Understanding Country Clubs and their impact on Oxfordshire’s property market

The lure of integrating work with play is often what makes Oxfordshire such a sought-after location when it comes to upping sticks and finding that dream, spacious, countryside home.

And locally there is a new market trend which is not only driving interest and demand for properties in rural pockets of our county, but narrowing the gap between viewings and exchange too.

Country clubs are nothing new to Oxfordshire. The county’s first - Phyllis Court near Henley-on-Thames - was built over a century ago in 1906. They provide a luxurious space for members and guests to enjoy activities, dine in pristine surroundings and be part of a thriving events calendar.

As people make a conscious effort to prioritise their own health and wellbeing, the popularity of country clubs has boomed with two new clubs – Soho Farmhouse near Great Tew and Estelle Manor near Eynsham – opening in the last decade. A fourth club, Lakes By Yoo, just across Oxfordshire’s border with Gloucestershire close to Lechlade opened in 2007 too.

In this blog, we explore the positive impact country clubs are having on Oxfordshire’s property market and how they’re driving behavioural change among sellers and buyers.

Quicker transactions

Analysis by Knight Frank in April confirmed properties based within a mile of the UK’s most prestigious country clubs exchange hands quicker than those further away.

On average, the time between a property positioned next to a county club being listed and exchange is 19 weeks. That’s compared to more than 21 weeks for properties based between six to seven miles away.

But why is this? Oxford Property Consulting managing director Ben Procter explains:

“With hybrid working now the new normal, opportunities for buyers and city workers in particular to combine a rural lifestyle with their existing roles and responsibilities are rife,” said Ben.

“For some buyers, access to country clubs now sits in the same priority bracket as your more traditional fundamentals – such as schools and good transport links. Buyers moving to Oxfordshire want to be part of a new, close-knit, community.

“It’s without doubt that country clubs deliver this and is why properties within close proximity of Oxfordshire’s luxury clubs are in high demand.”

Oxfordshire’s ‘Golden Triangle’

How close a property is located to one of Oxfordshire’s luxurious country clubs is certainly something estate agents are mindful of.

Knight Frank’s analysis showed more than one in 10 (11.7 per cent) properties listed within 10 miles of Soho Farmhouse directly referenced the club in its listings description.

In addition, one in 25 homes (3.9 per cent) within 10 miles of Estelle Manor near Eynsham mentioned the club – an extraordinary percentage considering Witney, Woodstock, Kidlington and Oxford sit within this range.

It’s important to remember country clubs aren’t the only appeal for buyers searching within Oxfordshire’s ‘golden triangle’. The space is home to some of the UK’s leading schools, the world-famous Oxford University and 14 of the area’s train stations serve central London every day within an hour.

Beyond buying

Relocation has become that bit easier for many because of the pandemic after effect.

But in reality, it’s not practical for everyone. It brings us to Lakes by Yoo – a picture-perfect private country club based near Lechlade with luxury homes plus onsite spa, dining and activity provisions.

Properties can be purchased as a ‘home away from home’ with one to six bedroom homes including lakeside lodges and beach houses available for specific periods of a calendar year. Lakes by Yoo represents true luxury living locally, and it goes without saying space is in high demand.

It reaffirms our genuine belief that good knowledge, contacts and communication can be the difference between securing your dream home at the right price and ending a search disappointed. That’s regardless if you’re buying a freehold or a home equivalent to one of Lakes by Yoo’s properties which our team has complete access to.

READ MORE: Luxury living at Lakes by Yoo!

Get in touch!

If you or your family are considering a move to Oxfordshire, our team would be more than happy to hear from you.

They are local experts who can help you find your dream home at the right price and place you at the forefront of estate agents’ minds by unlocking access to off-market properties.

Email: info@oxfordpropertyconsulting.co.uk

Phone: 01865 553956