_Best homes in National Parks
Imagine waking up to the sound of birds in trees, and breathing in clean, fresh air every morning. No traffic and not a skyscraper in sight. Well, if you’re keen to escape the rat race of city life, then buying a home in a National Park may be for you.
What is a National Park?
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a National Park is “a clearly defined geographical space, recognised, dedicated and managed through legal or other effective means, to achieve the long-term conservation of nature with associated ecosystem services and cultural values.”
There are a total of 15 National Parks in the UK, the most famous ones being the Lake District in England and Snowdonia in Wales.
National Parks aim to promote enjoyment and understanding of the "special qualities" of their area, which include:
- Landscape and views
- Geology and geography
- Biodiversity and rare species
- Archaeology and history
Interesting, rural communities who live and work within the parks, are also part of what makes an area special. Life in a National Park is very special indeed.
Property prices in a National Park
Of course, special areas, mean special prices. According to Knight Frank research, the average price of a detached property located within the borders of a National Park in England and Wales is 22.6% higher than that of a detached property 5km outside the park's perimeter.
New Forest has the largest premium at 53.6%, followed by the Lake District, at 46.1%.
Oliver Knight, Associate, Knight Frank research said:
“In addition to the environment, there are two other key reasons why average home prices in these areas are higher, on average, than surrounding areas.
First, tighter planning regimes within the boundaries of many National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty means new supply can fall short of demand. Second, housing stock in these areas tends towards older, larger homes, in some cases with additional land.”
So, if you fancy splashing out on a special home with all the extras and surrounded by amazing countryside, take a look at what Knight Frank has to offer.
Properties for sale
7 bedroom house for sale in Chequers Green, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41
Situated in the beautiful surroundings of the New Forest, this impressive house has spacious rooms and around seven acres of land.
The bedrooms are spread across the first and second floors, and the galleried landing has doors to the main reception rooms, from which you can access the south/south east facing garden.
There’s a fully equipped kitchen with dining room that leads to a sitting room and family room, perfect for spending quality time with your loved ones. The kitchen/dining room also leads to a sun room.
In addition, the property has a triple garage with room above, a stylish swimming pool with paved surround and gardens.
6 bedroom house for sale in Ashton Lane, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton, Hampshire, SO32
This beautiful, Grade II-listed, period barn designed by renowned Winchester architect Huw Thomas, has been renovated into a fairy tale six-bedroom house in the idyllic grounds of South Downs National Park.
The property has an abundance of character and comprises a dining hall with a flagstone floor, a drawing room with full height vaulted ceiling, a private front garden, an orchard area and a terrace and lawn bordered by a flint wall.
The master bedroom has a dressing room, en-suite bathroom and a separate WC. It leads out on to a balcony where you can see spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
You’ll also find a studio and a library on a mezzanine above the drawing room.
9 bedroom house for sale in Clappersgate, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22
Located in the heart of the Lake District National Park, this magnificent property has lots of space and facilities. In addition to the nine bedrooms, there are four reception rooms, an indoor swimming pool complex, a sauna, a games room and a gym.
Originally built in 1920, the property has been extensively transformed. The property also has an annexe, garage and further outbuildings, offering tenants the potential to create more accommodation.
The grounds of Brathay How comprises natural woodland with multiple interconnecting pathways, which lead to an attractive front lawn and former tennis court. The property is situated near the small town of Ambleside and is close to the picturesque Lake Windemere, the largest natural lake in England.
Looking for more properties for sale in and around National Parks? Contact our residential team.