Perhaps you have made your money and want to escape the rat race – or maybe you simply crave lush green landscapes and a slower pace of life. Robin Edwards, a buying agent at Curetons Property Finders, reminds us that moving to the countryside involves more than buying Hunter wellies and Barbour jacket. www.curetons.co.uk
The pull of the countryside has never been more tempting for city-dwelling Brits. The research? Twenty seven per cent of professionals have left the city to move somewhere more rural, and 42% would happily consider doing so. After all, the internet, along with flexible and hybrid working, means it’s never been easier to work from home. And if said home has palatial space and rolling countryside views then surely the move is a no brainer? According to Robin Edwards, who specialises in helping wealthy clients make the city to country transition, smooth urban to rural migration must start by asking a few crucial questions before you decide whether the grass really is greener.
What Are You Looking At?
The first step in your adventure is to consider why you are moving. “I always start by clarifying a client’s exact reasons for the change and their lifestyle wants and needs,” explains Robin. “Are they seeking a primary residence, weekend retreat or long-term family estate? The answers will shape everything from their acreage requirements to proximity to schools or transport. The clearer the brief, the more effectively a buying agent can unlock the right opportunities. That also includes any discrete off-market homes.”
Nice To Meet You
The next step into countryside living is to consider the cultural aspects of your move. Moving out of the city brings with it adjustments that will need to be made, which may seem difficult at first. You may have to say goodbye to the anonymity and convenience of city living, and say hello to a new, more community-based way of life. “The biggest mistake I see wealthy buyers make is assuming the country is simply a greener version of the city,” says Robin. “It is not. Before viewing anything, spend proper time in the area at different times of the year. A weekend in August can feel idyllic, but a wet Tuesday in February tells you far more about what daily life will actually look like. Check out local restaurants, walks, farm shops and schools. The countryside is hyper-local, so two villages five miles apart can feel entirely different socially and architecturally. Understanding this is key to choosing somewhere that genuinely fits your hopes and dreams.”
Know Your Boundaries
A major positive of moving to greener areas is the amount of space you can buy for your money. If Knightsbridge no longer cuts it now your family is expanding, space must be one of rural living’s greatest luxuries. “Privacy means different things in the countryside. A long driveway and gates are one thing, but true discretion often comes down to topography, neighbouring land ownership and footpath access. I advise clients to understand who owns the surrounding fields. Then there are public rights of way, and how exposed the house may be from higher ground.”
Consider The Convenience
And while more space is all well and good – off grid living is not for the weak hearted. Check that a reliable network of technological and transport links are available for an stress-free work and home life. “Connectivity is a critical factor that often gets overlooked in the romance of the move. Fast broadband, reliable mobile signal and realistic journey times to London or airports affect both lifestyle and long-term value. Country homes can feel remote very quickly if infrastructure has not kept pace with expectations, particularly for families running businesses or managing investments.”
Look Outside
Finally, before investing in a property, put time into researching – and perhaps integrating yourself into the local area. Philanthropic events are wonderful things to get involved with, as are community days and volunteer opportunities. “Think beyond the house itself and focus on the area around it. Local pubs, equestrian facilities, and the strength of the community all shape the experience. The most successful moves happen when buyers fall in love not just with a property, but also the surrounding area as a whole.”
