Rural View are delighted to announce that we have teamed up with a young go-ahead company called Eden Greenspace who were founded with the sole aim of helping to repair the damage caused to the World’s environment through human activity.

This is not a meaningless ‘greenwashing’ exercise but the opportunity for both us and our clients to positively contribute to the health of the planet and its inhabitants by investing in projects that offer real and practical solutions. Rural View have pledged to donate a portion of our income from sale commission fees to one of the four projects Eden Greenspace are involved with and give our clients the opportunity to say which one they would like to see ‘their’ contribution invested in.

The projects are –

– Removing marine plastic from UK shores

– Planting trees in Africa & Nepal

– Saving bees by rewilding British flower meadows

– Providing solar lights in Sub-Saharan Africa

For more information on Eden Greenspace’s projects and how Rural View are helping to restore the planet contact us for a brochure.

You don’t have to be a vendor client of Rural View to get involved, we can provide you with a link to find out how you can.

We hope that you’ll share our excitement at becoming part of such a worthwhile and important cause!

After a hectic early few months last year, the 2022 property market finished with a whimper rather than a bang. With UK interest rates already on the up as a consequence of the strained global economic and geopolitical picture creating galloping inflation, the disastrous mini budget at the end of September resulted in a steep rise in mortgage rates during the autumn. This led to a drop off in activity levels by the end of the year and a flattening of, and even a small dip in house prices.
Coming into the new year there has been much talk about what’s going to happen to the housing sector in 2023 and especially to property prices. Our thoughts are that it will probably be a muted start before things pick up again in the spring. After years of feast or famine, we are hopeful that the market will settle down as the next few months progress with steadier, calmer trading conditions ahead. Although house prices might come back a little, we don’t envisage a steep drop over the coming year as they are likely to be supported by the demand for homes continuing to outstrip supply.

It was the end of the summer holidays in late August that signalled a wind of change in the mainstream and country house markets. For the first 8 months of 2022 the housing market remained incredibly buoyant with significant viewing numbers, buyers readily competing fiercely for desirable properties and “best offers” remaining common place.

The now infamous “mini budget” saw banks rush to increase mortgage rates incredibly quickly, which immediately started to filter into the market. It is clear that the days of ultra-low interest rates are behind us and we will need to adjust to the new norm.

We remain positive for the market locally and history tells us that if there are falls then this area is likely to fall much less than other parts such as the south east. The outlook for the market and pricing will ultimately depend on how the economy performs and what happens to interest / borrowing rates as a result.

We continue to see healthy levels of demand from good quality buyers. The upside for them is that in this more balanced market they will have a little extra time to make buying decisions compared with the frenzy of the post covid era. Deals continue to be agreed with a few off-market sales too; but as we move towards the year end some will use this time for watching & waiting, although if the right thing comes up don’t wait too long !

We now look for a few months of stable government and anticipate the market gathering momentum in the new year. If you are looking to sell or buy, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch – we would be delighted to help.

CS Nov 22.

When not in the office, Rural View’s Director of Country House Sales Charlie Stone makes the most of the exceptional countryside we have on our doorstep here in South Wiltshire, and fishing is among his passions.

The scenery in the Nadder, Wylye, Chalke and Avon valleys is in our opinion, among the best in southern England and the chalk stream fishing locally can also be world class too. Over the years Rural View has dealt with a number of buyers who want to be within close proximity to the well managed rivers, pretty water meadows, clear alkaline waters and healthy stocks of fish that chalk stream fishing entails. In a recent Q&A Charlie shared some local fishing tips.

How long have you been fishing?

Well over 40 years now! I had a rod in my hand aged 5 years old, and have great memories catching sea trout in Wales as a boy. We would often set night lines for eels and trout too, and there was great excitement in the morning to see what we had caught.

Which are your favourite local fishing spots?

The River Nadder at Compton Chamberlayne is a stunning. There is also a very pretty section of the River Avon between Salisbury and Stonehenge, which is another favourite.

How do you value Fishing?

Chalkstream Fishing has generally been valued by the yard. Whilst this is still useful, many other factors come into value, such as quality of the pools (for holding fish), the variety of pools / water, is the amenity value high? What are the catches like? Equally, there may be an opportunity to improve a fishery, its pools and banks, if it has been neglected or damaged by livestock. There is likely to be marriage value with fishing and a good country house and its associated land.

What makes chalkstream fishing special?

The crystal clear water means you can spot fish and cast to them. You can’t beat the peace and tranquility of the riverbank, whilst being amongst nature.

Can you recommend any good local fishing schools?

I enjoyed a very good casting lesson with Graham Waterton who lives in Tisbury a few years back. He can also accompany you on a fully guided day, to help you get the most out of your fishing trip. William Daniel of Famous Fishing is also a good person to know, he offers his clients guided fishing and access to some interesting water locally and abroad.

Best time of year for it?

May & June on any river is hard to beat; but you can catch pike or grayling through the winter.

Can you recommend any good local fishing shops?

My go-to fishing outfitters for trout are Robjents & Orvis, both in Stockbridge.

What has been your most memorable day of fishing?

My real passion is salmon fishing so either catching a handful of salmon on the fly in Scotland or landing a large salmon abroad after an hour-long battle.

Any fishing disasters that you don’t mind sharing?

Falling in and a hooks through fingers have been low points!

Which is the dream village on Rural View’s patch in terms of fishing?

Anywhere close to Compton Chamberlayne would be my top recommendation. We have been fortunate to be involved in the sale of 3 Mill houses in the last couple of years and they very often sell to a buyer who shares a passion for fishing.

And last of all, who are your fishing heroes?

There were many great Salmon fisherman in the 70’s, 80’s and 90s, but then there were many more salmon around then. I was fortunate to spend a week with Swede Mikael Frodin, who is the most incredible fisherman and also a tireless campaigner for Atlantic Salmon Conservation. In Frodin’s words “Any wild fish are worth more than a million hatched – any ecosystem is worth more than all the money in the world”.

2021 Review & Market update –

We get you moving!

The last year has been somewhat of a rollercoaster for the rural property market and in particular for those searching for their dream house. The rush to find houses in good rural country has not waned at all and buyers have had to compete very hard to secure the best properties in the best locations. It has undoubtedly been one of the strongest “sellers’ markets” for rural property that many of us have ever experienced during the last 30 years.

Some useful Rural View statistics from 2021 when compared with our previous 3 year average.

• Sales were up 96%
• Offers were up by 121%
• Buyers registering with RV up by 50%
• Viewings up by 74%

We have experienced incredibly strong bidding with both open market and private sales which has given vendors a choice in their route to market with some fantastic results achieved. What has been unusual about this market is that it has been strong across all price points and the above statistics show that we have been able to successfully generate exceptional interest for our clients.

Supply of good houses in this area is always tight, and people tend to stay in them for a very long time. A succession of lockdowns has not encouraged people to move either and understandably if they are looking to downsize they will be anxious about where they are going to – although we do have a variety of suggestions. This shortage of supply has only fuelled prices which have been outstanding for those prepared to take the plunge.

We listen carefully to what our clients want and deliver bespoke marketing solutions to meet their needs in a timely and efficient manner. The right advice could be discreet private marketing or a full public campaign using a variety of advertising media. If you would like to find out more how we can help please call or email us hello@ruralview.co.uk