08 Aug 2026
issue 08 August 2026
Comments
Q. I have inherited a small estate which includes a few houses in my village. I was initially very pleased when a friend from my London days saw I was selling one of the best homes and bought it. Now this friend is putting pressure on me to let him fence off a piece of an adjoining field that would give him a much bigger garden and make all the difference to his enjoyment of his house. He is willing to pay whatever I ask. I’m not sure why – but I simply don’t want to let him have more land. How can I say no without incurring resentment? – Name and address withheld
A. It is only natural for you to recoil from any competitively sized properties suddenly manifesting in your own village. However the good news is that, were you to propose this sale to your trustees, they would almost certainly advise against it. Make sure they do this and use their power over you as your excuse.
