Preserving our heritage

Increasingly many historic houses are being divided into apartments, saving them from falling into disrepair, a sad fate that has befallen many large country houses. Conversions benefit all parties; they ensure that our historic buildings can be enjoyed and appreciated by generations to come, while meaning that the country house lifestyle can be enjoyed without the maintenance costs associated with a owning a large house.

Knight Frank has a selection of apartments in country houses on the market. The first, The West Tower, 1 Charlton Park House, Malmesbury, Wiltshire on the market for £445,000 through Knight Frank (01285 659 771). This lovely Grade I building dates back to the early 17th century when it was built for the Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire. It was converted into 19 apartments in 1975.

The property has recently undergone a thorough refurbishment which has provided excellent accommodation set over several floors, with three bedrooms and three reception rooms. Ownership of this property allows access to communal grounds, and also a private garden area which is accessed from the kitchen. This apartment is situated in beautiful parkland, yet within easy access of transport routes and major centres.

The second is 3 Goldicote Hall, Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire and is on the market for £495,000 through Knight Frank (01789 297735). The first owner of Goldicote Hall was Robert d’Goldicote in 1216, since then the house has had a number of aristocratic residents, some of who’s crest’s and mottos are still visible throughout the house.

Converted into apartments and mews houses in 2000, the apartment has two bedrooms, bespoke kitchen and two reception rooms. It still maintains many of the original features, including an impressive stone fireplace, high ceilings and stone mullion windows. There is parking for several cars and a landscaped communal garden with tennis court.

3 Framfield Place, Hammonds Green, Framfield, East Sussex, the third property is for sale at £750,000 through Knight Frank (01892 515035). Also known as The Georgian House, this property occupies the central portion of this stunning Grade II* listed early 19th century country house. It is understood to have been remodelled by both Norman Shaw and Sir Edwin Lutyens.

The apartment still retains many original period features including high ceilings, sash windows with shutters and ceiling roses. There are four bedrooms and two large reception rooms with stunning views over the gardens and lake.

The key selling points of such properties is most often the opportunity to live in a large historic home, with good security and private gardens and grounds, but without the running costs of owning the full house.

Beautiful architecture appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds, with the security and community feel of such conversions being especially attractive to the retired people, especially those looking for second homes in the UK who want to know they can safely leave their property while they go abroad or to their main residence.

These properties show that the country house idyll is not as unattainable as many of us may think. Indeed, they can offer a lifestyle that is highly attractive to a certain sort of buyer; the thrill of living in a stately home on a more manageable scale.

For further information visit Knightfrank.com.