Friends, finances, and a moat: how one couple afforded their dream manor
Sky-high property prices have pushed many aspiring homeowners to the brink, forcing them to re-evaluate their dreams. But Mathilda and Thomas Ferguson found an unconventional solution: buying a seven-bedroom manor house with friends. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of homeownership and a fascinating glimpse into a new kind of communal living.
The dream and the dilemma
The Fergusons, a civil servant and an academic, longed to escape their small London flat for a spacious family home. A Grade II listed manor in Essex, complete with three acres of gardens and, yes, a moat, seemed utterly out of reach. The £1.2 million price tag was a significant hurdle. But instead of abandoning their aspirations, they embraced a bold idea: shared ownership.
“It wouldn’t work with a lot of friends,” Mathilda admits, “but we're all good at communicating. That's key – whether it's about finances or who’s responsible for the dog poo on the lawn.” Their strategy proved remarkably effective.
A shared sanctuary
In 2020, the couple joined forces with another family, both seeking more space for their growing children. The manor’s layout—two staircases and an L-shape—made it relatively straightforward to divide, with plans for a second kitchen ensuring distinct living areas. Now, six years later, the property comfortably houses four adults and five children, a vibrant and surprisingly harmonious household.
The Benefits Extend Beyond Finances While sharing the mortgage and bills was the initial driver, the arrangement has yielded unexpected rewards. “Free babysitting, pooled gardening resources, busy, sociable weekends—it’s been a game-changer,” Mathilda explains. The children, in particular, thrive with their ready-made playmates during school holidays.
Beyond the ferguson family: a growing trend
The Fergusons' story isn’t isolated. Manisha Patel, an architect specializing in master planning, notes a wider societal shift. “We’re facing great societal change,” she says. “Uncontrolled rents, soaring mortgages, and different work patterns have pushed people to explore alternative living arrangements.” From converting barns and studios to partitioning spacious properties, individuals and families are increasingly embracing community living to combat the rising cost of housing.
Indeed, this isn't merely about splitting bills; it’s a return to a village mentality, fostering support networks within communities. Architect Richard Dudzicki spent two years converting a workshop into a four-bed house to accommodate his family, ultimately saving £1.5 million compared to buying a similar property. The key, Patel emphasizes, is finding a balance between communal and private spaces, creating casual interconnected areas while maintaining individual entrances.
A seaside commune and generational harmony
The concept extends even further. In Cornwall, landscape designer Henry Robertson and his wife Louise share a converted farm with four other families, encompassing eight adults, nine children, and two grandparents. “We’d never be able to afford this plot by the sea otherwise,” Louise says. The shared workload—cutting hedges, trimming brambles—transforms from a chore into a collaborative and enjoyable experience.
And for Katie Thompson, who bought a property next door to her sister in Suffolk, the arrangement has created a built-in support system. “I send Tabby or Aurora over to get ingredients I haven’t got for supper. They love it,” she says.
The Future of Homeownership? As mortgage rates remain elevated and household bills continue to climb, the unconventional solutions explored by the Fergusons and others may well become increasingly common. The dream of owning a home is evolving, and with it, the very definition of what it means to share a space—and a life—with others.