The Brief

A large Emirati family instructed Rowallan to find a summer home with at least six bedrooms, gated access and space for the family to spend time together. Security was a central concern, alongside easy access to London and a location where they could feel part of the community.

They knew London well but were less familiar with the surrounding countryside. Their initial brief combined a country house with land and the convenience and connection of being in a town.

The search covered Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. Understanding which setting would suit their way of life was as important as finding the house itself.

The Challenge

The clients wanted space and privacy, but they also wanted a home that would be straightforward to maintain while they were overseas. Extensive grounds could offer the first while making the second considerably more demanding.

We needed to explore that balance through real examples, helping the family judge how different houses and locations would work for them.

As the search developed, their parents’ happiness emerged as a particularly important consideration. A property could meet the written brief and still fall short if it did not feel right for the people at the heart of the family.

Distance added another challenge. The clients needed reliable information and a clear picture of each opportunity before committing time to a visit.

How Rowallan Helped

The search was collaborative. The clients identified many possibilities on Rightmove, and we discussed each one with them through WhatsApp. Rowallan visited properties where appropriate, recording personalised videos and explaining the advantages and compromises of both the house and its surroundings.

These conversations helped us understand what mattered beyond the original list of requirements. We explored how the family would use the home, what would make their parents comfortable and how much land would enhance their time in England without becoming a burden.

For the stronger candidates, we investigated matters including local crime information, flood risk and other property or location concerns. This gave the family a more informed basis for assessing security and suitability, and helped narrow a broad search to a handful of options.

The family then visited over two weekends, focusing their attention on the most promising properties. Those visits led to a clear choice.

Although the chosen house was off market, there was competition and the sale moved to sealed bids. Established relationships with the agents, careful negotiation and a considered offer helped our clients secure it.

The house also needed work. Rowallan helped obtain quotations from interior designers, builders and architects so the clients could assess the proposed improvements against their budget and understand the relevant planning requirements.

The Outcome

The family secured an off market home in South East England, completing in July 2026.

What began as a broad search across four counties became a focused decision, informed by property visits, detailed research and a clearer understanding of the whole family’s priorities.

The clients were also able to assess the work the house needed before moving forward with their plans, with professional input on costs and planning considerations.