Retirement location - unrealistic wish list?

[SenoritaFajita]

My parents currently live overseas, and are hoping to move back within the next year or so. They’ve asked me to find somewhere which meets the following criteria:

• Village or small town
• Within 50 miles of Central London
• Transport links to larger cities (bus or train)
• New build estate, or max 5 years old.
• Within walking distance (10 mins tops) to amenities. Not just one village shop, must have eg supermarket, butchers, GP/dentist, library, leisure centre would be great? They don’t want to drive unless absolutely necessary.
• Open views from property

We live in the South West so ideally it would be somewhere our end rather than towards the East. Their budget is up to 1.5m. Can anyone suggest anywhere that meets all these requirements?

I think that Wallingford will cover most of what they're after

Why 50 miles to London (museums, theatre etc ?) - in case this interest can be reproduced else where eg bristol or bath.

and why a new build? Worries about maintenance? A good survey should cover that.

Wendover, Harpenden, Berkhamsted, Sunningdale, Rickmansworth, Chesham, Woburn Sands, Chalgrove, Royston (lots of new builds but more of a town)

Hungerford is 60 miles, but I'm sure you'd find something although not necessarily new build but newish in walking distance + views + train. If they're up for a retirement property then Bearwood would work.
Wallingford would be another good place 50 miles from London - you can get newbuild in walking distance + train but perhaps not the views

Burford is very steep, and overrun with tourists ( like most of the Cotswolds). Chipping Norton or Stow are a bit more connected though freezing cold as very high, the Mill in Chippy might be worth a look

How about Oxford? It's a city but a small one surrounded by rivers and fields and a good connection to London. E.g. this flat is maybe too small and cheap but meets all the requirements

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/130151510?utm_campaign=property-details&utm_content=buying&utm_medium=sharing&utm_source=copytoclipboard#/&channel=RES_BUY

We live in Liss, South Country Park. It's lovely and friendly. Shops and chemist down the road. Bus and train links to Petersfield and Bordon. Bordon has a new high tech sports centre ein by the council. Loads of country walks and things to do. Not expensive either

A couple of people have mentioned Godalming but what about Cranleigh nearby, which is a big village but it has all the things you mention plus connections to Guildford for more facilities and from there fast access to London. I don't know about open views but the surrounding countryside is beautiful. I would imagine it's what people from abroad would imagine if they were dreaming of the English countryside.
What about something like this?
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/128798303

Horsell, on edge of Woking. But no views really.

This one, brand new, also in Cranleigh in Surrey, even mentions views across open farmland:

"The grounds are carefully planned to make the most of the timeless local landscape. The development features ancient woodlands, a community orchard, village green, play areas and views across to open farmland, all moments from your front door. Just a few minutes walk away, the area will feature a new 60 acre country park, offering combined footpaths and cycle paths, adventure park and lake".

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131205809

I’m feeling some parts of Cambridgeshire might meet their criteria? Not totally sure if it falls in the 50 mile radius of London criteria though.

@gkd1234 ah when I mentioned Godalming I meant to mention Cranleigh, !! Have a friend who lives there. also think haslemere and petersfield might fit their criteria.

Ooh some great recommendations here, I’ve a lot more to go on now, thank you!

They’d prefer a new build as they’ve ever only lived in new properties.

The proximity to London is because of Dad’s work, he’s semi-retired (self employed) but would still need to be close enough to travel into the City easily. They’re both early 70s so this is probably going to be their final home, so I really want to help them find the property of their dreams.

This ticks most boxes: 5 miles from Oxford, good bus service and everything on their amenities list (except no pool at leisure centre). Not open views but only 5 minutes walk to countryside.
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/133108787#/?channel=RES_BUY

Thame, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney...

I think the 50 miles from central London is the easiest one to try and get them to negioate on - why 50 miles? If they want to be able to visit, surely near a train station that gets them there quickly would be better than an arbitrary as the crow flies distance?

@PlasticPotPlant yes you’re right - I believe they would certainly consider somewhere further from London if transport links meant they could get there within eg 90 mins or so.

Thatcham

It’s got a Waitrose and a station to London.
Lots of amenities.
10 minute drive to a bigger town.
5 minute drive to the countryside.

If they would live a bit further out (and much handier for you) I would recommend this in Bradford on Avon- will get them all they want and although not open views it's right on edge of countryside - Bath would suit too and a good train line but very few new builds and none right next to open countryside and waljabke to town

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/131774780#/?channel=RES_BUY

I cannot think of anywhere. They are
going to have to make compromises, eg most new built estates are not central, and you can never rely on views - in fact new build estates likely will have more houses added on

Not to derail the thread ( I am interested!) I can't believe that new development in Cranleigh is called Gibbet Mead. So basically Gallows/Hangman's Field....

Pangbourne near Reading is a lovely village, with river walks and countryside and a small local high street. A few minutes to Reading for a bigger town and fast train to London (45mins). Health centres about 10 minutes away.

This house is near to the centre and station with river views. Modern but not a new build.

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132373427#/?channel=RES_BUY

Not within 50 miles but how about Bradford on Avon which fits all the other criteria and is a pretty easy journey to London.

North Oxford would tick lots of boxes (but not all). Close to the amenities you list, fairly good routes to London, modern housing estates (although older than 5 years), sometimes with nice views…e.g.:
https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/132771557