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Somewhere like Framlingham, Southwold, Lewes or Devizes but in Herts, Beds, Ox or Sussex?!

10 replies

Rahdera · 11/05/2015 15:15

Bit of a random question, but am trying to help my parents find somewhere they might like to move to to be closer to me!
They like Devizes (Wilts) and Framlingham (Suffolk) and also Lewes (Sussex) and Southwold (Suffolk) - basically places with a bit of heart, not too big or busy, lots of great local pubs, and in picturesque countryside. Trying to find somewhere a bit closer to commuterville so they are nearer to me, but not too close that prices rocket (hence Lewes not really in the mix for this reason unfortunately).
They don't need to be on a train line, though would be useful. As long as there is some shops - doesn't have to be many - there, and a bus route. And a proper real ale type pub! Budget is £300k max. 3 bed. Semi is ok. Garage. Not on main road (have pets). Would love a period place but being realistic too. Looking in home counties other than Kent (used to live there, they don't really want to go back) and Surrey (too expensive). I don't know Beds, Herts, Oxfordshire, Sussex at all so be really helpful to know of any places which may fit the bill. I've listed the above places as a guide to the sorts of places that would be great, but happy to look at other small sized towns that may fit the bill. Can be flexible in terms of which county as I'll be moving too. It's all a bit of a chicken and egg as I will move depending on where they find, and vice versa at the moment! But be good to know of any starter for ten places they can look at.
Thanks in advance!

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SunshineOnTheBalcony · 11/05/2015 15:40

Witney?

Lots of good real ale pubs (I think Wychwood Brewery is there), lovely countryside, attractive town. David Cameron's constituency (that might put you off!). Good bus service to Oxford.

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Rahdera · 11/05/2015 15:42

HA! yes they are NOT Tories, though the blues are everywhere in south so they won't be that fussy! Will look at Witney - thanks.

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CharlesRyder · 11/05/2015 15:51

I came to say Witney.

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CharlesRyder · 11/05/2015 15:57

Or Wantage?

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Rahdera · 12/05/2015 08:26

what's wantage like?

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Rahdera · 12/05/2015 08:33

i found this would you say it's accurate? www.theguardian.com/money/2010/jan/30/lets-move-to-wantage-property

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UsedToBeAPaxmanFan · 12/05/2015 23:03

Not in Herts, but not too far from the Herts border - Saffron Walden. Lovely town, with a community feel.

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Rahdera · 14/05/2015 11:00

thank you very much i've heard good things about saffron walden.
Anywhere else? Surely there must be places in Beds or Herts??

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SunshineOnTheBalcony · 14/05/2015 16:22

If you are happy to go into Essex, you might also like Thaxted or Dunmow.
But beware of aircraft noise from Stansted.

Struggling to think of anywhere in Herts. Maybe Broxbourne?

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Rahdera · 15/05/2015 15:45

Sadly think broxborne may be too expensive. Yes this was my fear that there just isn't many places like this so close to london. Will look at wantage and Witney still...