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Expensive houses, a lack of amenities and too many tourists are just some of the things you can expect to contend with if you choose to live in one of Britain’s poshest villages.
But residents of two of those lucky enough to be awarded that title, Beaulieu in Hampshire and Brancepeth in County Durham, have also praised the wonderful ‘community spirit’, saying it somewhat makes up for the one bus a week and the growing numbers of holiday homes and Airbnbs.
The villagers have also tried to quash the idea that their areas are overly ‘posh’, although one Beaulieu resident did say that it’s ‘unusual if you live here and you don’t have two [cocker] spaniels and a Land Rover’.
This week estate agents Savills revealed the 54 most desirable villages in each county in Britain, based on a combination of factors including the highest house prices, best amenities and ‘chocolate-box appeal’.
It came as 60 per cent of their estate agents noticed a steep rise in demand for rental properties in desirable countryside locations.
In Hampshire, the triumphant village was Beaulieu – with an average house price of £1.5million making it the most expensive in England, Wales and Scotland.
The high street dates back to the 16th century and features artisan stores. It has a wide choice of schools and is right on the doorstep of the New Forest.
But despite its picturesque setting and tranquil atmosphere some residents say traffic is ‘like the M1’ and that you ‘can’t get anywhere’ without a car.
Carol Clark, who works at Beaulieu Chocolate Studio, has lived in the area for more than 30 years and said the public transport links have got much worse during that time – with just one bus a week now visiting the village.
Residents in two of Britain’s poshest villages, Beaulieu in Hampshire and Brancepeth in County Durham, praised how ‘friendly’ and ‘welcoming’ the locals are. Left: Dominic Ide outside his coffee shop on Beaulieu high street. Right: Ulrike Hobbs, 26, and her son Eli, 6, who live in Brancepeth’s 12th Century castle
Wild horses and cows are known to roam free in the village of Beaulieu, which is on the edge of the New Forest national park. One local Peter Openshaw said: ‘It delights me when I see a cow walk past the window and it slows down someone in a hurry’
Residents of Brancepeth, in County Durham, have spoken of their love of the picturesque rural village which has been listed as one of the most desirable rural locations to live in the country but there were also complaints about the lack of amenities and public transport links
The 59-year-old said: ‘It gets very busy here during summer as we get a lot of tourists and I have seen it get busier and busier.
‘It’s quite expensive and there’s not a newsagent where you can get a newspaper. I have to go to Tesco if I want one, which is about five miles away.
‘Now there is only one bus a week as they’ve cut how frequent they are. Basically if you don’t have a car you can’t get anywhere.’
A father-of-two, who has lived on the expensive Dock Lane for 25 years and raised his family there, added: ‘It is a stunningly pretty place – but it could do with a proper pub. The only pub at the minute is in the hotel.
‘But it is a nice little village.
‘There are second homes here but nothing like you wouldn’t find in other places.’
On the absence of a newsagent he commented: ‘It’s a shame there’s nowhere to get a newspaper, but if you want a coffee this is the place to come – I think there are four coffee shops.’
A similar complaint is made of the quaint suburb of Brancepeth, situated five miles from the historic city of Durham. The rural hamlet consists of two rows of terraced Grade II listed cottages and has no shops, pubs and only one bus stop.
The chocolate box village features Brancepeth Castle Golf Course, designed in 1924 by world famous architect Harry Colt, plus a 12th Century castle and St Brandon’s Church, which dates back to the middle ages. Average house prices here are a much more reasonable £390,238.
Ulrike Hobbs, 26, lives in the 12th Century castle with her husband and two children, Margaret, 1, and Eli, 6.
The mother-of-two, who is originally from Germany, moved to the historic village six years ago after becoming pregnant with her first child and now runs the cafe in the castle.
She said: ‘The only issue I had at first was there isn’t much public transport but if you have a car it’s fine.
‘The school is close by, only around a ten-minute drive so we have everything we need.’
Ms Hobbs added: ‘My husband’s grandfather bought the castle in 1974 and the family have lived there ever since.
‘We moved here to be closer to family so they could help out with children.
‘At first, I was worried about moving somewhere so rural but it’s such a wonderful place to live.
