A Leicestershire residential agency says that renting property has become more attractive in the county.
King West, which has offices in Market Harborough, Stamford, Northampton and Huntingdon says the availability of properties to let is not meeting demand, especially in the county’s countryside hotspots.
Henry Spencer, assistant land agent at King West’s Church Square headquarters in Market Harborough, said: "There is a rise in demand for let property rather than a fall and the residential lettings market remains buoyant.
"The shortage of high quality country property for sale means that renting is increasingly seen in a better perspective as a viable option for housing. For some, it may be time to rethink the old adage that when it comes to housing, "it’s better to buy than to rent".
Despite the shortage of availability, King West’s letting department says those poised to make their next move could snap up something really unique because Leicestershire is home to a wonderfully eclectic mix of unusual residences.
For example, some striking properties currently on the market to let are: The Hall, which is located in the historic village of Sutton Cheney - the site of the Battle of Bosworth. The Grade I listed property dates back to the 17th Century and has five bedrooms, family bathroom, living room, dining room, kitchen and extensive gardens. The house retains many original features including open fireplaces, wooden floor boards and an imposing oak staircase.
Another extraordinary home for rent is Little Dalby Hall, on the Ernest Cook Trust’s Little Dalby Estate, south of Melton Mowbray. The property was originally constructed circa 1580. The West and East wings were added in 1682 and 1816. In 1837, the centre of the building was rebuilt in Tudor Gothic style. In 1951, the Hall was subject to demolition and was rebuilt to a smaller scale.
Today, the building is a mixture of both coursed limestone and ironstone, under a pitched slate roof with both Victorian and Georgian style chimney stacks. Parts of the Tudor Gothic style facia remain on the North facing elevation and evidence of the extent of the demolished East and West elevations can still be seen on the ground. The property extends over three floors totaling approximately 6,800 sq ft and includes a separate wine flat and outbuildings.
