A surge of prime country homes along England’s chalk streams, including the River Test, is attracting attention from discerning buyers. Once a rare opportunity, several high-value estates with private fishing rights are now coming to market, offering both exclusivity and the responsibility of stewardship over fragile ecosystems. These unique riverside properties are drawing interest from domestic and international clients, though owning them requires a careful balance of privilege and care.
Our Head of Country Buying, Ben Horne, is closely tracking this unusual market, stating that at least three homes are available “off-market” for between £4 million and £15 million, with several more listed above £3 million. “Of the off-market homes, there’s a divorce and two probates,” highlighting the unique circumstances that have brought these properties to the market.
While fishing enthusiasts represent only a minority of his prospective buyers, roughly two-thirds are British, with most of the remainder from the US, Ben notes that “most have some knowledge and interest in river life”, even if it is just one of many attractive features. Despite broader market challenges, including the end of the non-dom regime, uncertainty over future tax changes, and high mortgage rates, he remains confident in the resilience of riverside property values: “Sure, there will be an impact from current headwinds, but the rarity protects prices.”
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