Buying a country manor is no small feat—it’s not just about ‘location, location, location’ but also the brief: should it come with a tennis court, an indoor pool, or perhaps even a vineyard? Umesh Patel joins an advisor from Property Vision on viewings, where every detail counts.
The reassuring pop of the cork signalled the start of what promised to be a perfect afternoon at the Cowdray polo semi-finals, hosted by the property advisory firm Property Vision. The match was, by all accounts, in full swing — though, if I’m honest, I hadn’t the foggiest idea about the rules of the so-called “game of kings” as horses with shimmering manes thundered past, their riders’ mallets slicing through the air with precision.
As I sipped my glass of sparkling wine and chatted with Marcus, an advisor from the firm, the match paused for a break. Suddenly, the call for the divot stomp rang out — a charming yet peculiar tradition where elegantly dressed spectators shuffle onto the field in their flowing summer dresses and crisp linen suits, precariously balancing their drinks as they flatten the divots kicked up by the horses’ hooves. Joining in the stomping with a glass of Nyetimber in hand, I learned that the nearby estate and vineyard had been acquired by its current owners with the help of Property Vision. As I savoured the sparkling fruits of that very acquisition, I couldn’t help but wonder how one goes about buying such a manor.
To find out, I arranged to meet Marcus again some months later. As part of the regional country team, he would show me firsthand what property advisors do by taking me to view a couple of estates along the Sussex and Surrey borders.
We kick off the morning with a flat white from the local farm shop — thankfully, there isn’t a coffee chain in sight. Marcus explains that the charming locale of Christ’s Hospital boasts one of the oldest private schools in the country, making it a popular choice for city dwellers eager to upsize with their young families in tow. Most of Marcus’s clients are financiers or entrepreneurs, primarily based in London, looking to trade the hustle and bustle of urban life for a taste of rural charm.
As we drive to our first viewing — Marcus referring to his SUV as his office since he spends most of his working day in it — we delve into why clients turn to Property Vision for their dream homes. First and foremost, they exclusively represent buyers and handle all the heavy lifting, leveraging an extensive network of estate agents to sift through both on and off-market listings that align with their clients’ requirements. This curated selection ensures you’re not confined to a single agency. Once you’ve identified the right property, they negotiate the best possible price on your behalf.
Discretion is paramount, which is why discerning individuals, including celebrities and Hollywood film stars, I’m told, trust the firm to manage every facet of the buying process. I try to pry a few famous names from Marcus, but he remains tight-lipped. He also mentions that, due to potential conflicts of interest, if a prospective client has a similar brief with an existing one — especially in terms of region and budget — he cannot take on the new client until the existing one has secured their purchase. This policy ensures they remain fair and fully committed to their clientele.
As we approach the long, tree-lined driveway leading to our first property, Storries — an impressive Art Deco house perched on the edge of the village, boasting southerly views of the South Downs — it feels as though we’ve stepped into an episode of Through the Keyhole. You remember the show: the one where we nosed around some of the most remarkable homes, led by the ever-charismatic Grossman, while contestants tried to guess which celebrity lived there. Well, as fate would have it, our inaugural tour takes us to the home of a member of a legendary ’80s English electronic music band.
Shoes off, we step into the reception hall, greeted by a beautiful grand piano and a couple of electric guitars standing proudly on their racks. The owner, it seems, has a taste for Art Deco collectibles, including some rather quirky pieces, like a chrome console with a pedestal sink once used by dentists and a cigarette dispenser. Another intriguing item is a vintage wooden cabinet, equipped with a numbered panel that lights up when a bell is pressed from any room, summoning a servant’s attention with a touch of old-world elegance. Very Downton Abbey—minus the actual staff, of course.
It’s tempting to slip into estate agent waffle — ‘sympathetically restored’ this, ‘potential for scope’ that — but, my goodness, Storries is something else. This eight-bedroom property sits on nearly 29 acres of prime Sussex land, complete with a glass-enclosed courtyard that exudes luxury. Outside, as we stroll through the parkland, the only sound is birdsong — blissfully free from the distant hum of traffic. The property ticks every box for a life of indulgence: a tennis court, an outdoor swimming pool which, given today’s weather, won’t see much use, and, of course, a chauffeur’s lodge. As for the double garage? It’s practically begging for a couple of vintage cars.
I climb back into Marcus’s mobile office and we set off for our second viewing in Surrey. The journey allows me the opportunity to delve deeper into Marcus’s multifaceted role.
Buying a home is a monumental task — both time-consuming and fraught with stress. Marcus candidly admits that sometimes he has to wear multiple hats in his role; he’s part property advisor, part marriage counsellor, and occasionally even a therapist. Negotiations can get tricky, and that’s where he can add value, navigating the choppy waters of buyer and seller expectations. He’s often on the phone to solicitors on behalf of his buyers, assisting with the sale and alleviating some of his clients’ stress.
We talk about the broader implications of the rising cost of living, a shadow that looms even over the most luxurious estates. The annual running costs for such properties can easily spiral into six figures, particularly when you factor in the need for multiple gardeners, pool maintenance, and—of course—the chauffeur. And then there are the skyrocketing energy bills. It’s a sobering thought, especially when you realise that even those with deep pockets, who can afford these grand homes, aren’t entirely immune to financial pressures.
We pull up to the tall iron gates of Abbotswood, an imposing eight-bedroom house built in the Arts and Crafts style, dating back to the early 20th century. Like the previous estate, it’s set within 29 acres of sprawling land, though this one comes with a little bonus — a rabbit that darted off as we arrived, perfectly capturing the pastoral charm of the meticulously landscaped grounds.
Having already toured the first property, comparisons are inevitable. You find yourself admiring the fine stone-mullioned leaded-light windows while mentally reconfiguring the kitchen layout. This house has so much potential — there I go again, falling into the usual clichés, but it’s hard not to. The details demand your attention, from the French doors opening onto the gardens to the delightfully dilapidated greenhouse that could easily serve as the setting for a photo shoot.
As you wander deeper into the bowels of this grand manor, you stumble upon the wine cellar — perfectly suited for cradling those bottles of 1998 Petrus. Moving upstairs, the bedrooms have been tastefully wallpapered, while generously panelled reception hall, wide oak staircase, and impressive fireplaces in both the reception and drawing rooms all enhance the property’s period charm.
As we leave Abbotswood behind, I find myself reflecting on the day. Engaging a property advisor like Marcus goes beyond simply securing a house; it’s about discovering a home that resonates on a much deeper level with the buyer. Whether navigating the elusive world of off-market listings or smoothing over the inevitable bumps in negotiations, Marcus and his team ensure the entire process feels effortless.
For those fortunate enough to afford them, these grand estates offer something truly rare — a blend of British heritage and modern luxury. And while you might not need the smell of fresh bread wafting from the Aga to sell the dream, we shouldn’t be under any illusions: it’s not all pastoral bliss. There’s the upkeep, the energy bills, and, of course, those gardeners’ invoices to consider.
Storries is on the market for £4,000,000, while Abbotswood is listed at £5,950,000. For further information on these properties or the services provided by Property Vision, please visit www.propertyvision.com.