‘People welcomed us as soon as we arrived. We know everyone and host different events at the castle.
‘Living in a castle is also extremely cool, especially for the children.
‘People are always offering to babysit and the kids love to play in the courtyard. There are two other families who rent apartments in the building so the children all play together.
‘In 2020 the woman who ran the cafe left and we decided to take it over. It’s fantastic as I get to chat to everyone about the rich history and also technically work from home.
‘It’s a tight-knit community here and a very beautiful village. We love it here.’
Other Brancepeth locals also spoke of the close-knit community, which sees neighbours greeting each other in the street and engaging in small talk.
Hester and Mike Higton have lived in the village for seven years, after moving from Cambridge.
The couple moved after Theology professor Mike received a job offer up North.
51-year-old Mike said: ‘We decided to live here because it’s a stunning village and there is a beautiful church, which we use, down the road and our neighbour is a castle.
Brancepeth is home to a 12th Century castle and St Brandon’s Church (pictured), which dates back to the Middle Ages
Ms Hobbs lives in the 12th Century castle (pictured) with her husband and two children, Margaret, 1, and Eli, 6, and also runs the castle cafe
Beaulieu is the most expensive village in England, Wales and Scotland, according to Savills, with an average house price of £1.5million
The high street dates back to the 16th century and features artisan stores. It has a wide choice of schools and is right on the doorstep of the New Forest. You can also find Palace House (pictured), the family home of Lord Montagu
Beaulieu locals rejected the idea that the village was overly posh. Peter Openshaw, 65, (left) said: ‘I couldn’t say that there was any snobbery from any corners. There’s no poshness – it takes all sorts to live here.’ But it wasn’t all praise for the rural village, with Carole Clark, 58 (right) complaining of a lack of amenities and public transport
‘When we got here, we were given such a warm welcome. People knocked on our door with a bottle of wine to say hello.
‘There’s a community feel. It dimmed down during the pandemic but the social events have started up again.
‘Our home has a rich history, these houses used to be for workers in the castle but they were all bought out in the 60s.
‘Our house was where the estate manager lived and people who have lived here all their lives have told us they have memories of coming here with their parents to pay rent.
‘There’s a real mix of people here, you have people born and raised and some who have moved here recently. So it’s not as if everyone is wealthy.’
Editor Hester, 52, added: ‘It’s extremely social.
The rural hamlet consists of two rows of terraced Grade II listed cottages and is just five miles from the historic city of Durham. Average house prices here are a much more reasonable £390,238
Hester and Mike Higton (pictured) said they were given such a ‘warm welcome’ when they moved to Brancepeth seven years ago from Cambridge
‘There’s a wonderful golf course and there is always something happening in the community.
‘There are craft events at the castle and at Christmas time we do carol singing and go into each other’s homes for drinks.
‘We also have a progressive supper, where you go to different people’s homes and have a starter at one, main course at another and so on.
‘It’s a great way to meet people.
‘The village is buzzing at Christmas time as it has that homely holiday feel and people come home to see families and grandparents.
‘There aren’t that many amenities here but we travel to local areas to do our shopping and people can get things delivered.’
Houses in the village have a rich history, with many being grade II listed, while a lot of the trees have reservation orders
Brancepeth hosts a wide range of events for its villages, with crafts at the castle and carol singing at Christmas, according to Hester Higton
Mark Gazzard has lived in his home for 45 years.
The retired key account manager for L’Oreal bought the terraced abode for £11,000 but says it is now worth £350k.
Mark, 70, said: ‘This is my forever home, I never want to leave.
‘I used to work near here and would always say how much I wanted to live here and I made that happen.
‘The homes are well maintained and all of them on this street are Grade II. Even the trees have reservation orders.
‘It will always be a beautiful place to live.
‘I’m a golfer so having such a fantastic golf course nearby is amazing for me.
‘Everyone is lovely here, we don’t live in each other’s pockets but we all know each other and are very welcoming.
‘We all send each other Christmas cards and help each other out when needed.
‘The village hall is central here and we all like to socialize together.’
