Want to move out of London to live more rurally but scared of loss of privacy and anonymity.

[ArtichokeDip]

I grew up in a small village and loved much of that life but I do remember everyone knowing each other’s business and my parents being very aware of neighbours’ judgement and opinions. I have lived in London all my adult life and love it here too but as I get older I miss being the peace of the countryside, the access to nature and the slower pace of life. I think I’m getting ready to move wants my youngest leaves home although I’m not sure where to as my home county is too far away if my kids remain in London. I’m also worried I will regret it.

One thing I love about London is that you are left to get on with your life, you don’t feel anymore cares what you do except the friends you choose to make. Even at the school gate there is very little “school gate politics” but I remember those politics extending throughout life in our village.

Am I being silly? Was it just our village? Is it possible to live rurally without people observing you constantly and possibility judging you. Is it easy to actually not be aware of cliques and village politics and just to make a couple of like minded friends and get on with life?

My cousin lives in Cornwall and reckons there are only about 5 families in Cornwall 😁

We have got lots of small towns or very large villages here in north east Somerset and west Wiltshire that are big enough to have facilities and get some friends, but still have really lovely countryside on the doorstep and whilst there is community if wanted ( Frome in particular is very community minded) I would also say you can keep your privacy and your business your own if you wish too - we live on edge of Bath and I have national trust land 3 minutes from my door , fantastic rolling hills 3 minutes away in car , a city 5 minutes away on bus or driving and and a very regular bus ( like every 7 minutes) - depends on your budget of course and this area isn’t cheap , but anywhere like edges of Bath, Corsham, Box, Bruton, Bradford on Avon , Frome could well suit your needs very well - also if needed we have regular trains to London at both Bath and Chippenham and Frome

Move to Glasgow! Lots of green space, national park 30 min drive away and no one will be in your business unless you invite them

I have yet to see any of this level.of supposed village gossip. I also think if.you want to be relatively close to london, you wont be moving to a tiny hamlet.amd populations are dense now- even in small towns and villages. I like on the surrey /London border and there are lots.of green places right by our house and even more if I am.happy to do a short drive. But it doesn't have that super small town feel. We are close to Epsom and Sutton. With villages like Cheam, Ewell or Ashtead close by.