Beyond the stables

Whether purchasing a countryside retreat with a handful of stables or a fully equipped professional yard, today’s equestrian buyers are approaching the market with clear priorities and careful planning. While demand for properties with horse facilities remains strong, buyers are placing greater emphasis on land quality, infrastructure and planning compliance than ever before. Ross D’Aniello, Co-Founder of Chartwell Noble, and James Walker, Regional Head of Central in Knight Frank’s National Country Department, discuss the factors shaping today’s equestrian property market.

For Ross, the quality of the land remains the defining feature of any equestrian property. “Land comes first, every time. You can improve a stable block, but you cannot buy better soil, so free-draining ground that offers genuine year-round turnout sits at the top of almost every brief we take. A properly constructed arena follows closely, with the emphasis on properly. Experienced buyers will walk a surface and read it within minutes. Beyond that, they want well-ventilated stabling, safe fencing, direct access to good hacking and practical lorry access, which they assess in person rather than from a map. The quieter shift is a forensic interest in paperwork. Planning consents for every structure, drainage records and arena installation documents now carry real weight, because knowledgeable buyers understand exactly how expensive these things are to put right after completion.” James believes buyer priorities vary depending on experience and ambition but says practicality always comes first. “As with most buyers, they are concerned about entry costs (purchase price, tax (stamp duty), work required to the dwelling(s) as well as the equestrian facilities themselves.

Depending on the type/sport of equestrian and level of ability and aspiration, the key features are stabling and size of land-holding, professionals need staff accommodation. Everything else can be installed as required, subject to planning etc. All these aspects are relative to the usual considerations of buying property, like house style, condition, location and general property attributes – and price point.”

Although the surge in countryside relocations has eased, both experts say interest in equestrian properties remains healthy. Ross explains: “Demand has remained resilient over the past year, although it has changed shape. The speculative rush to the country has long since washed through, and today’s buyer is committed, well researched and usually working to a precise brief. Rising livery costs are a genuine driver, as more owners want their horses at home under their own management – the demand for suitable equestrian properties under 10 acres is the highest I have personally ever seen it. Across the wider prime country market, buyers have become noticeably price-sensitive, so anything ordinary or optimistically priced will sit. Genuinely well-equipped equestrian homes remain scarce,
and when the right one appears it still attracts decisive, competitive interest. These are lifestyle purchases at heart, which gives the sector a resilience that pure investment markets rarely show.”

James has also recorded growing demand across different buyer groups. “In our experience, there has been an uptick in demand for property capable of supporting equestrian facilities; whether that’s for young families aspiring to be part of the local Pony Club, so minimal facilities required bar a few stables and a suitable paddock for grazing – or those wanting a serious dedicated equestrian set-up with all the infrastructure to enjoy or train to highest level of professionalism.” He adds that the cost and time involved in creating new facilities has made ready-made properties increasingly desirable. “Often, these buyers need to get into a suitable property and hit the ground running with the use of the facilities.”

Planning remains one of the biggest considerations during a purchase. Ross says: “Planning catches more buyers out than anything else. Stables, arenas and ancillary buildings are sometimes erected without consent, or under permitted development claims that would not survive scrutiny, and enforcement can follow up to ten years after completion, so verifying the status of every structure is essential.” He also warns that construction quality and land conditions deserve close attention, noting that “a standard survey covers the house; the equestrian infrastructure needs its own due diligence.”

Set within approximately 26 acres of Worcestershire countryside, The Old Manor is an elegant 18th-century country house that pairs period charm with generous living space.

Reached through electric gates and a sweeping gravel driveway, the property retains its original character while providing comfortable accommodation, alongside a separate two-bedroom cottage for guests, staff or extended family members.

Designed with equestrian living in mind, the estate features 16 stables, an indoor ménagé and well-maintained paddocks, all accessed independently from the main residence for added convenience. Mature gardens, a peaceful lake, tennis court and swimming pool create inviting spaces for entertaining or quiet afternoons outdoors.