This former colliery village features ivy-covered cottages and even a castle that dates back to the 12th century – Brancepeth Castle
Mark Gazzard, 70, (pictured) said his terraced house, which he bought 45 years ago for £11,000 is now worth £350k. He said it is his ‘forever home’ and that he never wants to leave
Mr Gazzard said he also loved the village because of its fantastic golf course. Brancepeth Castle Golf is a first class parkland course designed by Harry S Colt around the ancient castle
Residents of both villages tried to tone-down their area’s ‘posh status’, with one woman in Beaulieu insisting ‘there’s no snobbery from people’.
Ann Scott owns a homeware shop on Beaulieu high street, and has rented on the same road with her partner Paul Deakin, who she met at the local marina, since 2011.
The 52 year old, originally from Kettering, Northamptonshire, said: ‘[The locals] are all lovely and is just generally a nice place. I wouldn’t tolerate any stuffiness.
‘It is a lovely place to live.
‘There are a few second home owners here along the high street. There are not many of us that live here permanently as there are a lot of holiday homes and Airbnbs.’
‘But everyone is so friendly. We are forever waving to each other.’
Mr Deakin, 59, who helps Ms Scott in her shop making lamps and chopping boards, also commented on the village’s ‘posh’ label: ‘I think being ‘posh’ is trying to live an idea of something that doesn’t exist anymore.’
People in both villages complained about a lack of amenities and public transport. Pictured: Beaulieu’s only bus stop where no regular bus routes operate
But one thing there is enough of is cafes, joked one Dock Lane resident, who claimed there are now four in the small village
Ann Scott (right) owns a homeware shop on Beaulieu high street, and has rented on the same road with her partner Paul Deakin (left), who she met at the local marina, since 2011. Miss Scott said: ‘Everyone is so friendly. We are forever waving to each other’
The properties with red doors in the village indicate that they are owned by the Montague estate – which provides rent at a discounted rate so as not to price out locals.
Dominic Ide is one such beneficiary. He owns Pallets Tea and Coffee shop and lives in the flat above it on the high street.
The 29 year old, who has been living and working here for four years, said: ‘For your average person it is very hard to get a place in Beaulieu.’
Mr Ide explained that this was his grandmother’s shop for 30 years beforehand.
Previously of Hythe, Hampshire, Mr Ide, has recently opened another coffee shop further down the high street called The Beaulieu Bakehouse.
He joked: ‘Being posh is having rather a lot of money and status.
‘But I don’t think either of those apply to me.
‘The village is really really friendly and we get to know a lot of people.’
Pictured: Beaulieu River, formerly known as the River Exe – a small river draining much of the central New Forest
The properties with red doors in the village indicate that they are owned by the Montague estate – which provides rent at a discounted rate so as not to price out locals
Regarding the high house prices, Mr Ide added: ‘Beaulieu is different because some people work and live on the high street. Dock Lane is where the expensive places are.’
One couple, who have been renting a property on Dock Lane since May and who did not wish to be named, were complimentary but hate the traffic.
They said: ‘It’s a fantastic place, with lots of independent shops and it’s so nice that you can just walk into town. We absolutely love it.
‘We feel very welcomed by the community in this wonderful village with a lot of community spirit.
‘There is always traffic though – sometimes it’s like the M1.’
Dock Lane is considered the poshest road in one of the poshest villages in the UK. House prices on this lane can be as high as £4million
One of the main attractions of the New Forest is the horses that roam freely. Beaulieu resident Peter Openshaw said tourists can’t believe it when they see them walking about on the roads
The village is used by some as a cut-through to get to the seaside town of Lymington – with many HGVs driving through and sometimes big oil tankers coming to and from the local oil refinery in Fawley.
Peter Openshaw moved to Beaulieu five years ago with his wife as both of their jobs had turned to ‘work from home’ in the pandemic.
The 65-year-old said: ‘It’s a bit unusual if you live here and you don’t have two [cocker] spaniels and a Land Rover – which I finally do. I just bought an old one, I feel like a local.
‘It’s a very pretty village and the fact Lord Montagu is our landlord is our only claim to fame.’
Mr Openshaw, who works for Hampshire County Council, added: ‘Somebody said in our WhatsApp group chat that they were looking for a property in Beaulieu for £600,000.
