Strong demand from equestrian first time buyers

“There is strong demand from first time buyers and property owners looking to make upward moves but still at the lower end of the market. This is resulting in some modest price increases which should have a knock-on effect into 2014,” she says.

“But where we are looking at properties over the £1m mark, the high level of stamp duty and property running costs are significant issues to potential buyers, so they are picking and choosing the cream of the crop among equestrian homes.”

One of those is undoubtedly Crepping Hall Farm at Wakes Colne, between Colchester and Halstead, for sale through Fenn Wright Equestrian at £1.35m, and which offers well-proportioned family living space, a self-contained annexe, superb equestrian facilities and just short of 50 acres of land.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the equestrian enthusiast who could potentially create a livery yard subject to planning,” Charlene says.

“An absolute must see, not only do you have a five bedroomed family home in a spacious converted barn, but attached is a charming two bedroomed self-contained annexe , which could be used as guest or staff accommodation as required.”

“The main stable yard is Grade II listed and an extremely attractive range of buildings. It consists of 15 boxes, including one pony and one foaling box, separated by two secure tack rooms, feed room, a large garage and a common room in the centre. Opposite the stable yard is an enclosed flood lit manége, an enclosed Dutch barn suitable for further stabling, and a hay store. There is a further middle yard with six boxes and a private yard opposite the house with five more. In total the three separate stable yards provide 26 stables in all, offering the opportunity to potential make money by letting out some areas while retaining others purely for private use”.

“There are 49 acres of land with the property, 46 of which are beautiful grass parkland interspersed with small woods and spinneys. There is a small cross country course, which could be expanded, and a further advantage is that the land adjoins a network of bridleways including the East Anglian Farm Ride.”