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Why choose us?

Selling, Letting, Managing houses in the country
across the South
Itchen Valley, Test Valley, Meon Valley,
South Downs National Park, New Forest National Park, Surrey Hills

At the heart of our business is a deep-rooted expertise in the sale, rental, and management of country properties across the South of England.

Our approach is both client and property led, meaning we tailor every aspect of our service to suit the unique needs of each home and the individuals involved. We pride ourselves on offering a professional, proactive, and flexible service.

Free from the constraints of corporate estate agency models, we offer a refreshingly bespoke alternative and with years of hands-on experience in the sector we understand the evolving dynamics of The Country House market.

When selling or letting your property, we combine traditional estate agency techniques with digital and social media marketing. This blend allows us to present every property in the best possible light, through the right channels, to the right audience.

We ensure your property reaches serious and suitable buyers or tenants, locally, nationally, internationally, and particularly within the lucrative London market.

We know that London continues to play a key role in the demand for country houses in the South of England. That’s why our marketing campaigns strategically target London based buyers and tenants through expertly managed property portals, social media channels, and digital campaigns. This is supported by traditional methods such as national and regional newspaper advertising, local leaflet drops, targeted email campaigns, and most importantly, direct calls to our extensive database of active applicants.

Our discreet and highly personalised property management service is tailored to owners of country homes in the South of England. Whether you live abroad, divide your time between properties, or simply prefer professional oversight, our bespoke property management solutions ensure your home is cared for with the utmost attention to detail.

From overseeing routine maintenance and inspections to managing tenancies and emergencies, we provide complete peace of mind. Our hands-on, flexible approach means we act as trusted guardians of your property, keeping it secure, well-maintained, and legally compliant protecting your asset and enhancing its long-term value.

At the core of everything we do is communication. In a fast-moving and ever-changing property landscape, we take the time to understand your goals, your property, and your expectations.

Whether you’re considering selling, letting, or require bespoke management for your property, we’d love to talk about how we can help.

Our Team

At The Country House Company, we believe that a business is only as strong as its people. We are proud of the expertise, professionalism, and mutual respect that define our team and underpin everything we do.

Across every department – from country property sales and residential lettings to property management – we share a consistent ethos: to collaborate closely and always act in the best interests of our clients.

Our unified goal is simple: to be the very best at what we do, providing a high-quality, personal service that exceeds expectations in the rural property sector. Whether working with landlords, buyers, tenants, or landowners, our team is committed to delivering trusted advice and outstanding results.

Sue Crossley, BSc, MRICS, FARLA

Founder Partner

My husband and I founded The Country House Company in 1997, combining our professional expertise and passion for rural life to create a business that specialises in country property sales, lettings, and estate management across the South of England.

In addition to my professional role, we also run a working farm, a venture we’ve been deeply involved in for many years. This hands-on experience gives me a genuine understanding of the challenges and opportunities in rural property ownership, enhancing the practical, grounded advice I provide to our clients.

I remain passionate about preserving and promoting the unique character of country living, and I’m proud to be part of a team that shares the same commitment to delivering a highly personal and professional service.

sue@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Tel: 02392 632275

Robert Crossley, Bsc

Co-founder, Partner

A shared passion for property and business inspired Sue and I to establish The Country House Company in 1997. Since then, I have enjoyed the unique blend of entrepreneurial leadership and hands-on farming, managing our working farm in Hambledon.

This practical experience running a farm in Hampshire enriches my understanding of the rural property market. Combining business acumen with a genuine love for countryside living, I remain dedicated to supporting clients with expert guidance.

robert@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Tel: 02392 632275

Property sales

Kate Porter

Partner

Following a successful career in Public Relations and publishing in London and a break to focus on family, I transitioned into the property industry in 2002. Since then, I have specialised in the sale of rural, village, equestrian and country houses throughout the South of England, developing in-depth knowledge of this unique market sector.

I joined The Country House Company in 2018 and have thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with this highly experienced team, which brings decades of expertise in country property sales, lettings and estate management.