‘We said ‘put a one in front of that and you might be lucky’.
‘But I couldn’t say that there was any snobbery from any corners. There’s no poshness – it takes all sorts to live here.’
On the expensive Dock Lane properties, Mr Openshaw, previously of Rugby, said: ‘I’m glad that there are that amount of people with that much money who want to spend it on houses here.
‘But the village is lovely – we have got to know a lot of people.’
Wild horses and cows are known to roam free in the New Forest and the locals are sometimes more tolerant than tourists.
Pictured: The entrance to St Brandon’s, the parish church serving Brancepeth village. There has been a church here since Saxon times but most of the present building dates from 1075
Mr Gazzard said of Brancepeth: ‘Everyone is lovely here, we don’t live in each other’s pockets but we all know each other and are very welcoming. We all send each other Christmas cards and help each other out when needed’
Mr Openshaw added: ‘It delights me when I see a cow walk past the window and it slows down someone in a hurry.
‘The tourists cannot believe it.’
For Ray Mead, a self employed heating engineer, Beaulieu is a home from home.
The 59 year old father moved to the village at Christmas and couldn’t be happier.
He said: ‘I’ve worked all over the place. I was born and bred in London, but when I come to the Hampshire sign on the motorway, I think ‘great, I’m coming home’.
‘I couldn’t think of a better place to live.
‘You could go to live any place in the world and I’d still come back here.’
The heating engineer joked: ‘Manual workers can live in Beaulieu – we’re not all bankers and investment people.’
Britain’s poshest villages revealed: Most desirable rural location in each of the 54 counties – based on highest house prices, best amenities, transport links and chocolate-box appeal
BY ISABELLA NIKOLIC FOR MAILONLINE
Britons have been flocking to quaint countryside villages since being plunged into months-long lockdowns during Covid-19 pandemic.
Some 60 per cent of estate agents working for Savills noticed a steep rise in demand for rental properties in desirable countryside locations.
Many prospective buyers are choosing to rent in the high-end country markets while they wait for a property to become available in their chosen area.
And Knight Frank has this week reported the highest number of sales in the country market for 15 years – with the number of wannabe buyers registering up 35 per cent last year, the Telegraph reports.
Now Savills has revealed the 54 most desirable villages in each county in Britain, based on a combination of factors including the highest house prices, best amenities and ‘chocolate-box appeal’
So, where are the hottest rural spots across the country?
Studham, Bedfordshire
Average house price: £700,494
Studham was named as the best place to live in lockdown with a multitude of hiking routes and a village pub, The Bell, which dates back as far as 1502.
Sunningdale, Berkshire
Average house price: £1,101,285
As of 2011 the population of Sunningdale was recorded as 5,347. But this small village still boasts a Waitrose and a train station which offers good transport links to the capital.
Residents have their pick of restaurants from French cuisine at La Cloche or brunch at Eliane.
As of 2011 the population of Sunningdale was recorded as 5,347. But this small village still boasts a Waitrose and a train station which offers good transport links to the capital
Turville, Buckinghamshire
Average house price: £1,463,240
The idyllic village of Turville is so picturesque that it was chosen to feature in Killing Eve and served as the village of Dibley in The Vicar of Dibley.
Set deep in the Chiltern Hills the village is home to 16th-century cottages with a nursery and a church.
And the village’s famous windmill, Cobstone Windmill, even featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
The idyllic village of Turville is so picturesque that it was chosen to feature in Killing Eve and served as the village of Dibley in The Vicar of Dibley
Hemingford Abbots, Cambridgeshire
Average house price: £829,437
Hemingford Abbots dates back as far as Roman times and its pub, The Axe and Compass, is 500 years olds.
The village boasts a multitude of wildflower meadows and it is located in a conservation area on the banks of the Great Ouse.
Hemingford Abbots dates back as far as Roman times and its pub, The Axe and Compass, is 500 years olds
The Alderleys, Cheshire
Average house price: £1,268,175
Nether Alderley and Alderley Edge feature in what is known as the ‘Cheshire Golden Triangle’, the poshest area of Cheshire where many professional footballers live. It was even home to the Beckhams.
