A modern home in the English countryside

Imagine the quintessential country house and a new-build property might not immediately spring to mind. But for those seeking the tranquillity of the countryside with all the conveniences of modern living, such developments are becoming increasingly popular.

It’s easy to see why, with a multitude of benefits swaying buyers. According to a recent sentiment survey by Knight Frank, over a fifth of individuals indicated that they were looking for a new-build home, up from 13% for the three previous years. Topping the list of factors influencing their choice were higher energy efficiency, the ease of no seller chain, and the prospect of more design input into off-plan purchases.  

The latter has been noticed by Stuart Cole, a partner in the Country Department covering North Surrey and East Berkshire. “They get to live in a brand-new house, which means that they know that no one else has used anything in the house including the bathrooms and kitchens,” he says. “Also, often if they purchase prior to the house being finished it means they can make changes to personalise it and make it theirs.”   

Some developments, such as Moorewood Glade in Buckinghamshire, take this customisation a step further. Here buyers work with the developer at an early stage, affording them the opportunity to input into the specifications of their property from the ground up. "For anyone who's watched 'Grand Designs' and thought 'I'd love to do that, but it looks so stressful,' Moorewood Glade is the perfect solution,” says Laura Hackney, Head of Home Counties New Homes at Knight Frank. “Here, the hardest parts - finding the perfect plot, securing planning permission, and managing construction - are already taken care of. Buyers can focus on the exciting part: creating their dream home and designing the perfect kitchen, specifying the ideal master suite, or incorporating the latest smart home technology.”

This development, like many others, also speaks to an increasing demand for sustainable homes. Crucially the statistics show individuals are looking for the convenience of not having to install energy improvements themselves - an area where newer builds come into their own. Beyond saving bills in the winter, buyers are increasingly aware of forthcoming environmental regulations, with eyes on future-proofing their investments.

Here we take a look at some of the properties available with Knight Frank that offer the best of contemporary living in the English countryside.

Park View, Woldingham, Surrey

The exceptional new homes at Park View each provide over 5,000 sq ft of luxurious living, blending elegant design with modern practicality. Spacious kitchen/breakfast/family rooms open directly to landscaped gardens, while additional reception rooms, studies, and utility spaces offer versatility for family life. Kitchens are fitted with premium Siemens appliances and Quooker taps, complementing five generous bedrooms, including a principal suite with dressing room and en-suite. Externally, the homes feature classic buff brickwork, solid hardwood doors, private driveways, and detached double garages, with energy efficiency ensured through air-source heat pumps and underfloor heating throughout. Nestled in the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Park View combines tranquil countryside surroundings with superb connectivity, just 33 minutes by train to central London and under an hour’s drive to the coast. Guide price £2,795,000 - £3,100,000

Charleston Place, Shiplake, Oxfordshire

 Charleston Place is an exclusive collection of 11 carefully designed homes in the sought-after village of Shiplake. Each offers a private and tranquil retreat with south or west-facing gardens that maximise natural light. Mature hedging and established trees frame the development, ensuring privacy within its landscaped grounds, which feature a mix of detached, semi-detached, and terraced properties. 

Crafted by Westbourne Homes to the highest standards, each residence blends traditional architecture with modern efficiency, using natural materials such as oak, marble, and stone to achieve timeless style and durability. Interiors are finished with exceptional attention to detail, from engineered oak flooring and bespoke joinery to polished stone surfaces, hand-painted cabinetry, and a French polished oak island, reflecting Westbourne’s commitment to craftsmanship and enduring quality. Guide price £2,725,000 - £3,100,000.

Luckhurst, Spats Lane, Headley Down, Hampshire

Make your way up the long driveway and pull up to the splendour of this Neo-Georgian property, set in more than 30 acres of grounds on the Hampshire/Surrey border. Here every convenience has been thought of. The substantial 7 bedroom main abode impresses with its grand proportions, taking in a cinema room, gym and a multitude of entertaining spaces. Meanwhile a plethora of outbuildings offer plenty of additional accommodation for guests, including a four bedroom lodge and up to five additional bedrooms in The Cabin. With planning permission for an indoor or outdoor pool, as well as a tennis court, it’s able to fulfil all the wellness needs one could desire under one roof. Guide price £12,500,000

Butcombe, Bristol

This exceptional building plot extends to just over two acres and enjoys a spectacular elevated position with panoramic, unspoilt 180-degree views across the Chew Valley to the Mendip Hills. Rarely does a plot of this scale and quality come to the market, offering not only outstanding scenery but also scope for landscaping, garaging, parking, and a separate paddock.

Formerly part of Rusling Farm, the site includes outbuildings and benefits from full planning permission granted by North Somerset Council for a striking two-storey home of around 4,450 sq ft, designed in traditional stone with timber detailing beneath a slate roof, perfectly complementing its breathtaking rural setting. Guide price £850,000