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A country house is often characterised as a large traditional residence with gardens or grounds, located in a rural area, typically reflecting a distinct architectural style. Whether your country home is your primary residence or a second home, this type of property is perfect for those seeking a relaxed lifestyle, with a focus on privacy, nature, and space.

There are many benefits to countryside living: homes typically have large living spaces with generous gardens, and fewer nearby neighbours allow for greater privacy. Being surrounded by quieter, nature-rich landscapes can be great for your mental health and lead to a more outdoor lifestyle. Country homes are located outside of cities, where you get more property and land for your money and a strong community spirit. It also offers greater self-sufficiency, from growing your own food to keeping larger pets and using renewable energy sources.

However, some things to consider are that due to their rural location, there is often limited access to services, with fewer shops, facilities and entertainment options. A car is usually crucial for commuting and daily tasks because public transport is less frequent and less reliable. The costs of running and maintaining a countryside home can add up, especially if you live in an older property that requires more repairs and has higher energy costs. However, setting aside a dedicated maintenance fund, engaging in DIY projects, and investing in energy efficiency can help offset these costs.

If you are ready to realise your country property ambitions, contact our expert team who have access to some of the best and most exclusive country homes the UK have to offer.

Countryside homes can sometimes require specialist insurance rather than standard home insurance. Reasons for this include:

• If non-standard construction and materials are used, such as thatched roofs, timber frames or stone construction.
• If your home is listed.
• If your country home will be empty for more than 30 or 60 days, which is often the case with second homes.
• If you rent out your property, you鈥檒l need holiday let insurance to cover public liability, loss of rental income, and accidental damage.
• If your country home has extra land, stables, or outbuildings that are not covered by standard insurance.
• If your property is located in a higher-risk flood or subsidence area.

Countryside properties can be extended and renovated, but may be subject to stricter planning regulations, environmental protections, and conservation rules than urban homes.

The scale of the renovation needs to be taken into account. Small internal renovations are usually subject only to building regulations, with large extensions requiring planning permission. In rural councils, planning applications often take longer than government targets, leading to delays.

Listed homes and those in conservation areas will require full approval and, in some cases, specific consent for even minor changes, to maintain the property鈥檚 character. Extensions will typically need to use materials that match the original building. Rural properties often require ecological surveys to identify protected species, such as bats or wild birds, to avoid, mitigate, or compensate for potential harm. 

Country homes are often found in more rural areas, so they may not always be connected to all mains services.

• Almost all country properties are connected to the National Grid for electricity; however, very remote, isolated properties may rely on solar, wind, or diesel generators, though this is rare.
• Approximately 99% of all homes in the UK are connected to the mains water supply. Very rarely, some rural homes may use private boreholes, wells or springs.
• Some country homes located in remote rural areas will not be connected to the mains sewer network and will rely on private sewage systems such as septic tanks, cesspits, or small treatment plants.
• Around 85% of UK homes are connected to the mains gas network, but for country homes that aren鈥檛 they typically use heating oil, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) tanks, or wood-burning stoves for heating and cooking.