The village boasts numerous boutiques and bars and is also home to the Grade I-listed St Mary’s church.
Rowen, Caernarfonshire
Average house price: £363,214
Rowen is nestled in the Vale of Conwy and is just 25 minutes from Snowdonia and open moors of Mynydd Hiraethog. It boasts a local pub, church, shop and post office.
Rowen is nestled in the Vale of Conwy and is just 25 minutes from Snowdonia and open moors of Mynydd Hiraethog. It boasts a local pub, church, shop and post office
Rock, Cornwall
Average house price: £1,080,534
The seaside village of rock gained worldwide renown in the 90s when Prince William and Prince Harry began holidaying there. Michelin star chef Gordon Ramsay lives there and has added to the village’s reputation for delicious food.
The seaside village of rock gained worldwide renown in the 90s when Prince William and Prince Harry began holidaying there
Brancepeth, County Durham
Average house price: £390,238
This former colliery village features ivy-covered cottages and even a castle that dates back to the 12th century – Brancepeth Castle.
A golf course designed by Wentworth is also available to residents.
This former colliery village features ivy-covered cottages and even a castle that dates back to the 12th century – Brancepeth Castle
Hawkshead, Cumbria
Average house price: £460,001
The stone houses and cobbled squares in Hawkshead are not only picturesque but also offer a window to the past as the village is believed to have connections with William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter.
The stone houses and cobbled squares in Hawkshead are not only picturesque but also offer a window to the past as the village is believed to have connections with William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter
Llanarmon-yn-Iâl, Denbighshire
Average house price: £290,118
Community is what brings the village together as the residents here all have stakes in the pub, the Raven Inn, which hosts live music and quizzes.
There is also a community-run shop and even a choir and local pantomime.
Community is what brings the village together as the residents here all have stakes in the pub, the Raven Inn, which hosts live music and quizzes
Edensor, Derbyshire
Average house price: £670,644
The village of Edensor was commissioned by the sixth Duke of Devonshire for the workers of Chatsworth House in 1839. It boasts idyllic-looking homes and features Grade I-listed St Peter’s church.
And Kathleen Kennedy, sister of JFK, is buried in the church grounds as she married heir to Chatsworth, William Cavendish.
The village of Edensor was commissioned by the sixth Duke of Devonshire for the workers of Chatsworth House in 1839. It boasts idyllic-looking homes and features Grade I-listed St Peter’s church
South Pool, Devon
Average house price: £999,000
South Pool sits on the Kingsbridge Estuary and features a church that goes back as far as the 1100s – St Nicholas and St Cyriac church.
The residents here are famed for their community spirit and host an annual charity duck race.
South Pool sits on the Kingsbridge Estuary and features a church that goes back as far as the 1100s – St Nicholas and St Cyriac church
Studland, Dorset
Average house price, £972,831
Seaside village Studland boasts some of the most pristine sandy beaches in the country and offers fine dining at Pig on the Beach restaurant.
It’s just a 45-minute drive from Poole but also offers transport links for those looking for a quick getaway.
Seaside village Studland boasts some of the most pristine sandy beaches in the country and offers fine dining at Pig on the Beach restaurant
Gullane, East Lothian
Average house price: £356,615
Gullane is home to a whopping three golf courses and even has an art gallery and Myreton Motor Museum.
Gullane is home to a whopping three golf courses and even has an art gallery and Myreton Motor Museum
Sutton upon Derwent, East Riding of Yorkshire
Average house price: £409,071
This scenic village is a top pick for sports enthusiasts as it is home to Woodhouse Grange Cricket Club and a tennis club.
There is a primary school on site and a popular pub called the St Vincent Arms.
This scenic village is a top pick for sports enthusiasts as it is home to Woodhouse Grange Cricket Club and a tennis club
Kingston-near-Lewes, East Sussex
Average house price: £782,339
For the environment-conscious customer, Kingston-near-Lewes is the right village. It boasts a community energy project and a pavilion with a living roof.
And to stay active the village hosts yoga classes, bridge nights and whisky tastings at country pub The Juggs.
