New Builds For Sale in Cothelstone, Somerset

The property market in Exton showcases the best of rural English living, with homes typically built from local limestone and ironstone materials that reflect the area's character. Our listings include a variety of property types, from charming terraced cottages to substantial detached family homes. The village's housing stock primarily consists of detached properties at around 45-50%, with semi-detached homes making up 25-30% of available housing.

Local limestone and ironstone, often laid in traditional coursed or random rubble patterns, define the visual character of Exton village. Many properties feature natural slate or clay tile roofs that complement the stone elevations. Newer constructions or extensions may incorporate brickwork, often chosen to blend with the existing stone aesthetic. The village is designated as a Conservation Area, meaning stricter planning controls apply to alterations and new developments to preserve the area's special interest.

The village features a significant concentration of listed buildings, including Exton Hall, St Peter and St Paul's Church, and numerous historic cottages and farmhouses. These heritage properties require specialist consideration and planning consent for any modifications. New build developments are limited within the village itself, with most property activity consisting of existing stock and occasional small infill developments. Nearby towns like Oakham and Stamford offer more new build options for those seeking modern construction within the wider area.

Exton is a traditional English village that embodies the peaceful character of rural Rutland. The village is home to approximately 600-700 residents across 250-300 households, creating an intimate community where neighbours know each other and local events bring people together. The village features characteristic stone-built properties that line quiet lanes, with the area benefiting from Conservation Area designation that preserves its historic architectural heritage.

Local amenities in Exton serve everyday needs, while the surrounding countryside offers excellent walking, cycling, and outdoor pursuits. Rutland Water, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, is located nearby and provides extensive leisure activities including sailing, fishing, walking trails, and wildlife reserves. Many residents enjoy the balance of village life with access to broader facilities in nearby towns for shopping, healthcare, and leisure.

The local economy is largely rural, with agriculture and tourism playing significant roles alongside the presence of Exton Hall and its estate. Property in Exton is highly desirable due to its scenic setting, strong community spirit, and excellent quality of life. The area attracts families, professionals, and retirees seeking a peaceful environment with good schools and beautiful surroundings. Many residents commute to nearby towns like Oakham, Stamford, and Peterborough for work, enjoying the balance of village life with access to broader employment opportunities.

Families considering a move to Exton will find good educational options in the surrounding Rutland and Leicestershire area. The village has local primary school provision, with several well-regarded primary schools serving the Exton community and nearby villages. These schools typically achieve good standards and provide a solid foundation for children's education within a supportive village setting.

Secondary education options include schools in nearby towns, accessible by school transport or daily commutes. The broader Rutland area is home to Oakham School, a well-established independent school offering both day and boarding places, while state secondary schools in surrounding towns serve the local community. Many schools achieve good or outstanding Ofsted ratings, and the strong educational environment in the area contributes significantly to property demand.

Further education and sixth form provision is available at colleges in Oakham, Corby, and surrounding towns, offering a wide range of A-level subjects and vocational courses. University options include institutions in Leicester, Nottingham, and Northampton, all accessible for regular travel. Families particularly value the access to quality schools when choosing to settle in Exton, with the village's peaceful setting making it an attractive location for raising children.

Transport connectivity from Exton reflects its rural village character, with private vehicles being the primary means of transport for most residents. The village is accessible via country lanes that connect to the A606 and the wider road network, with nearby towns providing additional transport options and amenities. The A606 runs through nearby Oakham, connecting Exton to Stamford and the A1 corridor to the east.

The nearest railway stations are located in Stamford and Oakham, offering connections to major cities including London, Birmingham, and Nottingham. Stamford station provides East Coast Main Line services, while Oakham offers Cross Country routes connecting to Birmingham and the north. Bus services operate between Exton and surrounding villages, though frequencies are limited compared to urban areas, making car ownership practical for most residents.

For those working in nearby towns, commuting by car is straightforward, with journey times of approximately 15-20 minutes to Oakham and 25-30 minutes to Stamford depending on traffic conditions. The A1 trunk road is accessible via Stamford, providing excellent regional connectivity to Peterborough and beyond. Cycling is popular for shorter journeys, with country lanes offering scenic routes for recreational cycling and commuting alike.

Buying a property in Exton requires understanding the character of the local housing stock and any area-specific considerations. Many properties in the village are historic, having been built using traditional methods and materials including local limestone, ironstone, lime mortar, and traditional timber construction. These properties offer tremendous character but require understanding of their maintenance needs and potential issues that can affect older stone buildings.

The geology in the Exton area includes Jurassic limestones and clays, specifically the Great Oolite Group limestones and the Lias Group clays. The presence of clay formations indicates a moderate to high shrink-swell risk, particularly for properties with shallow foundations or those built on uncompacted fill. During periods of extreme wet or dry weather, this clay movement can lead to subsidence or heave issues that may require professional assessment and remediation.

Common defects found in Exton properties include damp issues in older stone properties, where rising damp, penetrating damp, or condensation often occur due to inadequate ventilation or failed damp-proof courses. Roof condition is another frequent concern, with older slate or tile roofs susceptible to slipped tiles, perished felt, or decaying timbers. Timber defects including woodworm and rot are common in older floor timbers, roof structures, and window frames. Many older properties also have electrical systems and plumbing that do not meet current standards.

Properties within the Conservation Area require careful consideration regarding planning restrictions and permitted development rights. Alterations, extensions, and even minor works may require planning permission from Rutland County Council. Listed buildings, which include St Peter and St Paul's Church, Exton Hall, and numerous historic cottages and farmhouses throughout the village, require specialist surveys and Listed Building Consent for any modifications. Your solicitor should advise on any specific restrictions affecting the property you are purchasing.

Understanding the full costs of buying in Exton is essential for budgeting effectively. Beyond the property price, buyers need to factor in SDLT, legal fees, survey costs, and moving expenses. With average property prices around £600,000, planning these costs carefully ensures a smoother transaction and helps avoid financial surprises during the purchase process.

SDLT rates in England start at 0% for the first £250,000 of property value. On a typical Exton property priced at £600,000, standard buyers pay approximately £17,500 in SDLT. First-time buyers benefit from relief on the first £425,000, reducing their SDLT to around £8,750. Your solicitor will calculate and submit SDLT to HMRC on your behalf, ensuring compliance with current thresholds.

Additional purchase costs include conveyancing fees typically ranging from £1,500 to £3,000, a RICS Level 2 Survey at £500-800 for older properties which make up the majority of Exton's housing stock, and potentially mortgage arrangement fees of £1,000-2,000 depending on your lender. Given that 75-90% of properties in Exton are over 50 years old, budgeting for potential repairs identified in the survey is also prudent. Getting quotes for these services early in the process helps avoid surprises at completion.