If you love the idea of having a place in the country, but do not care for the cost of keeping up a large space, turning your attention to older manor houses is a good idea. Homes of this type are often divided into a series of apartments, while still providing living space for the owner. By purchasing a unit within the manor, you have the opportunity to use all common spaces set aside for residents, including certain sections of the grounds.
One of the nice things about this arrangement is that the cost of purchasing an apartment in a manor house is very affordable. In some cases, the space will come furnished, while still allowing room for you to bring in some accessories and put your own unique touch to the space. This will make the apartment ideal for weekend getaways, and also ensure that you don't have to deal with the majority of the upkeep around the house.
When considering apartments in manor houses, think in terms of the amount of space you want. If you happen to be single, a smaller unit will do nicely. For people who may have some degree of limited mobility, making sure that the unit is accessible by way of an elevator is a must. Taller people may also want to consider units that are on the lower floors rather than those found just under the eaves. This is because the ceilings are likely to be a little lower in those apartments that are closest to the roof line.