// Property


Through The Keyhole


Trot on for an equestrian property Property expert, Amanda MacCaw brings you an aristocratic equestrian property from the beautiful Windrush area of the Cotswolds.


All property searches tend to involve some degree of compromise. Members of the family will have different requirements in terms of both location and accommodation. And of course price! As soon as you add an extra element to the search, the pool of available properties gets smaller and the compromises get more painful.


Finding a property that suits everyone and accommodates equine members of the family too, can seem like a daunting task, whether you’re looking for a house or cottage with a paddock and a field shelter; a large family home with yard, paddocks and an all-weather arena; or a professional yard with specialist facilities and accommodation for staff.


Craig Fuller of Stacks Property Search says, “The demand for a good family period property with 10-20 acres, a stable block, manège, tack room and other appropriate outbuildings is always high and 2017 is no exception. Supply is restricted so buyers will often find themselves in competition for the best properties.


Craig’s advice is to be patient, not to rush and to remember that while houses can be adapted to suit, location and suitability of land can’t! Free-draining land (light loam and chalk as opposed to clay) is the holy grail, allowing owners to turn out horses throughout the year, reducing stable time that leads to endless mucking out, and higher food costs.


He also points to the importance of a property with good outriding on the doorstep. He says, “As country lanes become more populated by drivers ensconced in expensive and speedy German metal, unaware of the likelihood of rounding corners to find four-legged traffic, the ability to access bridle paths direct from the property is incredibly valuable.”


Other good-to-haves include suitable access for lorries, trailers and deliveries; and a big American-style barn that houses stables, wash room, tack room, hay and bedding storage. Having all of this under one roof makes husbandry a great deal more manageable – and pleasant! Buyers should look carefully at fencing and security, and be prepared to invest heavily if either are inadequate.


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