10 top tips to protect your country home

Practical advice to keep your home, family, and treasured possessions safe and secure.

The British countryside offers space, community, and stunning views – but remote locations can present unique security and safety challenges. While living in the countryside is generally safe, taking proactive steps can help protect your home and loved ones.

At NFU Mutual, we provide Bespoke Home Insurance designed for high-value homes, estates, and manor houses. Our policies can be tailored to suit your lifestyle, giving you peace of mind that your property and possessions are well protected.

We’ve teamed up with Sarah Humphreys of Premier Alarms to share practical advice on safeguarding your home against break-ins and reducing the risk of fire.

At a Glance: Protecting Your Country Home.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to layer security for maximum protection
• Simple ways to secure your boundaries
• Tips to keep your home safe when you’re away
• How to protect valuables inside your property
• Essential fire prevention measures

1. Take a multi layered approach to security: 

Each home is different, and your security needs will vary depending on the building itself, your lifestyle, and possessions. Sarah says: “The layers of security that are appropriate for a particular home, for example alarms, lights, safes and cameras all depend on the combination of these different factors. Every situation is different. For example, some homeowners will have staff members needing access, others may have pets, which all need to be taken into consideration”.

2. Protect your perimeter and boundaries: 

Intruders are more likely to target properties that appear to be easier to break into, so keep the boundaries of your land well-maintained and secure, including all gates and fences. Sarah says: “Having a secure gate as a barrier has been shown to psychologically discourage intruders”.

3. An alarm is a great first step towards a secure home:

A reliable alarm system acts as a strong deterrent and helps protect your property, giving you peace of mind. To enhance security further, consider using gravel around your home. Its unavoidable crunch underfoot makes it difficult for intruders to move quietly, adding an extra layer of protection.

4. Install security lighting:

A professional security lighting system - complete with motion sensors or dusk to dawn activation - is a first line of defence in the protection of your home at night, when a burglary is most likely. It also serves to illuminate the way when you arrive home on a dark night.

5. Add CCTV:

A video surveillance system not only serves as a deterrent for intruders but can also provide valuable footage in the event of an incident. Given that rural properties can be subject to power cuts, CCTV systems can have back up battery power if there is a mains outage. 

6. Consider a panic button: 

A panic button which directly alerts the police can provide additional peace of mind particularly if you live somewhere with poor mobile phone reception.

7. Consider infrared beams:

These systems can trigger an alarm, or even a warning message, when someone passes through the invisible beams. They are a great detection method for the protection of large perimeters. 

8. Invest in a good, modern safe:

If a thief does manage to enter your property, then a safe or strong room can help ensure your valuables stay safe and secure. As part of our local, personal service, our experienced teams can liaise with NFU Mutual policyholders on a case-by-case basis to ensure that their safes are sufficient for their insurance needs. Try and consider the future when choosing a safe: when getting regular valuations for your belongings – recommended every two to three years – you might find that the value of your belongings, such as jewellery, may increase over time.

9. Fire Prevention and Protection

Fire can be as devastating as theft, so taking steps to reduce the risk is essential. Simple steps can make a big difference. Fit smoke alarms throughout your property and check them regularly to ensure they’re working. Keep chimneys and flues clear to reduce the risk of a build-up catching alight, and have your electrical wiring inspected by a qualified professional. If you enjoy open fires or wood-burning stoves, always use a fireguard and store logs well away from heat sources. For added peace of mind, place fire extinguishers in key areas and make sure everyone in the household knows how to use them. In addition, create a fire evacuation plan and ensure everyone is familiar with it—so in an emergency, there’s no confusion and everyone can act quickly and safely.

10. Stay secure when you are away:

Timers on internal lights or smart lighting can give the impression you’re at home. If you post on social media sites, avoid sharing holiday photos that may advertise that your home is left unoccupied.

Spending some time to consider the security of your home can provide peace of mind and enable you to enjoy it by reducing the worry of potentially falling victim to crime. 

NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance is specifically designed to protect high-value properties with over £150,000 worth of contents, fine art and collections. 

So, whether it’s a beautiful home, stunning gardens, original art or designer jewellery, you can be assured that your most cherished possessions are protected.