What to do in Exeter for Locals
Exeter is one of the most in-demand property locations in the UK. Find out why with our guide to what to do in Exeter for locals and what Exeter is famous for.
Take 5… Homes near horse trials
Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials is the highlight of many of our autumn calendars and, after a break over the course of the pandemic, it is here again once more and set to be better than ever. Dressage, cross country and show jumping will be going at full tilt over the next few days so it’s no wonder so many are flocking from across the world to the quaint market town of Stamford in Lincolnshire to witness the action. It has been voted a firm favourite with riders all over the world with on average 80 of the world’s top competitors competing, as well as a number of royal spectators.
The Burghley estate has played host to the event since 1962. A keen equestrian enthusiast, the 6th Marquess of Exeter, had heard it was no longer to be held at Harewood House and requested it be moved to his own estate. The setting has to be one of its most remarkable aspects and a keen attraction to visitors. The house itself is one of the largest and grandest surviving homes of the sixteenth century and has a virtually untouched Elizabethan facade. Its golden exterior can be seen as you stroll through its acres of wonderful parkland designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Spectators will get a front row view this weekend to all it has to offer.
But, Burghley isn’t the only international sporting event in the equestrian calendar the UK is privileged to host. Badminton Horse Trails takes place in April and May at Badminton House. Overlooking beautiful Cotswold countryside, the event was originally intended to help young riders to break into an international landscape and now, many think of winning to be a higher achievement than an Olympic title. But if you’d prefer to head to Scotland, why not visit Blair Horse Trails? Hosted in the grounds home to some of the greatest Scottish history, thousands journey to Perthshire each year to witnesses the four day event in Scotland. Here, you can even see mounted games, showing classes, ex-racehorses and side saddle.
So, if you’re feeling inspired to visit any of the horse trials, we’ve picked five homes on the market near each:
Doughton Manor, Tetbury, Gloucestershire
It would be difficult to find something quite as beautiful and so close to Badminton House. Just a 15 minute drive from the parkland edge, this property boasts antiquity, history and charm.
Stone Walls, Billesdon, Leicestershire
This beautifully positioned barn conversion is a 30 minute drive from the Burghley estate. It even has an annexe in case you decide to have guests over for the horse trials.
Lockett House, Sherston, Wiltshire
Lockett House is located in the peaceful and pretty village of Sherston on the Wiltshire/Gloucestershire border. The area has long been associated with equestrian pursuits, with polo at Westonbirt and being just 15 minutes from Badminton Horse Trials.
Old Bank House, Brown Street, Blairgowrie
Set in the heart of Blairgowrie town centre and just an hour from Blair Castle, this property gives you all the grandeur of visiting an international event. If you’d like to host many guests for the event, there’s plenty of room too with seven bedrooms in the property.
Staveley, Little Somerford, Wiltshire
If you’d like to attend Badminton Horse Trials but don’t want to be caught up in the chaos, this might be the house for you. Staveley is set in a peaceful North Wiltshire village, yet you can still get to Badminton House in less than 45 minutes.
