Twenty five years since this publication began, both it and Jackson-Stops have more than doubled in size. But have the period country houses on offer changed? Yes: many are so smart as to match the best in London for glamour – with a country look.

Twenty five years since this publication began, both it and Jackson-Stops have more than doubled in size. But have the period country houses on offer changed? Yes: many are so smart as to match the best in London for glamour – with a country look.

A quarter of a century is no time at all in relation to the age of many of the country houses we sell; barely time for a good rug to show wear, or for a fruit tree to mature. Yet a high proportion have changed more in the last 25 years than the previous hundred, as interior and exterior spaces have been exploited and spruced up with ever-greater verve. What has driven this push for the palatial? Dawn Carritt, Head of the Country Houses office in London throughout this time, sees a convergence of incentives: 

“Across all areas, lower mortgage rates plus higher stamp duty (1997 saw the the first of many increases) persuaded owners to improve, not move, going into roof spaces, side passageways and more. At the same time, new lighting and doorway technologies made it possible to create attractive indoor/outdoor spaces, complete with serious outdoor kitchens. A growing band of TV shows (Grand Designs started in 1999) sparked a taste for drama (and endless bathrooms) whilst the pub smoking ban (2007) opened smoke-free eyes to how outdoor spaces could be transformed and used for much of the year. As expectations climbed higher, so did the desire for the kind of ‘dream country cottage’ creations beloved of users of Airbnb (2008) and those smartening up, to sell (still tax free, on your main home).”

Dawn added that the Covid lockdowns piled on yet more pressure to make the most of whatever space you have. The result is quality and drama as never before. And the next 25 years? Interiors may need more quiet offices, and gardens more spaces to escape the sun, not bask in it. Regardless, Jackson-Stops and perhaps even this publication, will still be here to help with your property interests.