For the environment-conscious customer, Kingston-near-Lewes is the right village. It boasts a community energy project and a pavilion with a living roof
Ramsden Bellhouse, Essex
Average house price: £1,017,722
House prices in this Essex village can shoot up as high as £2million because it’s so close to London and offers transport links.
House prices in this Essex village can shoot up as high as £2million because it’s so close to London and offers transport links
Elie, Fife
Average house price: £349,951
Elie began as a harbour village in the 16th century but has come a long way and now is home to five beaches, a tennis club, an art gallery and even a farm shop and Michelin-starred restaurant Peat Inn.
Elie began as a harbour village in the 16th century but has come a long way and now is home to five beaches, a tennis club, an art gallery and even a farm shop and Michelin-starred restaurant Peat Inn
Bourton-on-the-hill, Gloucestershire
Average house price: £799,348
This village is chock full of small cottages and large detached houses, with prices ranging from £325,000 to £2million and more. It’s close to celebrity hangouts Dormy House Hotel and Soho Farmhouse.
This village is chock full of small cottages and large detached houses, with prices ranging from £325,000 to £2million and more. It’s close to celebrity hangouts Dormy House Hotel and Soho Farmhouse
Haigh, Greater Manchester
Average house price: £257,020
Haigh is hidden behind Wigan town centre and is home to country mansion Haigh Hall, built between 1827 and 1840.
Haigh is hidden behind Wigan town centre and is home to country mansion Haigh Hall, built between 1827 and 1840
Beaulieu, Hampshire
Average house price: £1,524,287
Beaulieu is the most expensive village in England, Wales and Scotland, according to Savills. The high street dates back to the 16th century and features artisan stores. It has a wide choice of schools and is right on the doorstep of the New Forest.
Beaulieu is the most expensive village in England, Wales and Scotland, according to Savills. The high street dates back to the 16th century and features artisan stores. It has a wide choice of schools and is right on the doorstep of the New Forest
Bosbury, Herefordshire
Average house price: £1,524,287
Bosbury is home to the church of the Holy Trinity which features a 13th century bell tower. Being close to the Welsh order, it served as a refuge for parishioners in times of trouble.
The village hosts a monthly farmers’ market and has facilities for bowls, tennis and cricket.
Bosbury is home to the church of the Holy Trinity which features a 13th century bell tower. Being close to the Welsh order, it served as a refuge for parishioners in times of trouble
Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire
Average house price: £1,333,501
Little Gaddesden is known for its ties with the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate. Due to its being so close to Berkhamsted house prices are increasingly high.
Little Gaddesden is known for its ties with the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate
Fishbourne, Isle of Wight
Average house price: £509,356
Fishbourne is home to idyllic beaches and provides easy access to Portsmouth. It caters for those who love to sail with the Victoria Yacht Club.
Fishbourne is home to idyllic beaches and provides easy access to Portsmouth
Ightham, Kent
Average house price: £836,260
Ightham is home to a National Trust medieval house called Ightham Mote. The village features traditional listed cottages which are surrounded by detached modern mansions. It has a Waitrose and is close to Sevenoaks.
Ightham is home to a National Trust medieval house called Ightham Mote. The village features traditional listed cottages which are surrounded by detached modern mansions. It has a Waitrose and is close to Sevenoaks
Great Eccleston, Lancashire
Average house price: £430,630
Great Ecclestone is perfect for those who like walking from place to place as it is mainly flat and features many pubs. It’s famed for its annual agricultural show and tractor-pulling event.
Great Ecclestone is perfect for those who like walking from place to place as it is mainly flat and features many pubs
Newtown Linford, Leicestershire
Average house price: £692,157
Newtown Linford boasts a private members club called the Lindford, originally attached to the British Legion. The village has one of the only surviving police boxes in Britain.
Newtown Linford boasts a private members club called the Lindford, originally attached to the British Legion. The village has one of the only surviving police boxes in Britain
Uffington, Lincolnshire
Average house price: £467,548
This quiet village is home to a thatched roof pub from the 17th century, the Bertie Arms, and hosts an annual scarecrow festival in May.
