Five dream country homes

The first daffodils are raising their cheerful heads above the ground. Days are staying lighter longer. There’s a feeling that the darkness of winter is behind us and spring is imminent. That’s a time for new beginnings and looking ahead with optimism. And if your dream is an English country home, the outlook’s getting brighter.

The traditional spring property market is on the horizon. In the country market specifically, there’s reason for optimism and future thinking. Kate Everett-Allen, Head of International & Country Research at Knight Frank, says: “We expect sentiment to improve in 2024 as the economic picture brightens and interest rates peak.” She shares further positive indications, explaining: “In the prime country house market, we now expect a narrower price decline this year of -2% (previously -3%) as the market comes down from the highs of the pandemic in recent years.”

Prime country homes have an enduring appeal. Edward Rook, Head of the National Country Department at Knight Frank points out: “In a year marked by shifts in the broader market, prime country properties – those priced at £2 million and above – demonstrated remarkable resilience.” He cites another interesting and positive factor from 2023: “Instructions were up 38% in the 12 months to last October compared to the five-year average, underscoring the robust nature of this market.”

As our focus turns to spending more time outdoors, the appeal of country living grows. Knight Frank Country Research provides further reason to look for your dream country home now. Kate Everett-Allen reveals: “There’s a window of opportunity for buyers and sellers as the economy settles and before a general election is called in the second half of 2024.”

Here, we share five dream country homes on the market now with Knight Frank. The Country Houses and Estates team handle exceptional properties across the UK, and they’d be delighted to support you with your country property journey.

7-10 bedroom house, Folkington, East Sussex

Folkington Manor is an architecturally rare Grade II listed flint manor house with six reception rooms, seven bedrooms and five bathrooms. The beautiful house dates back to 1843 and has been sensitively restored and reimagined to create a wonderful family home. The manor house has spectacular grounds, and the outstanding South Downs provide a breathtaking backdrop. Guide price: £10,000,000

9 bedroom house, Stanton, Broadway, Gloucestershire

The impressive Stanton Court is a beautifully restored Grade II listed Jacobean manor house with exemplary gardens. It’s been comprehensively renovated, and its gorgeous decor complements the original period features. It makes a fantastic family home with ample space for entertaining. It’s located on the edge of a charming Cotswolds village. Nearby, the popular Broadway has defied recent UK market fluctuations to become one of the few £1 million locations. Guide price: £14,000,000

8 bedroom house, Little Henny, Essex

Surrounded by rolling countryside, The Ryes is a refined Grade II listed Georgian home. The eight bedroom, eight bathroom property has a sense of grandeur and elegance throughout. The high ceilings and beautiful, large windows let natural light flood into the spacious rooms. The five reception rooms provide wonderful opportunities for families to work, relax and play in this exquisite home. Guide price: £4,000,000

10 bedroom house and estate, South Pool, Devon

Located on a private peninsula in the Salcombe estuary, Gullet House presents a rare and exciting opportunity. The Gullet Estate is one of the most prestigious in the sought-after South Hams area. The highly desirable ten bedroom waterfront house has undergone extensive renovations recently. The surrounding estate comprises nearly ten acres of land with both beautiful gardens and potential for income generation from outbuildings and farmland. Guide price: £8,000,000

6 bedroom house, Nantwich, Cheshire

Nestled in the heart of breathtaking Cheshire countryside, Hatherton Lodge comprises a wonderful Grade II listed Georgian house and 20 acre estate. The light and spacious home benefits from extensive views across the beautifully landscaped gardens and lake. In addition to the attractive main house, The Coach House and Old Stables have been converted to provide further guest accommodation, garaging for seven cars as well as storage and workshops. Guide price: £3,750,000

View the latest country homes for sale across the UK, or contact one of our agents on the Country Houses and Estates team