Here in the South West we are blessed with a warm and wet climate – a gardener’s dream! As a valuer for Stags, my travels around cottages and houses uncover a myriad of blossoms and blooms. Some gardens are highly pampered masterpieces of colour and variety, while others are a natural wilderness with nature busy doing its thing!
A garden is often a fascinating insight into the life of the occupier of that property:
To some, a garden is a passion, an addiction, a source of peace and solace and a life’s work.
To others the garden is a function of the house, tended but not styled, a space for a barbecue, for the dog or a game of football.
And then there is the wilderness variety, overcome by the power of nature and the South West extremes; untouched, unloved, and of little significance.
How important is a garden when buying a house?
Size: A dwelling with a courtyard garden or maybe no garden at all will appeal to someone who has no need or time to spend maintaining the space, such as a landlord or second-home buyer. In town or village centres where access to amenities is more of a priority, the size of the garden tends to be less important.
Privacy: The seclusion that a garden provides is important to many and in general, the larger the house the more privacy is required and therefore a more spacious garden is desired.
Colour: Some gardens can be an artist’s frame to enhance the beauty of their property. Stepping through a garden gate into a mass of colours and aromas that have been carefully arranged to entice you to the front door sets the scene for what you are about to discover inside.
Children: Family-sized properties require space for outdoor play and activity.
Productivity: Current trends dictate an area for a vegetable patch, preferably raised. The idea of growing one’s own produce is one that most of us would aspire towards.
Occupation: It has often been said to us by those looking for a property with equestrian facilities, that the attributes of the house and garden are secondary to the suitability of the paddocks, stables and access to bridleways.
Gardens will always divide opinions and everyone will have a different perspective as to the purpose they serve. Fortunately for us in the South West, with such good growing conditions on offer, the choice is ours!