This quiet village is home to a thatched roof pub from the 17th century, the Bertie Arms, and hosts an annual scarecrow festival in May
Hightown, Merseyside
Average house price: £299,304
Just 10 miles from Liverpool, Hightown is a quaint coastal village which features sandy beaches and a popular pub called the Pheasant Inn.
Shirenewton, Monmouthshire
Average house price: £474,775
Shirenewton hosts a famous Christingle service which features real donkeys. There is a primary school, pubs and yoga and boasts Severn Estuary views.
Shirenewton hosts a famous Christingle service which features real donkeys. There is a primary school, pubs and yoga and boasts Severn Estuary views.
Burnham Market, Norfolk
Average house price: £826,770
This quaint village is so posh it has been nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea. It is a traditional Georgian village just two miles from Brancaster Beach.
Around the village green are boutique stores, antique shops and restaurants such as No Twenty9 and Socius, plus fashionable hotel the Hoste.
This quaint village is so posh it has been nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea. It is a traditional Georgian village just two miles from Brancaster Beach
Kirkby Overblow, North Yorkshire
Average house price: £698,656
A beautiful village which has many good pubs and family restaurants alongside large family homes.
A beautiful village which has many good pubs and family restaurants alongside large family homes
Church with Chapel Brampton, Northamptonshire
Average house price: £681,450
Dubbed the ‘millionaire’s village’, Church with Chapel Brampton features the Smiths Farm Shop which sells sustainably farmed produce and riding schools.
Warkworth, Northumberland
Average house price: £289,459
A medieval village that is almost completely surrounded by a loop in the River Coquet and has Warkworth Castle on top of the hill.
There are three pubs including the Sun and the Hermitage Inn.
A medieval village that is almost completely surrounded by a loop in the River Coquet and has Warkworth Castle on top of the hill
Colston Bassett, Nottinghamshire
Average house price: £786,955
The home of Colston Bassett Stilton cheese, this foodie village is also home to England cricketer Stuart Broad’s pub – Tap & Run.
The home of Colston Bassett Stilton cheese, this foodie village is also home to England cricketer Stuart Broad’s pub – Tap & Run
Harpsden, Oxfordshire
Average house price: £1,307,182
Being close to London and Reading, this village’s house prices are high because of its travel connections. It is next to Henley golf club and demand has spiked during Covid lockdowns.
Newgale and Roch, Pembrokeshire
Average house price: £219,555
Featuring a two-mile stretch of sandy beaches with caves, Newgale and Roch is popular with surfers and anglers. The Puffin Shuttle coastal bus service runs to St David’s and Haverfordwest, while the village itself has a pub, a shop, a fish and chip shop, and Mo’s Dressed Crab & Lobster take-out.
Featuring a two-mile stretch of sandy beaches with caves, Newgale and Roch is popular with surfers and anglers
Strathtay, Perthshire
Average house price: £287,476
Featuring Victorian architecture, Strathtay remains largely unchanged but there is a large golf course that was opened in 1909.
Burley, Rutland
Average house price: £737,762
The 17th century mansion at Burley on the Hill inspired many poets before the west wing burned down in a fire in 1908 at a party Winston Churchill attended.
It was then briefly owned by businessman Asil Nadir in the 1990s but has since been renovated into a collection of grand apartments.
The 17th century mansion at Burley on the Hill inspired many poets before the west wing burned down in a fire in 1908 at a party Winston Churchill attended
Cound, Shropshire
Average house price: £454,587
This close-knit community village features 68 listed buildings including Cound Hall. It is now a commuter village for residents working in Shrewsbury and Telford.
This close-knit community village features 68 listed buildings including Cound Hall. It is now a commuter village for residents working in Shrewsbury and Telford
Wellow, Somerset
Average house price: £954,993
Wellow is on the edge of the Cotswolds and only three miles from idyllic Bath. It has a community-run village shop, church, primary school and even publishes a monthly newsletter.
Wellow is on the edge of the Cotswolds and only three miles from idyllic Bath. It has a community-run village shop, church, primary school and even publishes a monthly newsletter
Cawthorne, South Yorkshire
Average house price: £512,288
Once a mining village, Cawthorne now houses people who work in nearby Barnsley. It was the home to the aristocratic Spencer-Stanhope family which boasts 70 acres of parkland and a Victorian kitchen.
