Savills has announced the launch of a specialist country house consultancy designed to offer advice on the practicalities of owning a large rural home.

The new division will assist clients in managing their estate, help formulate strategies to enhance the value of their property and provide guidance on the day-to-day concerns of a landowner, such as hiring appropriate staff.

Philip Eddell, who established a similar division for Knight Frank and has been brought in by Savills to create its service, said that those who purchase an estate usually find it stressful and are aware they are making a huge financial commitment.

"All the detail and relationships involved in dealing with the property can be very demanding and time consuming.

"So our aim, for both new and existing owners, is to make ownership as hassle free as possible," he explained.

Having a home in the country has long been seen as desirable, allowing people to get away from the stresses of everyday life.

In September, a spokesman for rural property specialists John Clegg said that the market in the countryside is "buoyant", with buyers competing to snap up one of the limited number of homes available.