Moving back from the USA - where should we live?

[babymakesfive]

Hi! After 15 years in California we've decided to come back to the UK for a year or so, but it could be a permanent move if we land in the right place.
We've only lived in London before but would like somewhere quieter and more affordable this time around.
We'd love a picturesque town or village with lovely architecture, lots of nature/green space but also some nice shops and restaurants!
We'd also need good schools (DC are 4, 7, 10) and a reasonable commute time to London - DH would be going to Bank 2 or 3 times a week. I have family near Richmond so if it was within an hour or so of there it would be a bonus. Budget up to 4K-ish a month. Recommendations gratefully received!

[rosydreams]

i live in hertfordshire theres a bunch of family's living round here that commute to london.The town i live in is hitchin its lovely but guildford were i used to live near is also nice

[DoorstoManual]

Farnham is lovely and 55 minutes into Wateloo.