Scott Ford of Hamptons International reviews the Surrey Downs market, as he eyes up the sale of a stately manor – and the title that goes with it
Cudworth Manor, Surrey
Autumn is a sight to behold in our wonderful Surrey countryside with the lush foliage of summer now turning gold and red. Now is the time to review the year so far and look to where the housing market is likely to go in 2015.
It has been an exciting year for Hamptons International. We have strengthened our network of offices with new London locations, (Greenwich, Stanmore and Blackheath), and a further three nationally.
Locally, the property market saw a very active spring, with the ripple effect of buyers from a very buoyant London market looking to buy in this part of the country renowned for its character homes, great schooling options, transport links and beautiful countryside. Many buyers in particular sought town properties in both Dorking and Reigate.
This activity has continued throughout the year, however pricing became more critical in the third quarter as the London market slowed and consequently affected the growth in prices in the area.
Most recently, some very exciting homes have come to the market reflecting more realistic pricing. Clients have appreciated that the real buyers are market aware and price conscious, and this has resulted in a flurry of activity.
Looking forward to next year, we have the general election and an inevitable interest rate rise, which will bring more homes onto the market. These properties will go some way to sate the demand from those buyers migrating from London, or indeed expats returning from abroad who will realise the comparatively better value of homes in this part of Surrey than London. We perceive there will be an early request by them, (especially expats), for homes to buy in this part of the county.
We would therefore suggest that if you are thinking of moving next year, it may be worth having your home appraised in these last few months in readiness.
Among those homes currently on offer, Cudworth Manor is a fine 16th century Grade II listed moated manor in Cudworth, to the east of Newdigate.
This prestigious ten-bedroom residence retains many character period features, having been lovingly restored and maintained over the years, along with sympathetic modernisation where necessary.
The sale of this fabulous property includes the Lordship of the Manor of Cudworth title - surely a bonus for all aspirational home owners!
Approached along a country lane, a private gate opens up on to a large driveway and a secure lychgate style bridge across the moat which runs to all four sides of the house.
The spacious, adaptable and well presented accommodation includes a welcoming reception hall, leading to three well-proportioned reception rooms and a superb kitchen/breakfast room with family room and study.
On the first floor, the master bedroom has a luxurious en-suite bathroom and dressing room. There are seven further bedrooms and four bathrooms arranged over the first and second floors.
Outside, the 8.8 acres take in the garden, various outbuildings (garages and stables), and a stunning lake.
Hamptons £2,550,000;
(01306) 885466
Scott Ford, Senior Manager at Hamptons International, Dorking and Reigate; fords@hamptons-int.com
