Top homes hold value

The country's most valuable homes have held their values despite the uncertainties of the Iraq war and the stock market - but they have taken longer to sell.

Analysis of sales of large country houses over the last year shows that Surrey remains the most expensive county in Britain with an average price of £1.87million, up from £1.8 million in 2002.

The Country Life Elite Index found the biggest growth was in Wiltshire, the second most popular county, which is attracting well-off buyers from Bristol as well as London.

Penny Churchill of Country Life said: 'Owners often had to accept offers 10-15 per cent below the asking prices but the average sale prices were not lower than in 2002.'