With a strong passion for countryside living and a deep understanding of local markets, I am dedicated to helping clients successfully buy and sell distinctive rural properties, ensuring a seamless and personalised experience.

katep@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Tel: 02392 632275

Kate Morton

MARLA (Member of ARLA Propertymark)

I have always lived in the Winchester area, so I was delighted to return and build my career here after completing my studies at Harper Adams University. I joined The Country House Company in January 2012, bringing over a decade of experience in residential lettings and property management.

As a MARLA-qualified professional (Member of ARLA Propertymark), I am committed to upholding the highest standards in the lettings industry. This respected qualification reflects both my extensive practical experience and my dedication to professional development and compliance with current property legislation.

Working in the lettings department, I provide a tailored, hands-on service for landlords and tenants, ensuring every tenancy runs smoothly from start to finish.

Having grown up locally, I have an in-depth understanding of the Hampshire property market, particularly in and around Winchester, which enables me to offer clients valuable local insight and informed guidance.

I am proud to be part of such an experienced and knowledgeable team at The Country House Company, where we specialise in high-quality country, rural, estate and equestrian homes to let, manage and sell across Hampshire, West Sussex, and the South Downs.

kate@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Tel: 02392 632275

Claudia Hunt

Extensive Experience in the Country Rental Property Market

After eight successful years working in private banking in London, I relocated to the countryside in pursuit of the rural dream – and have never looked back. Now based on the Hampshire and West Sussex border, I’ve been part of The Country House Company team since 2008.

With over fifteen years of hands-on experience in the country rental property market, I offer in-depth knowledge of residential lettings across Hampshire, West Sussex, and surrounding areas. I specialise in character homes, country cottages, and larger rural, estate and equestrian properties, working closely with both landlords and tenants to ensure a seamless and efficient rental process.

My role involves advising landlords on property marketing, rental valuations, and tenancy legislation, as well as helping tenants find homes that suit their lifestyle and needs. I stay up to date with the latest UK lettings regulations, rental market trends, and local area insights to provide accurate, proactive guidance.

Whether you’re a landlord looking to let a high-quality property or a tenant seeking a long-term rental in the countryside, I bring local expertise, market knowledge, and a personal approach to every transaction.

claudia@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Tel: 02392 632275

Jessica Cole

MARLA (Member of ARLA Propertymark)

As a qualified MARLA (Member of ARLA Propertymark) professional, I bring a strong foundation in property law and a deep understanding of the lettings process.  My earlier experience working in conveyancing has equipped me with a thorough knowledge of the legal and administrative aspects of property transactions—skills that seamlessly transitioned into my role within the Lettings Department at The Country House Company.

I am passionate about matching the right tenants with the right properties, ensuring the best outcomes for both landlords and tenants. I thrive on the daily interaction with clients, building trusted relationships, and delivering a high standard of service. Being part of such an experienced and dedicated team has further enhanced my ability to provide expert advice and professional guidance throughout the lettings process.

I’m proud to hold the MARLA qualification, which represents a commitment to professional standards, ongoing development, and compliance with the latest legislation in the residential lettings sector.

jessica@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Tel: 02392 632275

Alastair Forrest BSc, ACMA

After graduating from Southampton, I chose to stay in the area and qualified as an accountant, gaining valuable financial and operational experience across a range of industries. I spent over 25 years in the office products sector, managing finance functions and supporting business growth.

With my family grown up, I decided it was time for a new challenge and am now thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to work in the property industry with the dynamic and experienced team at The Country House Company.

My background in finance, business operations, and compliance brings a strong commercial foundation to the company, supporting the smooth running of our residential lettings, property management, and country house sales services.

alastair@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Tel: 02392 632275

Marysia Stickland

After many years of relocating around the UK with my husband, who serves in the Royal Marines, I’m delighted to be back ‘home’ on the Hampshire/West Sussex border.

I work with our dedicated sales and lettings team to provide comprehensive property services across Hampshire, West Sussex, and the surrounding rural areas. My local knowledge combined with hands-on experience enables me to support landlords, tenants, buyers, and sellers through their property journey.

I am passionate about helping clients navigate the property market in this beautiful region and assist with our seamless and professional service tailored to each client’s needs and have a genuine connection to this wonderful area.

 

marysia@countryhousecompany.co.uk

Tel: 02392 632275

Many thanks for your fantastic help….. Would thoroughly recommend your company.

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