But a twist has been added. While the setting might be traditional, the interiors in these country houses are at the cutting edge of design and style.
Britain’s breathing spaces
There are growing signs that the exodus from British towns is continuing and when they do move, families want to live in a rural property in an unspoilt area, far from busy roads, and the hubbub of modern life.
The top areas are often national parks – known as Britain’s breathing spaces. These include the famous Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, as well as Dartmoor and Exmoor in the South West.
Hi-tech surprises
But while there are opportunities galore to indulge in traditional country pursuits such as hunting, shooting and fishing on the doorstep, country properties in the most demand house some hi-tech surprises, according to property estate agents.
Private cinema rooms, gyms and wine fridges are commonplace and are taking the place of libraries, orangeries and wine cellars.
People want the clean air and beauty of the country with all the modern sensibilities and entertainment possibilities more familiar in New York’s SoHo or London’s Clerkenwell.
The old versus the new country house
OLD
- Billiard room
- Conservatory
- Cellar
- Library
- Orangery
NEW
- Adults’ games room
- Cool modern shed
- Wine fridge
- Cinema room
- Leisure complex
A trend born in celebrity hotels
It’s a trend that has probably been started by the re-invigoration of the country house hotel from dowdy aunty’s retreat to urban sophisticates’ hideout.
The rise of hotels-cum-private members’ clubs such as Somerset’s Babington House and Scotland’s Skibo Castle, where popstar Madonna and film maker Guy Richie married, have set a trend for cutting edge luxury in the heart of the countryside.
It’s a trend that has translated well from the top end of the boutique hotel market to the top end of the house sales
market for country properties.