What to consider when buying an equestrian property

Purchasing an equestrian property is not just an investment in financial terms, but in the lifestyle it brings. Charlotte Hall is Head of Equestrian in Knight Frank’s Country Department. Like many of her colleagues she brings with her a wealth of experience, having grown up around horses and worked in the bloodstock and breeding industry before turning her attention to property. 

She sees a wide range of buyers ranging from seasoned competitors to families looking to acquire their first pony, marrying each with their exacting but differing requirements. “A more serious rider will often want a smaller house and more equestrian facilities, while those who have moved to the country for the lifestyle tend to prefer the opposite,” Charlotte says. “These buyers are often someone who may have previously lived and worked in London and now able to restart their hobby.” 

Katherine Watters is the equestrian specialist and a Partner at The Buying Solution, the independent buying agency of Knight Frank. Having ridden and competed in many equestrian disciplines all her life, she brings vast experience to her clients in understanding what each equestrian buyer needs and the nuances involved in purchasing different equestrian properties. Having worked with a broad scope of clients, she specialises in matching equestrian buyers with the correct set-up. “Different equestrian sports and disciplines require differing types of facilities and land,” she advises. “Understanding the difference is absolutely vital to providing the best solution for our clients.”

Consider your requirements

At a minimum ensure you have the right set up of stables, acreage and loose boxes to accommodate the number of horses you plan to keep. If you’re a hobbyist you’ll need ample storage for hay and tack, while a professional rider is likely to require a larger amount of space and further facilities such as separate rug and feed rooms and a groom’s kitchen/restroom.

“Many buyers want an American barn-style complex for their stables where possible. It provides a good covered space for those English winter months and it is practical to have all facilities under one roof,” says Katherine. “Many also like to have the option of a wash bay/solarium space within the stable complex. Not only is this helpful pre- and post-exercise for the horses, but it also provides a good separate tie up space for vet/farrier visits.”

If you require more extensive facilities choosing the right property can avoid costly building work and navigating planning permissions in the future. Charlotte notes an increasing demand for indoor schools, or the capability to build one within the property. “It gives you so much more flexibility as it’s not weather reliant - you can be inside whether it's snowing or dark outside.” Martley Hall in Suffolk, currently on the market, is home to a particularly impressive example as just part of its state-of-the-art facilities.

Location is key

Pay attention to the amount, and type, of land. “Most will require somewhere relatively flat, with good grazing and an adequate water supply,” she advises. The British Horse Society recommends a minimum of 1-1.5 acres per horse, although this can change depending on the size and type of breed. The right selection of hedgerows and trees can provide shade and shelter from the wind, as well as support the local biodiversity and wildlife.

Meanwhile, the surrounding area is just as important. Look for somewhere that offers easy access to bridleways and good hacking routes. Being close to major motorways is a plus if regularly travelling to events, alongside ensuring access to the property allows for ample space for larger vehicles such as horseboxes and deliveries. “I always measure a gateway access and turning angle,” says Katherine. “Larger horseboxes can need extra turning space and access off some country lanes can be tricky.”

Where to buy

A rider’s discipline can dictate in large part where in the country they may want to live, but for many this also has to be balanced with a location that can offer an excellent family life too, including taking into account any school and commuting needs. “These are consistently the real driving factors and considerations when choosing areas for my clients,” says Katherine.

The Cotswolds is popular for those seeking out a strong equestrian community alongside the excellent schooling and five-star amenities it has to offer. This 172-acre estate, with a charming 17th-century Cotswold stone house at its heart, is a case in point, putting you on the doorstep of the Badminton Horse Trials, Cirencester Park Polo Club and the Beaufort Polo Club. 

Experienced riders may also look to Suffolk, where Newmarket, a centre of UK horse racing, attracts equine enthusiasts from across the globe. Meanwhile head south and you’ll be close to hubs such as the All England Jumping Course at Hickstead, renowned as the home of British showjumping, which hosts the Royal International Horse Show and the Derby meeting every year, as well as the National Schools Finals. Also in the South East is Cowdray near Midhurst, where the famous Gold Cup polo is contested each July. From April every year, the Midhurst area becomes host to some of the biggest polo teams in the world who fly their ponies in for the season. 

Charlotte also sees buyers considering connections to competitions further afield. “'Increasingly buyers are seeking proximity to the ports for ease of access to the continent for events in France, Holland, Germany or Ireland,” she says. Katherine agrees saying “many riders also now head to the Sunshine Tour and MET Oliva in Spain which hold a number of showjumping competitions during the winter months. This isn’t only for professionals - many enthusiastic amateur riders love the opportunity to gain experience of competing abroad.”

To discuss your property needs with a member of our Private Office team, contact privateoffice@knightfrank.com

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