Our client had long dreamed of building a bespoke family home. Having already renovated a London townhouse and transformed a country cottage, he was ready for a more ambitious project, one that offered space for horses, room for children to grow, and the freedom to design something entirely from scratch, while remaining close to the life they had built in Surrey.

Finding a plot with significant acreage in this part of Surrey is notoriously difficult. The area is dominated by Green Belt and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, bringing layers of planning restrictions. Many sites were at flood risk, too steep, too exposed, or constrained by covenants or listed status. Opportunities rarely appeared on the open market, and when they did, competition was intense.

This search took us entirely off the portals. We widened our network, contacted long‑established landowners, liaised with farmers and developers, and carried out detailed Land Registry research. We wrote directly to owners of potential plots, explored redundant farm buildings, and investigated houses that could be demolished and rebuilt without restrictive covenants. It required patience, creativity and a willingness to pursue leads that weren’t immediately obvious.

We secured a remarkable off‑market opportunity: a farm with a substantial house set at the centre of its own 40‑acre plot, with the potential to replace the existing dwelling with a bespoke home. After several years of planning and construction, the family moved into their dream home in 2026, a project made possible by finding the one plot that could bring their vision to life.