To The Manor Drawn: On the realities of buying a top-tier country pile
There is much more to consider besides maintenance and running costs when acquiring a genuinely top-end country estate or manor house, says Charlie Wells; first-generation ‘country squires’ are often blissfully unaware as to what they could be getting themselves into...

Charlie has over 20 years experience in the property market and has a reputation for discretion, honesty and professionalism. Always acting in the best interest of his clients, he has an uncanny ability to find the “best-in-class” whether it be a village, farm or manor house. Before joining Prime Purchase Charlie set up and ran the country house and farms sales office for an independent firm. He has also worked as a land and sporting agent. A true countryman, he has a full understanding of how the countryside works, and how it will impact on his clients enjoyment of their home. He is a member of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
What buyers want now: Top town & country buying agents compare notes on post-lockdown demand trends
Two top buying agents - one focused on prime London, and one on prime country houses - reveal what is on their clients' most-wanted lists.
By PrimeResi
Swimming through treacle: Why 2018 was a year of sweet deals in a sticky country house market
Some tremendous country properties have been secured well below the initial guide price this year, writes Jamie Freeman of Haringtons, but it's been very hard work for those tasked with the job of finding…
Talking Heads: Prime country market trends & observations
Specialist prime country market experts Jess Simpson, Ed Heaton, James Mackenzie, Robin Gould & Harry Gladwin fill us in on what's really been happening on the ground over the last 12 months, and the themes…
By PrimeResi
Companies in this article
Prime PurchaseMost read
First Look: £500mn ‘vertical village’ takes shape in Kensington
100 Kensington is due to reshape the West London skyline with the tallest resi tower ever delivered in the Royal Borough.
Strutts bolsters country house team with hires from Savills & Knight Frank
James Machell & James Robinson have joined the BNP Paribas-owned estate agency's National Country House Department.
By PrimeResi
Benchmark deal in Marylebone demonstrates art of ‘old-fashioned agency’
£9.95mn apartment attracted multiple bids and set a new 2025 price record - with zero public exposure.
‘I have never known such a challenging marketplace’: Inside 2025’s great country house slowdown
Mishcon de Reya's Idina Glyn speaks to some of Britain's top rural property agents to uncover what's really been happening in the prime country house market.
By Idina Glyn
Massive payout in ‘landmark’ Bankside Rights-of-Light ruling
'These are believed to be the highest negotiating damages ever awarded in a rights of light case,' say lawyers.
By PrimeResi
Social Circuit: ‘Off-market’ networking series debuts in Knightsbridge
Invite-only soirées aim to reimagine offline networking for London’s prime property insiders.
Country house buyers in strongest position for seven years
'It’s quite clear where the negotiating power sits at the moment', says Knight Frank, as high supply & meagre demand puts downward pressure on country property prices.
By PrimeResi
Landmark Shard residences still unlet amid ‘severe’ ultra-prime market contraction
Company filings cite market downturn & tax changes for delays in letting set of luxury apartments at the iconic London skyscraper.
Talking Heads: How the business of luxury property has evolved over the last 25 years
PrimeResi’s panel of seasoned property leaders unpacks the major shifts reshaping the industry in the 21st century - from greater transparency & regulation to tackling discrimination & rethinking collaboration.
By PrimeResi
LATEST ARTICLES
Huge St John’s Wood apartment block heads to auction
157-unit freehold building just around the corner from Lord's will be going under the hammer next week.
A sea view adds a third to a property’s value – Rightmove
Property portal reveals the price premium sellers are seeking for a home with a sea view in 2025.
By PrimeResi
Talking Heads: How the business of luxury property has evolved over the last 25 years
PrimeResi’s panel of seasoned property leaders unpacks the major shifts reshaping the industry in the 21st century - from greater transparency & regulation to tackling discrimination & rethinking collaboration.
By PrimeResi
Weekly Showcase: Ten featured prime resi listings
PrimeResi's regular stock check, powered by LonRes.
Social Circuit: Luxury real estate design leaders gather at The Groucho
The famous Soho establishment provided the backdrop for the second outing of The Vanguard Collective.