The Initial Enquiry
We were contacted by a couple who had read one of our Case Studies on the Chiltern Relocation website and it rung a bell with their search. The couple had been house hunting for 4-5 months with little success. Their search criteria essentials included: a village location, an Edwardian property, close to a good village school, an easy commute and a good-sized garden or land. The couple had spent many weekends driving around the local area but felt that they were not finding the right villages or properties.
How we helped
We set up a Skype call and discussed all their preferences, needs and where any potential compromises points could be. We arranged an Initial Viewing Day whereby we visited a number of hand-picked villages in Bucks and Berks which met their criteria. We also viewed a couple of houses so they could get a feel of what was available in certain locations. We toured eight villages pointing out local coffee shops, primary and secondary school options, commuting options and other social amenities. Following this day out the couple focused their attention on three locations.
Now that Chiltern Relocation had a clear idea of their likes and dislikes, we were able to make some calls ahead of our second Viewing Day. Many vendors are preferring to sell their houses off-market in the current climate (see our blog here Secret Sellers – the rise of ‘first in’ viewings and we were able to secure a viewing on an off-market gem.
We viewed our first house on the Viewing Day (also off-market) which they liked but it was the second one that really had them hooked. On walking through the front door, it was an instant ‘yes’. The Edwardian house was located in an exclusive riverside village and was simply stunning. The architecture was divine and the house oozed charm and beauty with tonnes of original features including original servant house bells (think Downton Abbey).
There was a village school within walking distance, a train station just a few minutes away and the garden was vast. The vendors had lived there for many decades and it was important to them that the new owners would not simply be the buyers but moreover the ‘custodians’ of this architectural beauty. The vendors had poured their heart and soul into the house and over the years had gone to great lengths to preserve original features including sourcing a joiner who replicated the original skirting boards. The vendors even had more made in the event that new owners would need them one day. An offer was submitted on the viewing day and accepted and our clients were over the moon.
Problems we faced
The vendors needed some time to move and accommodate the next stage of their lives which caused them some concern with the exchange and completion timeline. However, our buyers were happy to work with them in whatever way possible to make their move as stress-free as possible.
Our clients happily agreed to look after all their pot plants (which were difficult to move into a rental property) if it would help to ease the process for them. Given the stamp duty holiday deadline was fast approaching there was pressure on the solicitors to exchange in good time which needed careful management given that many others were trying to push through their house purchases.
Conclusion
Our clients are simply thrilled to be the custodians of this truly remarkable find. They look forward to settling into the village and being part of the community and starting their new adventure.
You’ve done such an awesome job finding our beautiful house for us, and don’t know what we would’ve done if we hadn’t found you! Once we are safely installed you’ll have to come over for a coffee!
