Bring out the wellies: city dwellers are finally finding an excuse to make that long-postponed escape to the country.
As many realise — thanks to the lockdown — that they can work just as easily from home, demand for properties in rural areas has soared. A recent report by estate agent Savills found four in ten of the buyers they surveyed are considering moving to a village.
Specialist property finders are also reporting an upsurge in demand for rural homes, as are online portals Rightmove and Zoopla.
It’s too early to say whether the pent-up demand caused by the lockdown has prompted an increase in sold prices, but judging by the hike in asking prices, it seems more than likely.
Here, the Mail offers a snapshot of some of the most attractive rural properties currently on the market — and the price at which they last sold for. Jump in the Land Rover now — and don’t forget to pack the labrador…
Ludlow, Shropshire – 2015: Sold for £520,000. Price now: £675,000
A one-mile stroll from the centre of foodie capital Ludlow, this is one of the oldest brick-built buildings in Shropshire.
With seven bedrooms and a study, the farmhouse is set in an acre of land. The farmhouse-style kitchen is huge, perfect for gourmet gatherings, and the cellar will hold an extensive wine collection.
The food and drink scene in Ludlow is breath-taking, with a range of specialist shops and suppliers.
Strutt & Parker 01584 873711; struttandparker.com
Near Abingdon, Oxfordshire – 2017: Sold for £600,000. Price now: £875,000
Oxfordshire, with its close links to London, has always been a good investment.
This period cottage on the edge of Clifton Hampden has been renovated by the present owners and has four bedrooms, a huge kitchen with island and a beautiful garden.
It’s a picture-perfect setting in an idyllic village with a pub and tennis and cricket club. Didcot Parkway station, with fast trains to London, is just six miles away.
Savills 01865 339700; savills.com
Kendal, Cumbria – 2019: Sold for £250,000. Price now: £495,000
This handsome four-bedroom Victorian townhouse close to the centre of Kendal has just been fully restored and would now make an excellent family home.
Kendal is seen as the southern gateway to the Lake District: one of the most populous towns in the region, with a vibrant economy and excellent transport links.
The fell walking nearby is breath-taking, naturally, one reason why property prices in the area have remained robust.
Purple Bricks 02475 118874; purplebricks.com
Appletreewick, The Dales – 2015: Sold for £400,000. Price now: £500,000
A charming, two-bedroom stone cottage that lies in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
A stone-flagged terrace opens out onto a lovely view, while the open-plan kitchen and large bathroom are both very generous for a property of this size.
Carter Jonas 01423 523423; carterjonas.co.uk
Near Henley-on-Thames, Oxon – 2016: Sold for £835,000. Price now: £865,000
This cottage in Binfield Heath is a short drive from Henley, famous for its rowing regatta.
There are four bedrooms, an Aga in the kitchen and French doors that open into a mature garden.
Savills 01491 843 000; savills.com
Near Launceston, Cornwall – 2016: Sold for £279,000. Price now: £675,000
Beautifully transformed from a bit of a wreck, this house is the perfect holiday bolthole.
It sits on the edge of Bodmin Moor, close to the river Tamar, which is effectively the border between Cornwall and Devon.
The farmhouse and cottage is Grade II-listed, and the attached barn also has conversion potential. The coast and Tintagel Castle are about 20 minutes’ drive.
Kivells 01288 359999; kivells.com
Southwold, Suffolk – 2015: Sold for £1.25m. Price now: £2m
A gem of a Grade II-listed Georgian seafront house in one of north Suffolk’s most appealing towns.
Since it was last on the market, the four-bedroom house has been refurbished with an open-plan and contemporary interior.
Savills, 01473 558045; savills.com
Port Isaac, Cornwall – 2015: Sold for £365,000. Price now: £560,000
This cosy fishermen’s cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Port Isaac has only 700 permanent residents but it’s well-known as the backdrop to ITV’s Doc Martin.
John Bray and Partners, 01208 862601, johnbraysales.co.uk
Harlaston, Staffordshire – 2017: Sold for £1.5m. Price now: £1.75m
Starch the dog-collar, this is a truly classic old rectory — complete with an orangery, six bedrooms and six bathrooms, a one-acre private plot and amazing views.
There’s a library with a real fire in the limestone and granite fireplace; the main reception room and kitchen have both recently been renovated.
Fine & Country, 0121 2726900, fineandcountry.com
West Ashling, West Sussex – 2018: Sold for £520,000. Price now: £895,000
This period cottage is close to Bosham and Emsworth, much-prized by sailors, walkers and holidaymakers.
Recently refurbished, it offers nearly 1,600 square feet of accommodation.
Henry Adams; 01243 533377; henryadams.co.uk
Withington, Glocs – 2015: Sold for £450,000. Price now: £895,000
A Cotswold corker, this traditional stone house epitomises this most romantic of English regions.
Over three floors, the house has just three bedrooms, but the location is brilliant: handy for Londoners and those who live and work in Oxford, Cheltenham or Cirencester.
The village, which sits astride the River Coln, thrives in normal times — it has several shops and a popular pub, the Mill. And you never know, Camilla and Charles might stop by: Highgrove is 15 minutes away.
Strutt & Parker 01285 653101; struttandparker.com