New Build 2 Bed New Build Houses For Sale in Cothelstone, Somerset

The Exton property market in Rutland offers a range of housing types suited to different buyer requirements and budgets. According to current data, detached properties represent the largest portion of available homes, with prices averaging around £700,000. Semi-detached properties typically sell for approximately £400,000, while terraced homes offer more accessible entry points at around £350,000. Flats in the village are rare but can be found at approximately £250,000 when available.

The village's generous plot sizes and semi-rural character are reflected in its predominantly detached housing stock, with approximately 45-50% of properties being detached homes. These family homes often feature large gardens, multiple reception rooms, and countryside views that are highly sought after by buyers looking to relocate from busier urban areas. The Somerset property market comparison is misleading here, as Exton is located in Rutland, not Somerset, and benefits from its proximity to cities including Leicester, Peterborough, and Cambridge via the A606 and A1 corridor.

New build activity within Exton itself is extremely limited, with no large-scale developments currently underway in the village. Small infill developments and individual plots occasionally come to market, but the village retains its historic character by design. Most new build activity in the wider Rutland area is concentrated in larger towns such as Oakham and Stamford, where modern energy-efficient homes are available for buyers who prefer new build properties. The shortage of new development within Exton helps maintain the village's established character and supports long-term property values.

Exton, Rutland embodies the classic English village experience, with stone cottages built from local limestone and ironstone, a historic parish church, and winding country lanes that invite leisurely walks. The village sits within the rolling Rutland countryside, an area renowned for its scenic beauty, agricultural heritage, and the spectacular Rutland Water reservoir. Residents enjoy access to beautiful countryside walks, local pubs, and community events that bring neighbours together throughout the year. The slower pace of life in Exton appeals particularly to families and those seeking to escape the pressures of urban living while maintaining access to everyday amenities.

St Peter and St Paul's Church dominates the village skyline, a historic landmark that reflects Exton's long history and the importance of the church in village life. Exton Hall, a significant country house set within extensive grounds, forms part of the village's heritage and contributes to the local economy through tourism and estate employment. The proximity of Rutland Water, approximately two miles from the village centre, provides residents with access to sailing, fishing, cycling, and walking trails that attract visitors from across the region.

The local economy revolves around agriculture and tourism, with farms in the surrounding area producing crops and livestock that contribute to the regional food economy. Many residents commute to work in larger towns such as Oakham, Stamford, or Peterborough, with the A606 providing convenient access to these employment centres. The village community is active and welcoming, with regular gatherings at the local pub and events organised by the parish council. Cultural attractions in the wider Rutland area include historic houses, gardens open to the public, and traditional market towns where visitors can explore local artisans and producers.

Families considering a move to Exton will find a selection of primary schools in the surrounding Rutland area, with village schools serving younger children and providing a strong foundation in literacy and numeracy. Primary schools in nearby villages and in Oakham serve the Exton catchment area, with many receiving positive Ofsted ratings for their teaching quality and pupil outcomes. The Rutland education system includes both state and independent options, with primary age children in Exton typically attending their nearest local school according to catchment area boundaries.

Secondary education options include comprehensive schools in Oakham, where Kings School offers education for students aged 11-18 and serves students from Exton and surrounding villages. Grammar school options are available in the wider area, with some families pursuing places at selective schools where applicable through the 11-plus examination process. For families seeking independent education, there are private schools in the region including Oakham School, a well-established independent school offering education from primary through to sixth form.

Sixth form and further education colleges in Rutland and Leicestershire provide a range of academic and vocational courses for students continuing their education after GCSEs. Parents should research individual school performance through Ofsted reports and consider transport arrangements when planning a move to the area, as some secondary schools require daily travel. The quality of local schools contributes significantly to Exton's appeal for family buyers, with Rutland consistently performing well in educational attainment measures compared to national averages.

Transport connections from Exton provide access to the wider Rutland and Leicestershire road network, with the A606 running through the village connecting to Oakham approximately four miles away. The A1 dual carriageway is accessible within twenty minutes drive, providing a direct route to Peterborough to the north and Leicester to the south. Many residents of Exton commute to work in larger towns and cities, with Peterborough offering particular appeal for railway connections to London and the North.

