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Village living gives you the best of both worlds, offering peace, tranquility and a connection to nature along with, ideally, amenities such as shops, schools and pubs — plus a strong sense of community.
However, desirable locations command a premium and research by full-service estate agents Yopa has revealed that homes in some of Britain’s most sought-after villages — among them Alderley Edge in Cheshire, Sunningdale in Berkshire and Saltaire in Yorkshire — cost on average 135% more than those across the wider area.
If you’re seeking a change of pace, check out these tempting village properties.
1. Gifford, East Lothian, offers over £375,000
Although only built in 2007, this four-bedroom end of terrace house has as much character as a period property.
The all-in-one kitchen is fitted with Shaker-inspired cabinets, there’s a log burner in the sitting room, and the fourth bedroom — on the ground floor, currently an office — is panelled.
It’s in the heart of a historic village boasting a school, shops, hotels and its own community woodland, close to the rolling Lammermuir Hills. Through Warners via ESPC.
2. Little Haven, Pembrokeshire, offers over £400,000
Lantern Cottage is a fully renovated Grade II-listed cottage in a scenic seaside village.
Equally suitable as a permanent or holiday home, or as an investment, it’s a short walk from the beach, the Pembrokeshire coastal path and restaurants and cafes.
It includes three double bedrooms, two bathrooms, an open plan kitchen/dining room with a log burner, a separate sitting room, a terrace and two parking spaces. Get in touch with Country Living Group.
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3. Blakeney, Norfolk, £765,000
The Hidden House lives up to its name as it’s much larger than it first appears.
A dining hall, kitchen, drawing room, three bedrooms and a bathroom are arranged over three storeys and there’s a pretty walled garden.
Former mariners’ and merchants’ houses line the village’s narrow streets and alleyways, and the main street runs down to Blakeney Quay, a popular spot for crabbing and birdwatching. Beyond is Blakeney Point, home to the country’s largest seal colony. Contact Bedfords.
4. St Mary’s, Chalford, Gloucestershire, £875,000
You’ll find Hill House in a lovely village that holds an annual music festival and offers amenities such as a primary school, a store, a café and sports and social club.
This elegant early Victorian residence includes seven bedrooms, two reception rooms and a farmhouse kitchen.
Seating areas in the tiered garden are designed to catch the sun at different times of day. On the market through Murrays.
5. Hetton, Skipton, North Yorkshire, £979,950
A well-proportioned, character-filled former farmhouse in a Dales village around six miles from Skipton.
Three south-facing reception rooms, a kitchen/breakfast room, utility and cloakroom occupy the ground floor, with three bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first, and the garden is well-stocked with a lawn and a terrace both front and back.
The local pub, The Angel Inn, has a Michelin-starred restaurant headed by chef Michael Wignall. Available from Dacre, Son & Hartley.
Read more: 10 fantastic family homes close to top state secondary schools
6. Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire, £1m
Dating from the 16th century and subsequently extended, Grade II listed Chantry Cottage is next to an ancient church and a short stroll from a cosy, half-timbered pub in a welcoming village with a busy social calendar.
The house, which oozes kerb appeal, includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a vaulted ceiling in the kitchen/breakfast room, a log burner in the sitting room and exposed beams throughout.
A charming cottage garden’s at the front, and the walled courtyard at the back contains a garden office. By Stowhill Estates.
7. Hemingford Grey, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, £1.15m
The Old Cottage, a characterful mid-16th century house with good ceiling heights and a beautiful garden, enjoys views over the neighbouring church and the River Great Ouse.
Accommodation comprises two dual-aspect reception rooms with inglenook fireplaces, a kitchen and breakfast room in the conservatory extension, and four double bedrooms and two bathrooms on the first floor.
An award-winning pub/restaurant, a general store/post office, primary school, village hall and sports club are on the doorstep. From Savills.
Read more: 9 property conversions that stand out from the crowd
8. Burton Joyce, Nottinghamshire, £1.25m
Nottingham city centre is about a 20-minute drive from this substantial former vicarage in a friendly village with lots going on.
It’s been painstakingly renovated by the current owner and has six bedrooms, four reception rooms, three bathrooms and a wealth of period features including fireplaces, sash windows, deep skirtings and decorative plasterwork.
A two-storey coach house provides renovation potential. Through Gascoines.
9. Little Barrington, Oxfordshire, £2.5m
This Grade II listed four-bedroom house, called Black Dog Cottage, overlooks the green in a picturesque Cotswolds village.
Built in traditional honey-coloured stone, it was originally a tavern and then a vicarage before being converted into a private home.
Over the last 11 years it’s been updated and improved with great attention to detail, and is beautifully presented inside and out. Find out more from Butler Sherborn.
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