Business Details
29 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Property Sales & Lettings in the South of England
The Country House is an independent property agency specialising in the sale, letting, and management of unique country properties across the South of England. Established in 1997, our team combines decades of industry expertise with a deep understanding of rural property markets. We adhere to the highest professional standards set by ARLA, RICS, and NAEA, delivering tailored strategies for vendors, landlords, and estates. Our approach blends traditional estate agency techniques with digital marketing to ensure properties reach the right audience, including strategic targeting of London-based buyers.We provide comprehensive property management services, offering peace of mind through proactive maintenance, compliance, and tenant management. With a focus on communication and client-centric service, we act as trusted guardians of your property investments. Our local knowledge spans Itchen Valley, Test Valley, South Downs National Park, and surrounding regions, supporting clients with both contemporary and character properties.
Services
Property Sales
Lettings
Property Management
Market Appraisal
Equestrian Property Sales
Landlord Services
Tenant Services
Short Term Rental
Discreet Marketing
Rural Estate Management
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer over 25 years of experience in rural property management and sales.
- Our strategic marketing targets London-based buyers for maximum property exposure.
- We adhere to the strict Codes of Practice set by ARLA, RICS, and NAEA.
- Our team provides hands-on property management with 24/7 emergency support.
- We combine local market expertise with national and international property networks.
Associations and certifications
- ARLA Propertymark
- RICS
- NAEA
What people say
Fantastic help
Professional and courteous
Excellent service
Seamless experience
Trusted guidance
Services
Property Sales
We specialise in selling unique country properties, including contemporary, character, and listed homes. Our tailored marketing strategies combine digital campaigns with traditional methods to attract serious buyers. With expertise in rural and equestrian properties, we provide accurate valuations and negotiate optimal outcomes for vendors across the South of England.
Property Lettings
Our lettings service offers comprehensive support for landlords and tenants. We manage property marketing, tenant vetting, and lease administration while ensuring compliance with current legislation. Specialising in high-quality rural and estate properties, we provide transparent communication and efficient tenancy management to protect landlords' investments and enhance tenant satisfaction.
Property Management
Our bespoke property management service includes maintenance oversight, compliance checks, and emergency response. We act as trusted guardians for absentee landlords, offering regular inspections and proactive issue resolution. With over 25 years of experience, we ensure properties remain secure, well-maintained, and legally compliant while delivering exceptional service to both landlords and tenants.
Market Appraisal
We provide free, no-obligation market appraisals for property sales and rentals. Our experts analyse local market trends, comparable sales, and property characteristics to deliver accurate valuations. This service helps clients understand their property's worth and develop effective pricing strategies to maximise returns in competitive markets.
Equestrian Property Sales
Specialist equestrian property sales service catering to buyers and sellers of horse-friendly estates. We understand the unique requirements of equestrian properties, including land access, stabling, and riding facilities. Our targeted marketing reaches niche buyers while providing expert guidance on property suitability and market positioning.
People
Sue Crossley
Founder Partner
Co-founded The Country House in 1997 with expertise in rural property sales and management. Combines professional qualifications (BSc, MRICS, FARLA) with hands-on farming experience to provide practical advice for country property owners.
Robert Crossley
Co-founder Partner
Co-founder with extensive experience in property and agriculture. Manages a working farm in Hampshire while leading strategic operations at The Country House. Brings practical insights into rural property challenges and market dynamics.
Kate Porter
Partner
Specialises in rural and country house sales with 20+ years' experience. Joined in 2018 after a successful career in London PR. Provides expert guidance on property marketing and transaction management across southern England.
Kate Morton
Property Management Specialist
MARLA-qualified professional managing property lettings and management since 2012. Combines local Winchester area knowledge with compliance expertise to ensure smooth tenancies and regulatory adherence for landlords.
Claudia Hunt
Lettings Specialist
15+ years' experience in country rental markets. Focuses on character homes and equestrian properties across Hampshire and West Sussex. Provides tailored advice on property marketing and tenant management while maintaining compliance with UK lettings regulations.
Questions
What areas do you cover for property sales and lettings?
We operate across the South of England, including Itchen Valley, Test Valley, South Downs National Park, New Forest National Park, Surrey Hills, Hampshire, and West Sussex.
Do you offer free property valuations?
Yes, we provide free, no-obligation market appraisals for both sales and rental properties to help determine accurate pricing strategies.
What property management services do you provide?
Our management service includes maintenance oversight, compliance checks, emergency response, and tenant management to protect your property investment and ensure regulatory compliance.
How do you market rural properties effectively?
We combine digital marketing, social media campaigns, and traditional methods like newspaper advertising to target both local and London-based buyers and tenants.
Are you qualified to handle property transactions?
Our team holds professional accreditations from ARLA, RICS, and NAEA, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices in property sales and lettings.
