton, with fishponds and tree planting in the style of Capability Brown. Approached along a private lime avenue and surrounded by immaculate formal gardens—a carefully structured mix of water features, ornate hedging, sun terraces and a crenellated gazebo that mirrors the tower itself—the 3,034sq ft main house offers delightfully quirky living space on three floors with further space in the two-storey studio, a recent addition. Highlights include the 24ft-long south- and east-facing formal drawing room in the studio extension and the octagonal principal bedroom suite, which occupies the entire second floor, with access to the roof terrace and views over the formal gardens and orchard to the fields and woodland beyond.

Eye-catching: The Deer Tower on the 120-acre Shillinglee estate, West Sussex. £6.25m

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Property comment

Carla Passino

Properties in pretty market towns, such as Tenterden in Kent, are at a premium as flexible working becomes the lifestyle of choice

Keys to the kingdom Whether looking for a perfect family home or negotiating on price, buying agents do the heavy lifting and are used to analysing the market. We get advice from a few of the best

‘Currently, demand is very strong. The increase in the cost of living, together with interest-rate rises, will encourage downsizers to sell, so supply will increase.’ Ben Horne, Middleton Advisors ‘Homeowners are already discussing [sale] plans. And quite a few have asked me if I can introduce them to cash buyers prepared to purchase off market.’ Jennie Hancock, Property Acquisitions ‘The tipping point will be when houses eventually start coming on and not all of them sell immediately, as only the best in class achieve off-market premium money.’ Richard Winter, Richard Winter Surrey Property Search ‘Last year, [the London market] was fuelled by domestic, needs-based buyers. Now, we’re seeing more discretionary buyers, international investors and migration back

to the city, looking for large gardens, beautiful architecture and a village-like setting, so areas such as Hampstead, St John’s Wood and Notting Hill should be popular. Those who continue to straddle London and the countryside want to be close to restaurants and members’ clubs, which puts Marylebone, Mayfair and Chelsea in demand.’ Jo Eccles, Eccord ‘Domestic demand will drop back. In the wake of higher interest rates, coupled with a post-Covid “back to normal”, the focus will be on shorter commutes, rather than re-creating The Good Life.’ Jess Simpson, Jess Simpson Property Search ‘This year will bring a refocus on London and a slight calming of the market frenzy. Prime country houses will see price rises of 5% –10%; prime central London a more modest 3% –5%.’ James Macleod, JM Chase Property Search & Acquisition ‘Charming market towns are going to see a resurgence. Café culture, flexible working

spaces, art galleries and pedestrianised town centres should replace derelict branches of Woolworths and BHS.’ Philip Harvey, Property Vision ‘Incredible pool complexes with slides from bedrooms and retracting roofs are definitely back on the agenda. Lockdown spurred a renewed popularity in games rooms, home cinemas and teenage dens kitted out with all the bells and whistles. I have also noticed a growing trend for small vineyards.’ Ed Heaton, Heaton & Partners

Top tips ‘Secure an excellent lawyer, have your financing in place and, once you’ve identified your preferred property, be proactive and assertive.’ Hannah Aykroyd, Aykroyd & Co ‘Find out why a vendor is selling. This is essential when determining the offer you should make. Have a good look at Land Registry information, it will hold a lot of detail that’s not on the agent’s specification.’ Jennie Hancock, Property Acquisitions

Alamy

Peering into the crystal ball

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Property comment

The sale of magnificent West Hanney House in Oxfordshire, marketed by Savills last year at £4.5m, was brokered by Jess Simpson

‘Seconds count in this business. View properties at the earliest opportunity—there will be some desperate buyer out there who will move heaven and earth to be the first. Knowledge is power, so tap into every resource you have.’ Ed Heaton, Heaton & Partners ‘Buyers should inspect as many properties as they can, ready to pounce when the right one becomes available.’ Ross Ward, Pereds ‘Only start looking when you have your finances in order. If you have to sell first, consider a delayed completion. Try to ensure the land around the house (and visible from it) is, as far as is practical, within your ownership.’ Francis Long, Hanslips

9000

‘Have sympathy for estate agents. Don’t give them a hard time—or you’ll be at the bottom of the list for the next house. Be in regular contact and pop into the office—you’ll be easier to remember.’ Jess Simpson, Jess Simpson Property Search ‘To give the selling agent confidence in you as a buyer, have a letter drawn up by your

accountant confirming proof of funds. Also demonstrate that you’re able to decipher what’s important in a survey.’ Alex Woodleigh-Smith, AWS Prime Property ‘The terms of your offer are as important as the figure you are offering.’ James Macleod, JM Chase Property Search & Acquisition

Pitfalls ‘The inevitable pitfalls for buyers in a sellers’ market are rushing to purchase the wrong place or over-extending.’ Ross Ward, Pereds ‘Don’t feel pressured to make an offer. It’s so important to know if it’s the right house to pay a premium for. If it isn’t, you could overspend and regret it.’ Richard Winter, Richard Winter Surrey Property Search ‘Avoid aggressive tactics. We acted for a client who—against our advice—made an offer on a house in Kensington that was far too low; it didn’t go down well. In situations such as

that, you are immediately on the back foot trying to win back goodwill.’ Jo Eccles, Eccord ‘Remember the vendor is likely to be emotionally invested in the house. Don’t treat it like a clinical transaction; instead, present yourself as an empathetic buyer.’ Hannah Aykroyd, Aykroyd & Co ‘If you need to sell before you buy, be sensible with your pricing to avoid making a loss.’ Philip Harvey, Property Vision ‘Pay good money for good advice (buying agent, lawyers, surveyors); it will save you money and time.’ Ben Horne, Middleton Advisors ‘Avoid confusing negatives that can be put right with those that can’t. Pylons are an issue—the avocado bathroom suite is not.’ Francis Long, Hanslips ‘Never compromise on natural light—it’s one of the only things you can’t change. A dark, gloomy house with lack of natural light is always a hard “no” from us.’ Alex Woodleigh-Smith, AWS Prime Property

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