Once a mining village, Cawthorne now houses people who work in nearby Barnsley. It was the home to the aristocratic Spencer-Stanhope family which boasts 70 acres of parkland and a Victorian kitchen
Shenstone, Staffordshire
Average house price: £575,613
A commuter village for Birmingham and London with famous former residents including Helen Baxendal, Shenstone has a direct rail link into Birmingham.
A commuter village for Birmingham and London with famous former residents including Helen Baxendal, Shenstone has a direct rail link into Birmingham
Killearn, Stirling and Falkirk
Average house price: £315,927
Killearn is just 17 miles from Glasgow and is near Glengoyne, the most southerly Highland malt whisky distillery.
Killearn is just 17 miles from Glasgow and is near Glengoyne, the most southerly Highland malt whisky distillery
Walberswick, Suffolk
Average house price: £832,131
This Georgian village has a sandy beach with dunes and an annual crabbing contest draws in tourists. Artists favour Walberswick going back as far as Philip Wilson Steer and other English impressionists.
This Georgian village has a sandy beach with dunes and an annual crabbing contest draws in tourists. Artists favour Walberswick going back as far as Philip Wilson Steer and other English impressionists
Shackleford, Surrey
Average house price: £1,161,183
Dating back to the 14th century, Shackleford used to be the location for the marital home of Ashley Cole and Cheryl Tweedy. The village is seven miles southwest of Guildford in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and dates back to the 14th century, with a shop, a primary school and a pub, the Cyder House Inn.
Dating back to the 14th century, Shackleford used to be the location for the marital home of Ashley Cole and Cheryl Tweedy
Dinnington, Tyne and Wear
Average house price: £210,671
A medieval settlement that dates back to the 1200s, Dinnington is now just a stones’ throw from Darras Hall – a celebrity hub.
Whichford, Warwickshire
Average house price: £901,115
Whichford is on the Costwold commuter belt and has an artistic feel to it with a pottery cafe.
Whichford is on the Costwold commuter belt and has an artistic feel to it with a pottery cafe
Oxwich, West Glamorgan
Average house price: £309,519
This idyllic residence is home to the medieval church of St Illtyd which has origins in the 6th century. Mountain goats roam the Oxwich National Nature Reserve.
This idyllic residence is home to the medieval church of St Illtyd which has origins in the 6th century. Mountain goats roam the Oxwich National Nature Reserve
Barston, West Midlands
Average house price: £571,202
With a border along the River Blythe, Barston feels incredibly rural but is just a five-minute drive to the M42. And an HS2 interchange station is being built in the north of the village.
With a border along the River Blythe, Barston feels incredibly rural but is just a five-minute drive to the M42. And an HS2 interchange station is being built in the north of the village
The Lurgashall, Lodsworth and Lickfold Triangle, West Sussex
Average house price: £1,055,250
This area is located inside the South Downs National Park and features many different pubs and restaurants for locals to choose from, including 16th-century Noah’s Ark Inn.
This area is located inside the South Downs National Park and features many different pubs and restaurants for locals to choose from, including 16th-century Noah’s Ark Inn
Scarcroft, West Yorkshire
Average house price: £630,325
This village has a golf club, primary school and a pub, the Inn at Scarcroft which dates back to 1852, and backs onto Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve.
This village has a golf club, primary school and a pub, the Inn at Scarcroft which dates back to 1852, and backs onto Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve
Avebury, Wiltshire
Average house price: £422,413
Featuring thatched cottages and Georgian townhouses, Avebury is maintained by the National Trust and features plentiful wildflower meadows. The village has a community-owned shop, a pub (the Red Lion) and a National Trust shop.
Featuring thatched cottages and Georgian townhouses, Avebury is maintained by the National Trust and features plentiful wildflower meadows
Ombersley, Worcestershire
Average house price: £435,943
Rated as one of the top five most beautiful places to live in the UK, Ombersley features black and white timber properties. There is also a cosy pub, The Kings Arms, with deep inglenook fireplaces.
Rated as one of the top five most beautiful places to live in the UK, Ombersley features black and white timber properties