Culver House Farm

The Client

The client had sold a London townhouse and a rural bolt hole, and was seeking a new family home in the countryside. The searched initially covered a wide area including Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset. Through a program of viewing tours and excursions, we helped the client narrow this down to a radius of circa 15 miles from a particular market town. 

Details of the purchase

After viewing some 15 properties over a period of weeks, we identified a farmhouse which was not advertised in the open market but was privately available via a local estate agent. Having viewed the property twice, our clients expressed a wish to purchase it. We advised on value and a purchase strategy and handled the negotiations accordingly.

Once we had agreed terms and following detailed due diligence and a full structural survey, significant problems with the structure of the building became apparent, including active subsidence and movement of the roof structure. We brought in relevant specialist advisors and contractors and worked with them to establish the severity of the problem and the costs involved in the remedial works required. We also negotiated with the insurance provider to make certain our clients’ interests were properly protected going forwards. We renegotiated the purchase terms accordingly and, now fully informed, our clients were able to exchange and compete at the right level and with no surprises lurking in the wings.