Political uncertainty is prompting many Londoners to contemplate swapping a life of ‘getting and spending’ for the ‘good life’, according to property search agent Jess Simpson, who has been busy finding rural retreats for City escapees – retreats exactly such as this one, Stolford Farm, on the market for £3.75 million.
The decisions aren't being made with heads full of romance, however, as Jess explains.
‘Although some are satisfied with the privacy, security and recreational benefits that come with owning a house surrounded by its own land, others are determined that a farm should pay its way or at least contribute substantially to the property’s overall running costs,’ she says.
‘As a result, we’re seeing new rural businesses popping up all over the place, from specialist market gardens to the production of epicurean foods, as well as more traditional livestock and farming enterprises.’
There’s nothing new about families with school-age children moving out of London to enjoy a sporting lifestyle in the countryside. It worked wonderfully well for the owners of Stolford Farm, who bought this picturesque, 272-acre property in 2011.
It's a beautiful place, situated in a sheltered valley on the Brendon Hills, just outside the Exmoor National Park and with views from its highest points to the Blackdown and Quantock hills and Clatworthy reservoir in west Somerset.
No expense has been spared in renovating and extending Stolford Farm's main farmhouse, which boasts four reception rooms, five bedrooms and four bathrooms.
They have also added a stable block with seven boxes, a tack room and a central covered courtyard; built a proper cross-country course on part of the farm; converted two nearby traditional barns – one to guest accommodation, the other to a gym – and created terraced gardens to provide a pleasing outlook from the house.
‘With the children settled at school in Taunton, the family was happily enjoying life in the country when work commitments intervened to draw them back towards London,' says Charlie Evans of Strutt & Parker.
'Having sold the house to them first time around, we are now selling it on their behalf, at a guide price of £3.75 million.’
The timing may be fortuitous, however, as Mr Evans explains: ‘The market in the West Country is only just beginning to wake up after a slow start to the year.
'Properties have been taking longer to sell, mainly because buyers are not prepared to accept “cheeky” offers, and many of the transactions that have taken place have been done privately.’
The ultimate home for the horse-lover also has a library, tennis court and American-style diner
With the racing season hotting up and the Cheltenham Festival just round the corner, what better time to take a
The impressive estate that the 1991 Grand National winner called home
Crimbourne Stud in Billingshurst, in West Sussex, has everything that a horse-lover could ever want.
Otterington Hall, a magnificent home with superb topiary and beautiful stables
Yorkshire properties of this calibre are few and far between: this is a spectacular home with three further cottages, amazing
Six spectacular country houses for sale at £700,000, from thatched cottages to country mansions
We take a look to see what you could get across Britain for a budget of £700,000 – the answer
A chance to buy a house next to the Duke of Buckingham's former home
Gazing out from the windows of Wotton House, a famous Grade-I listed Georgian house in Buckinghamshire, you perhaps wouldn't imagine
A sprawling and beautifully-restored country house with woodland in the heart of Surrey
Tucked away near Farnham in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you'll find Sentry Hill, a gorgeous country
-
Jnane Rumi, Marrakech, hotel review: 'The most talked about opening this year — and for good reason'The Moroccan capital of Marrakech is the world capital of hotels, says Christopher Wallace — and Jnane Rumi is the latest string to its hospitality bow.
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in CornwallThe Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in Cornwall
The Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its historyIn the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
-
'The city has always held an important creative space within our design studio': A luxury townhouse in Tokyo, courtesy of Aston MartinA new four-storey property in the Omotesandō district is the first single home private residence by the British ultra-luxury performance brand.
-
The Mediterranean Magic of MaltaWith historic charm, picture-perfect beaches and a welcoming approach to newcomers, Malta represents an appealing option for Mediterranean property hunters. Holly Kirkwood reports.
-
Four country houses with their own tennis courts, as seen in Country LifeIf Wimbledon has put you in the mood for more tennis, Annunciata Elwes is here with a selection of homes with their own tennis courts.
-
The majestic New Forest estate formerly owned by a billionaire adventurer — famous for driving 'the world's fastest kettle' — has come up for saleGreat estates in the unspoilt setting of the New Forest are always a welcome sight on the market, and Newton Park is a wonderful example with a sad story to tell. Anna White tells more.
-
A Hampshire Manor for sale that dates back to the days of Alfred the Great, with the most beautiful staircase we've seen in yearsThe ten bedroom property features an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, spa complex and stables, and it was restored by the same architect who worked on Downing Street.
-
The new property hotspots where you can have it all: Beautiful houses, great schools and idyllic lifestyleAcross the country people are selling up and heading to the towns where there's no compromise on dream homes, outstanding schooling and the good life, according to analysis from two of Britain's top estate agents. Anna White explains.
