Category: Press

What’s Causing the Great Country House Slowdown?

Posted on by Jessica Jonzen

It’s a testing environment in the prime country house market, Idina Glyn of Mishcon de Reya reports for PrimeResi, with insights from our Partners Mark Lawson and Harry Gladwin.

Speaking to Idina Glyn, Partner in the Private Group at Mishcon de Reya, specialising in advising landed estates, UHNW individuals, rural businesses, and charities, Mark said: “After over 30 years of selling and buying in the country, I have never known such a challenging marketplace.”

Harry notes: “here’s a noticeable flight to quality: buyers are more discerning, less willing to compromise, and very value-conscious, so anything that’s compromised – whether on location, presentation or condition – is sticking.”

Read the article here.

The Cotswolds Reimagined for Contemporary Life

Posted on by Jessica Jonzen

As the modern Palladian revival country house Daisy Green in Wotton-under-Edge, Gloucestershire, goes on the market, a recent article in Robb Report shares expert insight from our Cotswolds Partner Harry Gladwin on what the modern Cotswold buyer wants.

Boz Gagovski Photography

It may look like an exceptionally well-preserved 18th-century Cotswolds villa, but Daisy Green in Gloucestershire dates, in fact, to 2011 and was built by the artist and designer Susanna White of Studio Whiteworks and her husband, John.

Writing in Robb Report, journalist Abby Montanez reports that today’s Cotswold buyers seek traditional beauty with modern comfort – and more than just a weekend escape, quoting Harry Gladwin, Head of the Cotswolds Region at The Buying Solution.

Read the article here.

Why the Cotswolds’ ‘Golden Triangle’ Is Losing its Edge

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Wealthy buyers in the Cotswolds are setting their sights beyond the typically popular socialite scene, according to a recent article in Bloomberg, featuring expert comment from our Partner Harry Gladwin.

view of Cotswolds stone houses down the hill in Burford. Image: Getty

Talking to journalist Sarah Rappaprt, our Head of the Cotswolds region, Harry, says: “For those seeking true privacy, the celebrity ecosystem around Soho Farmhouse is starting to feel a bit crowded—or worse, performative.” He adds: “Areas around Snowshill, Cold Aston, Whichford or the Coln Valley offer more space, less scrutiny and just as much charm.”

Read the article here.

Identifying Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian Homes

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Knowing your architectural styles, the signifiers you should look for and – most importantly – why they matter is incredibly useful when searching for a home. Head of The Buying Solution, Will Watson, shares his expert insight on what buyers should know about period homes in The View from Knight Frank.

Victorian-red-brick-house-in-Kensington,-London,-UK

“I remember a client telling me years ago that owning an old house is like owning a classic car – you’re always tinkering with it,” he says. “Do your research and carry out proper due diligence. If you fall in love with an older property – especially one that’s listed – be prepared: any work will likely take longer and cost more than you expect.”

Read the article here.

The Cult US Interiors Brand Housed in the Cotswolds

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Our Head of the Cotswolds, Harry Gladwin talks to Alexandra Goss for The London Magazine about the cult US interiors brand RH which is housed at Oxfordshire’s 400-year-old landmark estate Aynho Park – its first foray outside of North America.

As it prepares to launch in Mayfair next year, Harry comments on how RH has put the once sleepy village of Aynho and surrounding Cotswolds villages on the map.

Quiet Cotswolds street and cottages. Image: Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

Read the article here.

Prime Property Insiders React to Non-Dom U-Turn Rumours

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

As reports suggest that chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering changes to the inheritance tax rules for non-doms, Head of The Buying Solution Will Watson shares his reaction with PrimeResi.

Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

“The changes have had a hugely negative impact in the short to medium term with a significant exodus from the London market,” says Will. “Reeves announcement gives a renewed optimism to the prime London market. This coupled with the feeling of unrest elsewhere such as the Middle East, and feeling that many other cities just cannot offer what London has are likely to halt decisions to relocate entirely while they wait and see.

“There is no assurance which way this will go, but for us this signals a window of opportunity ahead of the Autumn budget as a great window to buy well. As if non-dom taxes are then reduced at the October budget the buyers will return back quickly and with confidence.”

Read the article here.

What to Consider when Buying an Equestrian Property

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Purchasing an equestrian property is not just an investment in financial terms, but in the lifestyle it brings. In the latest issue of The View by Knight Frank, our Partner Katherine Watters shares her insight into what to consider when searching for the ideal home for you and your horse.

“Different equestrian sports and disciplines require differing types of facilities and land,” advises Kat, an equestrian specialist with vast experience both as a lifelong rider and a buying agent. “Understanding the difference is absolutely vital to providing the best solution for our clients.”

Read more here.

Why Americans are Flocking to the ‘Hamptons of England’

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Our Head of the Cotswolds, Harry Gladwin, talks to Laura Parnaby at the Mail Online about the noticeable rise in interest from American buyers in the region in recent years.

One of the most experienced and well-regarded specialists in the Cotswolds, Harry, spoke about why the beautiful Cotswolds stone houses, privacy and space continues to resonate so strongly with our American friends and clients.

Read the article here.

The Growing ‘Try Before You Buy’ Trend

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Mark Lawson spoke to Cathy Hawker at the Financial Times about the upsides and potential pitfalls of the growing super-prime property trend to ‘try before you buy’.

This means that some sellers are allowing potential buyers to temporarily move in before committing to buying and Mark comments that it is “an excellent idea for a prospective buyer but requires a leap of faith for vendors.”

He adds: “The buyer gets to live in the house, see how it works, listen to any noises and learn about the area and the neighbours. It gives them excellent insight — while they check out all the negatives. The only upside for the seller, however, is that if the buyer likes it, they tend to commit fully to the purchase.”

Read the article here.

Trump Sends Wealthy Americans Fleeing to the Cotswolds

Posted on by Rosalind Sack

Our Head of the Cotswolds Harry Gladwin spoke to Lauren Almeida from The Guardian about why a significant proportion of his clients are now Americans looking to settle in this idyllic pocket of the English Countryside.

period home with trailing greenery in the Cotswolds
Sarah Frances Kelley for The Buying Solution

“There are multiple draws: it is a safe place to hold properties; young families often want to have a holiday home with a view to spending more time here in the long term; and older couples who want to spend more time in the UK use it as a stepping stone into Europe,” says Harry.

Read article here.