Whether lockdown has altered your priorities, or you’ve always dreamt of retiring to the countryside, these incredible properties make the move from the city that much easier.
Sprawling fields, farmhouses and chocolate box villages, or coastal walks, beachfront cafes and salty sea air; both the countryside and the coast have major selling points. And if you’ve been locked-down in a city for the past four months, no doubt both options seem all the more appealing. Afterall, there is some evidence to suggest that the priorities of buyers may have changed as a result of lockdown - especially as many people adapt to a working day that no longer involves the office and a commute. If this is you, or if you’ve always dreamt of retiring to your own patch of green space and fresh air, these spectacular properties from our country and coastal offices, are guaranteed to make your move much easier.
COUNTRY
Places like Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire have forever attracted city workers looking for a piece of the countryside. They are far enough away from the chaos of the capital, but close enough for an acceptable commute. Somewhere like Reading, for instance, is a perfect example of this. Set around the confluence of the River Thames and the River Kennet, you’ve got picturesque views and the Royal Berkshire countryside on your doorstep, but also half hour trains into Paddington and the impending arrival of Crossrail, which will make commuting even quicker.
Jon Hallett of Winkworth Reading says, “We are seeing a huge increase in enquiries for houses in the countryside with privacy, from customers who have been trapped in the city since lockdown. This is in stark contrast to only a few years back where it was all about town living and access to facilities within walking distance. We seem to be in a window where activity is reaching fever pitch with pent up demand and no one knowing if when lockdown will relax further or indeed tighten”
Further out, popular areas in and around Wiltshire are becoming increasingly more attractive too. Matthew Hallett of Winkworth Salisbury says, “Since the housing market reopened in mid-May, we’ve seen a sea change with everything turning back towards the London buyer. Village houses with home office spaces are top of the wish list of those looking to leave the smoke this summer. Country house lettings are also frenetic, with video viewings providing a real alternative to the traditional lost weekend spent driving down to the country to view houses.”
Upper Basildon, Berkshire - £2,250,000 Freehold
If it’s space you’re after, you certainly won’t be disappointed with this outstanding country home in west Berkshire. Designed and built to exacting standards by a local architect, the six-bedroom property is just waiting for a new buyer to put their mark on the expansive, airy interiors. Separated from the quiet road by electric gates and manicured grounds, the house offers all the space and tranquillity of countryside living. Notable selling points include an indoor pool and pool house accessed from the kitchen, a gorgeous drawing room with triple aspect windows and wood burner, and a jaw-dropping staircase that sweeps up from the entrance hall.
Contact Winkworth Reading for more information.
Barford St. Martin, Salisbury - £795,000 Freehold
Packed with period character throughout, this 19th century, Grade II-listed property has been enjoyed throughout history as a shop, a restaurant and a guest house. With six bedrooms, a spare room suitable for a home office and a generous driveway with double garage, Briden House offers extensive living space for a large family. Much improved by the current owners and elevated by its walled southerly garden, this lovely home has all the comforts required for modern, countryside living.
Contact Winkworth Salisbury for more information.
Easterton, Wiltshire - £875,000 Freehold
Buyers of this gorgeous Grade II-listed manor house will enjoy 1.5 acres of landscaped gardens and paddock, on top of the beautiful and expansive countryside surrounding the parish of Easterton. An equine dream house, the property also includes three stables, a tack room and an insulated workshop. Inside the 17th century home, many of the charming, original features remain, such as the glass in the windows and the layout, while a stylish new kitchen and efficient heating equip the property for the modern day.
Contact Winkworth Devizes for more information.
Winchester, Hampshire - £1,150,000 Freehold
This characterful, country house is an idyllic property for large families looking for more space. Communal areas are bright and spacious and each of the four bedrooms is an impressive size. From the kitchen and living areas, new owners will be able to look out on the garden. It’s a gorgeous green space that is perfect for green-fingered gardeners and for children to run around in.
Contact Winkworth Winchester for more information.
COAST
The idea of saying goodbye to city life and moving to an idyllic seaside town is a lifelong dream for many. And having been cooped up for so long this year, there’s no doubt that many people will be looking to make that dream a reality sooner than planned. Stephen Magee of Winkworth Worthing says, “We have had a very busy period since lockdown restrictions were lifted and have agreed a good deal of properties immediately after the restrictions were eased; something which continues even now. We have always had a large amount of buyers looking to move along the coast from Brighton and Hove and those moving down from Surrey, in particular from Surrey Hills. The lure of the sea, property styles and in most cases, getting more bang for your buck, has been the attraction.”
Interestingly, the office has seen an uplift in enquiries from Londoners - some of which, having never been to the area before. “A lot of applicants we deal with have done their homework on demographic, lifestyle, amenities and schools prior to making a decision to visit,” Steve says. “It suggests that they want to get out of London; they want a garden or a larger property than they currently own, plus the change in lifestyle. Having grown up in London and having owned the Winkworth North Kensington office for many years, I personally see the attraction to the coast,” he continues. As coastal towns are popular places to live, demand often outstrips supply, so properties are usually a good investment.
Worthing, West Sussex - £1,050,000 Freehold
You can’t really get much closer to the coast than this spectacular seafront home. Spread out over five floors, the property has four bedrooms, two reception rooms, a generous kitchen-dining area, good storage facilities and private parking. But no doubt the real selling points are the enviable views and direct access to the seafront.
Contact Winkworth Worthing for more information.
Warnham Road, Goring-by-Sea - £900,000 Freehold
With an outstanding position in the heart of Goring, this showstopping property offers both the best of country and coast. Just 10 minutes’ walk to Goring beach front, the property is incredibly peaceful and private, set back within a gated driveway. Of considerable merit is the Dutch garden - an exquisite outdoor space with tall borders and a perfectly symmetrical layout - often found in parkland.
Contact Winkworth Worthing for more information.
Milford on Sea, Lymington - £1,750,000 Freehold
Set within a huge green plot and with six generous bedrooms, this desirable home provides ample space for a large family. The gardens, both front and back, have been immaculately landscaped, and a large patio provides the perfect spot for al fresco drinking and dining. Key features within the home include striking parquet flooring, charming wooden beams and a log-burning stove.
Contact Winkworth Milford on Sea for more information.
Wharncliffe Road, Highcliffe - £1,300,000
A cool £1.3m will get you this spectacular seafront penthouse in Highcliffe, with three spacious bedrooms, parking and sea views that money - ordinarily - couldn’t buy. New owners will be able to enjoy breakfast on the balcony, watching the sunrise over The Isle of Wight. The property is pretty much perfect to move straight in; buyers can expect a kitchen kitted out with granite work surfaces and a full range of Neff appliances, fitted wardrobes in the bedrooms and a utility room with washing machine and tumble dryer.
Contact Winkworth Highcliffe for more information.