EVERY year during the last week of June and first week of July, tennis dominates the television schedules, prompting many of us to dust off our racket and head for the nearest tennis court to imitate the likes of Andy Murray and Serena Williams.
You might belong to a club or decide to book a public court, but the lucky few simply have to step into their garden.
According to local estate agents properties with tennis courts tend to be popular with buyers - and not just during Wimbledon.
Stuart Routledge, manager of Jackson-Stops & Staff in Oxted, explained: "Owning a property with an inviting tennis court makes sense.
"As well as offering hours of pleasure to family and friends and providing a good way to keep fit, it can add value to your home too.
"However, the degree to which this is the case can be dependent on a number of factors.
"Buyers looking for a substantial country property expect some kind of leisure amenity and with our unpredictable summers tennis courts are favoured."
One of the properties Jackson-Stops & Staff has for sale with a tennis court is Yew Tree Cottage, in Lingfield Common Road, Lingfield.
This four-bedroom home has original features that date back more than 500 years and it comes with a separate, self-contained, one-bedroom annexe.
It is set in three acres of lovely gardens, which include the tennis court.
Yew Tree Cottage is the home of Andrew Snowden and his wife, Jenny, who moved to the property with their two children in 1990, building the tennis court 12 years ago.
"My mother died and left me some money, and as I had always played tennis we decided to build a court in one of the paddocks," Andrew explained.
"We've had great fun with it. We hold an event every year in August or September called the Claudia Snowden Tournament in memory of my mother.
"Friends and neighbours take part and everyone enjoys the day."
Andrew and his wife play tennis with their friends on the court at weekends throughout the year.
"Our children have played football and basketball on the court over the years and it has always been in use," Andrew added.
A tennis court, he pointed out, is much easier to look after than a swimming pool.
He said: "It needs brushing now and again, and gets painted every four years, but that's about all.
"The great thing about tennis is that whether you are nine or 90 you can play. Anyone can enjoy it."
Another property for sale with the use of a tennis court is at The Old Convent, in Moat Road, East Grinstead.
This three-bedroom home is set within 11 acres of communal gardens and grounds that include two tennis courts, available for use by all the residents.
John Benstead and his wife Catherine, who currently live in the home, have regarded the tennis courts as an added bonus.
"Over the years we've played tennis with friends and family and it has been lovely for us all," John said.
"If we've wanted to use the court it's been quite easy. We just send an e-mail to everyone in the complex and say we'd like to use the court on a certain date and that's it, booked."
And with a communal tennis court there is no upkeep to worry about.
"We pay a maintenance charge that covers the courts," John added.
He feels the property would be ideal for families because of its facilities – which include a games area and an open air heated swimming pool.
He said: "It's an unbelievable place to live."
*Yew Tree Cottage is on the market for £1 million. For more details call Jackson Stops & Staff on 01883 712375.
3 The Old Convent is on the market for £600,000. For more details call Howard Cundey on 01342 316316.
