Which area for family house in Cambridge

[Avocadosmoothie]

Hello, my husband and I are planning to move to Cambridge next year. We would like to be in a village not more than a 45 minute commute from the centre. We have a budget of around £500k and would like a four bed house with a garden (if we can get it!). Although we would sacrifice a bedroom for a nice village. We really want an area with a rural feel instead of urban. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks!

Just one more thing to consider about your DH's desire to drive to work: you said his work will cover his parking costs, which implies they don't have a private car park. Finding a space near the station would be hideous and stressful every single day of the week! Avoid at any cost...

Is this Sawston property any good? Choice of nipping to Shelford or Whittlesford stations for the two trainlines into Cambridge, and it does have 4 beds and some garden.

Oooh, found another in the same area, same stations - and probably he could go and sit in traffic for 45 mins if really determined to.

Haddenham and Wilburton - kids frequently get places at Soham Village College, Cottenham Village College and even Impington Village College.

However the drive in takes ages during rush hour. However, 20 minutes drive to Ely to catch train. If train is going to be a real option live within cycling or walking distance of a station would be the best advice.

I live in one of the villages mentioned by Chasingsquirrels near Bottisham. It is lovely and feels very rural. My dh cycles to Cambridge station every day - takes him about 40 mins. Outside the rush hour it would take about 20 mins to drive. Last time I drove in to the station at 8 a.m. it took me well over an hour. I couldn't bear to do it every day. Does your dh cycle?

Girton is nice! :)

I agree that Girton is lovely, but driving across to the station from here is not, and will only get worse once Eddington is finished. Bike ride takes about 40 mins to the station, but I am not super-fit.

On the train line, Shepreth is lovely. Would not drive from there though due to the traffic.

And yes to whomever mentioned that without a workplace car park it will be incredibly stressful to find parking around the station. Those I know who do it end up a 20 minute walk away. He is v lucky to work close to the station and have the train option.

Girton would be way above budget anyway, even if it was better placed for commuting to the station.

Willingham?
Close to guided Busway???

I always find the zoo quite smelly when I'm in Shepreth so I wouldn't personally want to live there.

If you are thinking of the guided busway, I think the southern end makes much more sense for the station as I think the stretch in the middle is on the road.

Yes, but the south end of the busway is in Trumpington, so doesn't really count as 'rural'.

The guided buses go from St Ives to Cambridge at one hell of a gallop, so that might be a possibility? I love the countryside round St Ives (and you can sail! Admittedly in an old gravel pit, but still!)