Perfect looking English villages…

[Newyearnewus]

Looking for some ideas from fellow mumsnetters who may be in the know! I’ve name changed for this as people I know use this site and DH and I haven’t told anyone our plans yet in RL….

Our children have grown and are off doing their own thing. DH and I have decided now is the time to move somewhere new for a different pace of life. We currently live in a big town in the south of England but want to move to a picturesque, small countryside village. Something similar to the vibe in the film ‘The Holiday’. I know this was filmed in Shere, Surrey and was exaggerated but you get my drift….

Think thatched cottages, nice scenery, community feel. We’ll have a healthy budget of around £800,000. More or less happy to go anywhere in England- husband and I both work remotely. However we would prefer to not go towards Cornwall/Devon purely for distance more Home Counties, Norfolk, Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, Lake District.

We’d love if there was a local pub within walking distance, village shop etc.

Appreciate there will be loads of places that could fit the bill but looking for suggestions from people who live in somewhere like this or know of somewhere first hand. We’d love to do some research in the new year so we can start looking.

Thank you all

Left field as not a village, Henley. Friends moved a few years back and love it. It has a real sense of community and lots of pubs,restaurants,shops plus nice walks without needing a car.

Nether Wallop

I live near Oxford and pretty much every village for at least 10 miles around is breathtaking.

@jellybeanteaparty Similar in Marlow- small town I guess but pretty , good facilities -and handy for Heathrow and London too but not near flight path

Painswick near Stroud is absolutely gorgeous. Lovely farmer's market, nice pubs, lovely walks, beautiful church. Seems very lively and friendly.

You can get somewhere very nice for your money Painswick properties

Lacock

Corfe Castle in Dorset

This. Thatched houses require roof replacements every 10-15 years which are not cheap. Most of them are listed buildings too. And I would caution against living down some kind of dirt track if you’re planning on staying there into your old age. Not saying don’t do it, but it’s a ‘retirement dream’ that often means stressed adult children have to drive across the country to assist elderly parents who won’t or can’t leave their unsuitable housing and are too inform to look after it properly.

*infirm

In Bucks/Oxfordshire borders, Watlington, Skirmett, Hambleden are all worth a look. The villages in the valleys around Marlow and Henley are extremely pretty, and you’re still well connected for services.

Middle or Nether Wallop in Hampshire. Beautiful thatched villages. My father grew up there and we often go to look around.

This one at Middle Wallop I found this property on the Rightmove Android app and wanted you to see it: www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/128210183

@geraniumsandsunshine problem with lacock is it's looks gorgeous but isn't that great for practical facilities - we live in Bath so know it well.

Albury in Hertfordshire is lovely. Has been a filming location for the Railway Children and Morse. Nearby station at Tring and easy access to London.

Aldbury. Not Albury.

Great Rissington in the Cotswolds. Picture perfect & hood community but not on the tourist trail.

Dedham is beautiful, I stayed for a few days in summer and know some people who live there and will never leave. It's so beautiful that Constable was in love with it. There are a couple of great pubs, a good selection of village shops and incredibly beautiful walks to the nearby villages though wildflower meadows. Best of all is the meandering river that you can swim, row or paddle board in.

Try Hambleden

https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/hambleden-p92401

My OH is a thatcher (handily, as our house is thatched) and while the ridge might need redoing every 10 years or so, the actual roof is good for decades, unless you’re very close to the sea. They might look a mess when they’re ageing, but they’re functional for much longer than they look.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/125135708#/?channel=RES_BUY

Has a lovely country pub in the village.

Broadway

Love Castle Combe, but I'm a petrol head so I love it for the racetrack! It's a beautiful village but beware, if you don't like cars, it's a big part of it's identity!

Corsham
tetbury
broadway

Lurgashall, Lickfold, Fernhurst

I agree. Also Barton Stacey.