Independent schools are closing at the rate of one a week, shutting their doors to the distress of pupils and parents. The downturn is to blame for the fate overtaking these institutions, which are often housed in handsome, historic premises, as David Hanson, of the Independent Association of Prep Schools, explains. “The recession has meant that some families cannot afford the fees, causing a marked decline in pupil numbers. If the schools want to remain financially viable, many will soon have to either merge or sell up and move to cheaper accommodation in towns.”

For many such schools, the departure of children and teachers is forecast to bring a change of use. These country house gems are set to become family homes once more, as buyers see the opportunity to acquire a stately pile in need of renovation at a bargain price. One advantage is the excellent sports facilities such as swimming pools and tennis courts. Renovated prep schools, in particular, can make startlingly impressive private homes. Sir Terence Conran, for example, has transformed Barton Court, in Kintbury, Berkshire. When he bought this former prep school for £100,000 in 1971 it was virtually derelict; now it is a Georgian masterpiece.

The challenge of ridding a prep of its institutional feel may sound daunting, but many families who have carried out the transformation beg to differ. “It’s surprisingly easy,” says Chris Garrod, a hotel consultant who, with his wife, Tina, is selling Harrock House, pictured above, a former prep school in Buxted, East Sussex, that they renovated in 1996. Such a building, he says, is unlikely to have structural flaws “because it will have been regularly inspected to comply with health and safety regulations. Your main costs are for cosmetic improvements.”

Garrod’s conversion of the Grade II listed building into a nine-bedroom home with a 48-ft long drawing room took a year and cost £100,000. It involved installing modern kitchens, putting in underfloor heating and restoring the internal features.

Harrock House is a lovely William and Mary home. You pass through the heavy oak entrance hall to find the former head’s study on your right. Ahead of you there is what used to be the dining hall but is now one of the principal reception rooms, with oak beams and chandeliers. “As in all prep schools, the grounds had to stand up to heavy usage, so they are designed for easy maintenance,” Garrod says. “We only need a single gardener two days a week to look after the yew hedges and lawns.”

Some prep schools are appreciably larger than Harrock House. The Grade II listed Alderley House, formerly Rose Hill School, about 11 miles from Tetbury, Gloucestershire, which is for sale with a guide price of £3 million, has 24,843 sq ft in the main house alone and comes with tennis courts, cricket pitches and an artificial football pitch.

Until 18 months ago Abbots Worthy House, Hampshire, was being run as a nursery school. Since then it has deteriorated but it has enormous potential. The ten-bedroom property stands in 12 acres of grounds, is three miles from Winchester railway station and is for sale at £2.47 million.

Are there any drawbacks to owning a “school” home? “You have to get used to the occasional visitors gawking through the gates,” Tina Garrod says. “Only recently we found a former pupil doing just that, so we invited her in. At first she was a little upset but later she said she was glad we had looked after the place so well.”

Details: Harrock House is for sale at £2.95 million via Mansell McTaggart, 01825 760770. Alderley House is for sale through Savills, 020 7016 3718. Abbots Worthy House: Strutt & Parker, 01962 869999

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