A line from the English poet William Blake’s well-known poem Jerusalem includes the phrase ‘England’s green and pleasant land’. Although the poem was written in 1804 with music added in 1916, happily the words still ring true. England has a wealth of areas of outstanding natural beauty and is steeped in history with many sites of archaeological interest.
James Mackenzie from the Country House Department at Strutt & Parker comments,
“After London’s resilience in the face of global recession and our most recent election results, the high end English country house market anticipated a pickup in June and July, knowing the threat of mansion tax had left everyone’s peripheries. Although this hasn’t happened at the pace we were expecting, we are seeing a healthy flow of buyers filter through.”
“The perennial attraction of good commuter towns like Guildford, Winchester, Oxford and Cambridge, and those villages surrounding them, means the market is still very strong here and getting stronger. Hot spot areas for second homes such as the Cotswolds, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have seen a significant increase in activity, particularly in our new Waterside Department, where buyers are competitively bidding for those hard to find homes on the water. This trend is likely to continue, as the current uncertainty in certain parts of Europe is only compounding interest from those wishing to holiday in the West Country.”
Properties that stand out architecturally, historically and that are realistically priced continue to attract a lot of interest.
“We sold such a property in Dorset for over the £3.95 million guide price within three days,”
says Mr Mackenzie.
Portland House, Wolsingham, County Durham
Magnificent country mansion on the outskirts of a pretty market town. This beautiful property is idyllic for outside entertaining with an abundance of space including an attractive ‘rain chain’ water feature and pergola, and a loggia with pizza oven.
Totally remodelled by the current owners, the property combines traditional architectural features with all the comforts of modern-day living and breathtaking views. The fabulous galleried landing leads to five spacious bedrooms all with en suite facilities. There is also a swimming pool complex with an 11m pool, steam room and shower room with French doors leading out to the loggia and terrace.
£1.99m / €2.87m / $3.11m
Finest Properties +44 (0)1325 360777
darlington@finestproperties.co.uk
9 Gayfere Street, Westminster, London
Architecturally designed and beautifully refurbished, this property provides well-planned accommodation over five floors in the heart of Old Westminster and the Smith Square Conservation Area. Its rooms are all flooded with natural light and there is the added benefit of an attractive roof terrace.
Features include both a SONOS music system and heat-exchange air flow system throughout; a Tuscan wood-burning pizza oven; Calacatta marble in the kitchen; vintage oak floorboards; eight gas log fireplaces; a five-floor laundry chute; Arabescato Corchina marble slabs in the master steam shower with double Hans Grohe shower heads, heated mirror and floor; and bespoke joinery and cupboards in all rooms.
£5m / €7.08m / $7.74m Fabrik +44 (0)1702 552947
info@fabrik-partners.co.uk
Skelton Hall, Skelton, Near York, Yorkshire
One of North Yorkshire’s finest Georgian country mansions has been put on the market after a meticulous 18-year restoration project has returned it to its 19th century glory. Skelton Hall, which is just three miles from York city centre, was originally constructed around 1820. The 12-bedroomed mansion is surrounded by formal gardens designed and laid out by John Meikle, a student of Capability Brown, with sweeping lawns and a lake with its own island.
The restoration was sparked by its requisition by the RAF during the Second World War. After it vacated the property, Skelton Hall was divided into two separate houses and it was not until 1997, when the individual owners of both wings sold up, that the hall could be returned to single ownership. Since then, virtually every one of its 33 rooms has been totally renovated, with original features restored and modern conveniences incorporated.
£2.95m / €4.24m / $4.6m
Croft Residential +44 (0)1904 238222
Kingstone Lisle House, Kingstone Lisle Park, Wantage, Oxfordshire
This impressive estate is beside an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and includes about 257 acres in all. The house is at the end of an immaculate drive in a parkland setting with formal gardens and lakes. It features a spectacular entrance hall and floating staircase. Reception rooms include a billiard room, morning room, dining room and study and there are 11 bedrooms as well as a master suite. Outside there is a swimming pool and tennis court with views to the Ridgeway beyond.
£21m / €30.2m / $32.74m
Strutt & Parker Country Department
+44 (0)20 7629 7282
