Now that winter has arrived and with Christmas fast approaching, there are a few jobs to do in the garden such as making sure the water supply to outside taps is turned off, the borders are tidied up and tools cleaned ahead of their winter hibernation. Don’t forget that birds need to access ice free water so not only keep their feeders topped up but make sure water is available as well; a large plant saucer is ideal for this and is also welcomed by hedgehogs.

Before putting you feet up in front of the fire why not venture outside for an invigorating country walk. There’s nothing better than a stroll across the fields on a crisp frosty day but even when it’s damp & miserable, a breath of fresh air is welcome.

A throwback to the Fonthill Hunter Trials in September, which we were proud to sponsor.
This is part of photographer Adrian Wroth’s beautiful Fonthill Project, documenting a year on the Estate.
We highly recommend heading over to Adrian’s Instagram feed to take a look at the whole project >> https://bit.ly/3pZNrFZ

We love this stunning overhead shot of Old Wardour Castle by @gbriantgram from back in September, just as the leaves were beginning to turn ????????
Built in the 14th century as a lightly fortified luxury residence for John, fifth Lord Lovell, the unusual hexagonal castle came into the ownership of the Arundells in the 16th century. It was rendered uninhabitable during the English Civil war following a Parliamentarian siege that lasted several weeks and then the subsequent recapture by Henry 3rd Lord Arundell.
The castle is currently closed for lockdown, but -all going to plan- will be reopening on 3rd Dec for pre-booked visits via English Heritage. We highly recommend a visit to take in the castle rooms, grounds and grotto ???? There’s also a lovely circular walk that takes in both Old and New Wardour Castles.
>> https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/…/old-wardour-castle/

English historical novelist, poet and essayist Maurice Hewlett included Teffont in his list of the half dozen most beautiful villages in England. We’re in agreement.

For those of us living in the country, we may take for granted the clean fresh air and beautiful countryside around us, but at times like these, I bet we are all very appreciative of what it has to offer us during this period of lockdown.

Surge in Demand
When this time of uncertainty has passed, a likely outcome is that we will see an even greater surge of buyers wanting to move to the country due to Covid 19. As well-established countryside estate agents we have witnessed young families making lifestyle decisions to raise their children in a more rural environment for many years, but I believe that this could now be accelerated and give a real boost for the rural property market.

Real Term Value
After all, we have not seen the peaks and troughs that London has had over the last 10 years and our market has remained relatively flat in real terms. When there has been better economic news the country market nudges up a few percentage points on buyer confidence, then an election is announced or Brexit kicks in and confidence wanes a touch with sentiment.

It will take a few months of trading to establish whether there has been any effect on country property prices in real terms, but perhaps we may a see a rural market that has a little more of a swing in its step?

CS May 2020