A modern home in the English countryside
We take a look at why buyers are turning towards new builds for their move to the country, and share some of the best contemporary homes on the market
Imagine the quintessential country house and a new-build property might not immediately spring to mind. But for those seeking the tranquillity of the countryside with all the conveniences of modern living, such developments are becoming increasingly popular.
It’s easy to see why, with a multitude of benefits swaying buyers. According to a recent sentiment survey by Knight Frank, over a fifth of individuals indicated that they were looking for a new-build home, up from 13% for the three previous years. Topping the list of factors influencing their choice were higher energy efficiency, the ease of no seller chain, and the prospect of more design input into off-plan purchases.
The latter has been noticed by Stuart Cole, a partner in the Country Department covering North Surrey and East Berkshire. “They get to live in a brand-new house, which means that they know that no one else has used anything in the house including the bathrooms and kitchens,” he says. “Also, often if they purchase prior to the house being finished it means they can make changes to personalise it and make it theirs.”
Some developments, such as Moorewood Glade in Buckinghamshire, take this customisation a step further. Here buyers work with the developer at an early stage, affording them the opportunity to input into the specifications of their property from the ground up. "For anyone who's watched 'Grand Designs' and thought 'I'd love to do that, but it looks so stressful,' Moorewood Glade is the perfect solution,” says Laura Hackney, Head of Home Counties New Homes at Knight Frank. “Here, the hardest parts - finding the perfect plot, securing planning permission, and managing construction - are already taken care of. Buyers can focus on the exciting part: creating their dream home and designing the perfect kitchen, specifying the ideal master suite, or incorporating the latest smart home technology.”
This development, like many others, also speaks to an increasing demand for sustainable homes. Crucially the statistics show individuals are looking for the convenience of not having to install energy improvements themselves - an area where newer builds come into their own. Beyond saving bills in the winter, buyers are increasingly aware of forthcoming environmental regulations, with eyes on future-proofing their investments.
Here we take a look at some of the properties available with Knight Frank that offer the best of contemporary living in the English countryside.
Moorewood Glade, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7
Tucked away in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is Moorewood Glade. This exclusive development by Brockwell Group offers the unique opportunity to create your ideal home on a substantial plot of land nestled within ancient woodland. Each of the properties here will have their own individual design, but with an overall aesthetic that complements and contrasts with the surrounding landscape and carefully composed with sustainability in mind. Each plot has pre-approved planning permission for a large family home, enabling a smooth and stress-free process for buyers wanting to bring their architectural visions to life.
The Wildwood Estate, Tilford, Surrey
This development by Ashgrove Homes of five substantial country houses spans 27 acres of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Surrey, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. The site was formerly a specialist nursery, retaining many of the spectacular flowers that bloom through the spring and summer months, along with a rich diversity of wildlife. A natural pond bursting with water lilies, wild grasses and irises provides an enchanting focal point to the estate, surrounded by woodland and grassland that further supports the local biodiversity. Each plot ranges from 3 to 9 acres, benefiting from the privacy of its own gated entrance and the natural barriers created by the surrounding landscape. Here buyers are able to purchase at an early stage to create bespoke finishes, or alternatively opt for Ashgrove Homes and its interior design partner Studio Indigo to curate the interiors, drawing on the rich Arts & Crafts tradition of the area to achieve the perfect blend of contemporary and heritage appeal.
Coming soon - for more information contact Laura Hackney or email southeastnewhomes@knightfrank.com
Luckhurst, Spats Lane, Headley Down, Hampshire GU35
Make your way up the long driveway and pull up to the splendour of this Neo-Georgian property, set in more than 30 acres of grounds on the Hampshire/Surrey border. Here every convenience has been thought of. The substantial 7 bedroom main abode impresses with its grand proportions, taking in a cinema room, gym and a multitude of entertaining spaces. Meanwhile a plethora of outbuildings offer plenty of additional accommodation for guests, including a four bedroom lodge and up to five additional bedrooms in The Cabin. With planning permission for an indoor or outdoor pool, as well as a tennis court, it’s able to fulfil all the wellness needs one could desire under one roof.
Warreners Lane, St George's Hill, Weybridge, Surrey KT13
This impressive property is finished to the exacting standards befitting of its location in one of the most internationally renowned private estates. St George’s Hill offers an elevated and private lifestyle, with second-to-none facilities including a championship standard golf course, tennis and squash club, along with a wealth of wellness amenities. The latter extends to the house itself, which features its own indoor pool, sauna, steam room and treatment room, along with a dedicated cinema room, games room and wine cellar. It sets the tone for a home designed for entertaining on a grand scale, from its flexible and expansive living spaces to beautifully landscaped gardens.
Icklingham Road, Cobham, Cobham KT11
Step through the doors of Downe House and you are greeted by the spectacular triple-height hallway, bringing a sense of lightness and space that flows throughout the property. Arranged over 3 floors, this 7 bedroom home blends striking exteriors with contemporary interior design, providing the perfect canvas for a buyer to tailor to their own style. The half an acre of gardens that wrap around the house lend a sense of privacy, while its desirable location gives it easy access to Cobham’s boutique shopping and the area’s range of excellent schools.