The village location means that owning a car is generally necessary for daily travel, though local bus services provide connections to Oakham and surrounding villages for those without vehicles. Bus routes operate on weekdays and Saturdays, offering reduced services compared to urban areas but providing a lifeline for non-drivers. Rail services are accessible from Oakham station, which offers direct trains to London St Pancras with journey times of approximately one hour forty minutes, making day commuting to the capital feasible for some workers.

For those travelling further afield, East Midlands Airport provides international flights within reasonable driving distance, connecting Rutland to European destinations and beyond. Cycling is popular in the undulating Rutland countryside, with quiet country lanes providing pleasant options for shorter journeys and the national cycle network accessible via nearby routes. The village position offers a practical balance between rural tranquility and connectivity, with major road and rail links within easy reach for residents who need to travel for work or leisure.

Properties in Exton are predominantly traditional stone-built homes constructed from local limestone and ironstone, with many dating back to the 18th or 19th century. These historic properties offer tremendous character with their coursed or random rubble stonework, original sash windows, and period features, but require careful inspection to assess their condition and ongoing maintenance needs. The village is designated as a Conservation Area, meaning stricter planning controls apply to any alterations, extensions, or modifications to preserve the area's special architectural interest.

Prospective buyers should look for signs of damp in older stone walls, which commonly affects properties built with solid wall construction and lime mortar rather than modern cavity wall insulation. Check the condition of slate or clay tile roofs, as older coverings can suffer from slipped tiles, perished felt, or decaying timber lathes. Assess whether original features such as windows and fireplaces have been well maintained or sympathetically renovated, as inappropriate modern replacements can detract from both character and value. The age of these properties means that electrical systems, plumbing, and insulation may require updating to meet modern standards and improve energy efficiency.

The underlying geology of Exton consists of Jurassic limestones and clays, with the presence of Lias Group clay formations creating a moderate to high shrink-swell risk for properties. This clay movement can cause subsidence or heave issues, particularly for properties with shallow foundations during periods of extreme wet or dry weather. Our inspectors check foundations for signs of movement, crack patterns in walls, and doors and windows that stick or fail to close properly. Historical shallow quarrying for limestone or ironstone in the area may also present localised ground stability concerns that warrant careful investigation.

Flood risk should be considered when purchasing in Exton, with the village generally at low risk from fluvial flooding due to its position away from major watercourses. However, some areas particularly low-lying parts or those adjacent to minor streams may have surface water flood risk during heavy rainfall events, which the Environment Agency maps show can affect localised areas. A thorough survey will identify any previous flood damage or water ingress issues, and buyers should request information about any flooding history from the vendor. Listed building properties require special permissions for modifications from Rutland County Council planning authority, and buyers should budget for the additional costs and constraints these designations bring.

Understanding the full costs of buying a property in Exton helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises during the transaction. Beyond the property price, buyers should account for Stamp Duty Land Tax, solicitor fees, survey costs, and moving expenses. With typical Exton properties priced between £350,000 and £700,000, most buyers will fall into the 5% SDLT band on the portion above £250,000. For a property priced at £600,000, the SDLT calculation would be zero on the first £250,000 plus 5% on the remaining £350,000, totalling £17,500.

First-time buyers purchasing properties up to £425,000 can claim relief that raises their zero-rate threshold, making buying more affordable for those entering the property market. Properties priced above £625,000 do not qualify for first-time buyer relief on the full amount, so higher value purchases will require the standard SDLT calculation. Your solicitor can calculate the exact SDLT due based on your circumstances, residency status, and whether you own other properties.

Additional costs include survey fees ranging from £500 to £800 for a thorough RICS Level 2 assessment, which is particularly important for Exton's older stone properties where hidden defects may be present. Given that most properties in Exton are over fifty years old and constructed from traditional materials, a professional survey by a RICS qualified inspector is money well spent. Solicitor fees typically range from £800 to £2,000 depending on the complexity of the transaction, with leasehold properties generally incurring higher costs than freehold purchases. Budget at least £2,000 to £3,000 for these ancillary costs when planning your move to Exton, plus moving expenses and any immediate renovation works identified by the survey.