There’s something magical about the charm and character of these historic homes. They might not be the most practical for modern living, but they more than make up the inconveniences with the charm they bring to the table. In this blog post, we’ll share some of our best tips to guide you on a successful search for your dream period house, giving you best chance finding a home that embodies your vision of idyllic country living.
Define Your Criteria
Before embarking on your search, it’s essential to define your criteria. Consider the size, architectural style, and historical era that resonate with your preferences. It’s equally important to factor in lifestyle considerations, such as proximity to amenities and the desired community atmosphere. Setting a realistic budget will help you narrow down your options and focus your search effectively.
Research and Identify Potential Areas
The English countryside is brimming with regions and counties known for their beautiful period houses. Researching and identifying potential areas that align with your preferences is an important part. Are you looking for an active retirement community or somewhere that have lots to offer for families and children? Consider local amenities and how seasons potentially effect them – some places experience very heavy tourist influx during summer months, transportation links, and the surrounding environment. Make use of online resources, estate agents, and local publications to gather valuable information about available properties and the unique characteristics of different regions.
Establishing a relationship with experienced estate agents is invaluable in your search for a period house. Their local knowledge, access to off-market properties, and negotiation skills can greatly assist you. Effective communication is key, so clearly express your specific requirements and aspirations to help them guide you toward suitable options.
Attend Property Viewings
There’s no substitute for visiting properties in person to truly assess their potential. We’v experienced this several times during our house search process – it’s easy to dismiss a property based on bad photos or being too restrictive about your requirements. We are ideally looking for a property with 5+ acres of land, but recently visited a house that had 2,5 acres but due the shape and location felt a lot more. It was also surrounded by common meadow land which felt like an extension to that garden. During property viewings, focus on evaluating the condition, layout, and suitability of each house. Take note of the structural integrity, historical features, and any potential renovation requirements. Capture photos, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the experience to make informed decisions.
Seek Professional Advice
When dealing with period houses, seeking professional advice is crucial. Build relationships with estate agents, and consider using a property search agent if you are after something very specific in restricted area, or are wanting to relocate further away. Building surveyors can provide comprehensive assessments of a property’s condition, while solicitors handle the legal aspects of the purchase. Engage their services to ensure buying your dream home is as smooth as it can be. They’ll provide valuable insights and peace of mind throughout the process.
Trust Your Instincts and have Patience
While it’s essential to consider practical aspects, don’t forget to trust your instincts and embrace the emotional connection to a property. Your dream period house will resonate with your heart as well as your mind. Patience is key, as finding the perfect home may take time. Trust the process and remain optimistic, knowing that your dream English countryside house awaits somewhere in there.
Next steps
If you love English countryside and beautiful period houses, join us at the Country House Club community! It’s a membership club where the members get a front row seat for our house search in the English countryside. See the highs and lows of our journey as we visit the houses we view and feel like you are onsite with me. You’ get a firsthand look at the beautiful details, the stunning architecture, and when we hopefully find our dream house!
Other membership perks include:
- Member-only Q&A coffee chats
- Q&A sessions with Experts
- Private Community
- Beautiful downloadable wallpapers to brighten up your phone and laptop
- Full tour of our rustic red cottage in Finland
- Downloadable and printable content like planners, to-do lists, etc.
- A full tour of my current house that is not available on instagram
