A new lease of life

Lucy Denton examines the highs and lows of renting an estate property

- Annunciata Elwes & Lucy Denton

YOU would have to be a cricket lover to take on this property,' says Sarah Roué, director at Savills' rural division in Exeter (01823 445034), 'because every Sunday you will look directly out onto a cricket match.' This is aptly named Cricket House, a handsome cottage set right against the pitch boundary in the deer park of the ancient Boconnoc estate in Cornwall, formerly the seat of the Pitt family. An unusual, rustic dwelling, 'a quirky, historic building in a very special location,' continues Mrs Roué, 'it will attract a very different sort of interest'.

The market for tenanted homes on estate domains is currently riding very high, buoyed by the exodus from London during the pandemic and the machinations of the buying sector, which are slowing down transactions. 'The competition for estate lettings is extremely hot,' explains Rob Jones-Davies, a director of the RJD Consultancy (01249 723708). 'You've got to find a property, move fast, and then expect to be scrutinised more diligently than for a standard rental.'