Initial Enquiry
Word of mouth is one of our favourite ways to hear from new clients and this one was particularly perfect. A lovely couple got in touch with us following a visit to Penn where they struck up conversation with previous clients in a local pub. We had helped to relocate these clients to a wonderful character house in the village and they kindly shared their story – and Chiltern Relocation’s details. The couple had been house hunting for some time without success, so hearing this story really struck a chord with them and they got in touch. Following a video call to explain how Chiltern Relocation could help with their home search we understood that the couple were looking to move out of London to a character house in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Hertfordshire. The couple had seen some stunning properties in Penn and loved the village feel with the convenience of being just a few minutes from Beaconsfield train station and all the amenities that the town has to offer.
How we helped
Following our initial chat, we understood that a character property was the number one driver on their wish list. This narrowed down the search criteria to 16th century homes with creaky floors, latched doors, beamed rooms and original fireplaces were to be part of the search criteria. The couple both worked in central London, so a fast and easy commute was also a high priority.
We arranged a Viewing Day to get a feel for different areas, what features they really loved and also what didn’t work for them. Our day started in Beaconsfield with a whistlestop tour of both the old town – offering historic housing – and the new town with the tennis courts and High Street shops. We then drove through the hamlet of Jordans, before heading over to Penn to view two properties; a fabulous 1900s cottage with stacks of original features and an Edwardian house. Next up was Little Chalfont and Chorleywood which are both in catchment for some outstanding grammar, secondary and private schools. The tour continued to villages just outside Berkhamsted to view three properties including a Grade II listed home oozing character details including timbered rooms, leaded windows, fireplaces and tiered gardens. We finished the Viewing Day by seeing a house in Amersham Old Town. The house was too modern for their taste but the interiors were beautifully curated in a period style. Chiltern Relocation always likes to add a ‘wild card’ property to the day to challenge ideas. The house was just steps away from the buzzing High Street with its award-winning restaurants and local market and its location and interiors certainly gave the couple some food for thought.
Problems we faced
The couple appreciated that properties with character can also be in more remote locations. The question for the couple was the pull between character properties in a village versus slightly more modern homes closer to daily conveniences. However, on reflection they decided that a character home steeped in history with stacks of outdoor space was what they really wanted. The 16th century house offered the rural dream within a short hop to Berkhamsted which has a commute time of just 36 minutes into Euston Station. A bonus was being able to cycle the few miles to Berkhamsted station.
Grade II listed period properties do not often come to the market so this was a fantastic opportunity but the couple appreciated that there can be many restrictions in terms of what can be done to the building and that understandably there can be a higher level of maintenance due to wear and tear on original beams, wattle and daub and brick.
Chiltern Relocation negotiated their offer being accepted and then got to work assisting with the due diligence required for the purchase of a 16th century home. We put the couple in touch with a heritage surveyor; however, the initial report came back with many red flags about the state of the property and the potential cost to renovate areas that included walls, timbered beams and the roof. The surveyor recommended that our clients did not proceed with the purchase.
Cautious but undeterred our clients took a step back to digest the findings and we assisted them to enlist a few more specialists to get a second opinion and to really understand the scope of potential work needed. Chiltern Relocation put the couple in touch with structural engineers and timber specialists and a builder to fully understand what was at stake by becoming the new custodians of this magnificent property.
Conclusion
Following the aggregated advice of no less than SIX specialists we learnt that there was no immediate structural concerns and no dry rot. Having digested all the information and potential future costs, our clients decided to proceed with the view to take on remedial works within a time frame that suited them.
The couple were thrilled to complete the purchase in the summer months so that they could fully embrace long summer evenings overlooking the tiered gardens with visits to the local pub. The change in surroundings from their London home could not be more different as they now look to appreciate the joys of living in a very friendly village, enjoying the visiting local wildlife in their gardens and appreciating all the nooks and crannies of the house – and all within a short commute from the City.
If you need help to find your ideal home then we can help. With over 20 years’ experience in sourcing property and unrivalled local knowledge, Chiltern Relocation can take on the stress of the search and guide you through the all the steps to finding exactly what you are looking for.
For more information call 01494 672086 or email: enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit our website: www.chilternrelocation.com
