Best 'countryside' areas in or near N London?

[GreenEverything]

Myself and DH live in central London, Baker Street, I'm desperate to move somewhere greener. I'm not really talking near a nice manicured park- I am yearning for views and proper rural rugged landscape. Anyway DH needs to work in the city and doesn't want a long commute, he's spoilt because we have lived very centrally for years and he isn't bothered by green space at all. His commute is now about 10 minutes on the tube.

I'm aware there will have to be a compromise- we aren't going to move too far out or relocate (my dream) but I really do need to live near some nature. We can afford Hampstead or to be near the heath, we are looking for 3 bedrooms and have a budget of around £500k - impossible?

No actual suggestions of places but this might help to narrow down some areas: commutefrom.com/. I wouldn’t describe any of the countryside bordering London as rugged - it’s mainly arable with a bit of grazing, but perhaps that would do?

Look along the Met line, towards Amersham, Chesham etc. Maybe take some tube trips at the weekend and explore. I don’t know if you’ll get that much for 500k; these are also grammar school areas.

With a budget of 500k are you giving up a council flat near Baker Street?

If so, don't do it. Being able to live as centrally as that as cheaply as that is incredible.

You could get a 3 bed in Hemel Hempstead, and somewhere slightly smaller in Tring or berkhamsted for that money - not rural but 10 minute drive from nice countryside. Also Chesham at end of met line - again 10 minutes drive from nice countryside - 35 minutes train ish. Very expensive train ticket though from the main stations mentioned 5 or 6k I think. Cheaper from Chesham on the tube.

Can’t you get out into the green spaces of a weekend? Moving further out would increase your commute and for real landscape you’d want to be much further out of London.

Have you thought about coming out East?

I live in Clapton, on the river lea, surrounded by marshes. It’s lovely. I can see the horses out in the paddock from my living room, and there are narrow boats everywhere. There is a real community feel, and can get to Liverpool st in under 10mins.

I did wonder about that area, NorthernRunner, I don’t know it well - keep meaning to get over there and have a look round!

You might get something in Epping for that which is end of Central Line.

Watford is on the Met line and there are huge woods within 15 minutes drive of the station, proper get lost care upon acre. You’d get a decent 3 bed for possibly under £500k.

Are you saying you can afford Hampstead because you can’t for £500k and three beds.
I would also suggest looking up the met line.

thislido yes it’s really lovely especially on days like today, just having a slow wander along the water, stopping off for a coffee/beer and a bit of people watching!

mammmamia I think that was probably typo in the OP!

Sound lovely NorthernRunner!

@LaurieFairyCake we rent at the moment and are hoping to get on the property ladder.

Thank you all for the suggestions about to look now.

Sorry the OPshould have said we can't afford Hampstead!

Brookmans Park is on the national rail straight into the City but is surrounded by green space. I don't think you'd get a 3 bed for 500k but you could look at other areas nearby.

Epping has Epping Forest and lots of farmland. This is one with farmland views which could probably get for £500k ish in current climate. End of central line means always get a seat.

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-81475406.html