A practical guide to country ‘prop tech’

In an era where technology is seamlessly woven into our daily lives, the demand for smart, efficient, and discreet systems is rising. From ensuring security to enhancing comfort and convenience, Proptech plays an increasingly vital role in shaping the modern country house.

Knight Frank's Max Beard says, "People want technology that works for them, not against them – solutions that quietly improve quality of life without impacting the properties character."

This article with Steve Moore explores how to integrate Proptech into your house thoughtfully, balancing technological advancements with timeless aesthetics. 

Secure the asset 

Doubtless you’ll want to keep an eye on your property when you’re not there. If your boundary is a long way from the main house, think carefully about access control and perimeter security. In town, you might benefit from Police response if your alarm goes off, but in the country, you might be an hour or more from support. 

To get it right:

1. Invest in name-brand cameras and an alarm that can be monitored securely when you’re away. As well as reassuring you on security they’re useful for keeping tabs on deliveries.
2. Focus on practical solutions: if you have valuables, keep a little cash and some paste jewellery in an easy-to-find hotel safe, and stash the real treasure in a proper safe somewhere less obvious. 
3. If you have genuine concerns, work with an NSI-Gold company that can produce a ‘Secure by Design’ scheme. 

Only connect 

When everything is connected to the internet – thermostat, burglar alarm, TV and music system, and even the kids’ games – reliable connectivity is critical. Today’s satellite and mesh Wi-Fi technologies should ensure coverage throughout your home, even with thick stone or brick walls and intermittent rural broadband. 

To get it right:

1. Commission a Wi-Fi survey and make a plan early.
2. Allow for a secondary, slower internet connection in case the main one fails.
3. Give key entertainment and security devices ‘their own lane on the motorway’ with separate cables.
4. Invest in a service contract with someone to call who can connect remotely to fix any problems.

Living it large 

Even with the vagaries of a British summer, it’s possible to bring exceptional AV outdoors; whether the beautiful TV/music Cineair units from Matthew Hill Bespoke, or enormous weatherproof pop-up screens from CSeed. 

To get it right:

1. More items than you realise need Wi-Fi and power, so plan ahead. External-grade cable routed underneath the garden will give you future options.
2. Get the sound right. Tiny, discreet speakers with an underground subwoofer, like the Garden series from Sonance, will make the difference.

Keep it simple 

You didn’t buy your country home to clutter it with lots of technology. Keep visible elements to a minimum and make sure you can operate what you need – the heating, the cameras, the music – from your phone, wherever you are. Think about the cost too. You might not want to heat up every room in the winter if you’re just there with your partner, but you’ll want to make sure it is warm when you arrive. 

To get it right:

1. Have a clear view of what is important to you and stick to it. You only want to do the work once.
2. Keep things consistent so they work the same way in both town and country.
3. Get period switches and sockets from Focus, Lutron or Meljac.
4. Pay your specialist to create a blindingly simple user guide, so that guests can use the place too.

Steve Moore, founder of the UK’s leading systems integrator, SMC, has spent 40 years looking after the technology needs of high-net-worth clients in London and around the world