
Best Villages: the best commuter villages in England
The village dream hasn’t died but, for many of us, the search has been refined to locate those pockets of England that are nestled in countryside, whilst being well-connected to urban life.
For those who need to be within reach of London for work but yearn for a slower pace of life, the UK offers a wealth of charming commuter villages that strike the perfect balance between proximity to the capital and peaceful living. From a family home close to St. Albans, to a quaint village cottage near Winchester, we've selected five properties currently for sale that will let you enjoy the best of both worlds.
Found on the outskirts of the village of Great Chart, this Grade II Listed Manor House dates back to the 17th century. It has six spacious bedrooms, 3.5 acres of beautiful grounds, and spectacular views over the Weald. On the market for £1,250,000, its prime location is one of its key selling points – it has a tranquil rural setting, but is just three miles from Ashford, with direct trains to London St Pancras in as little as 36 minutes.
Tucked away in the idyllic village of West Stratton is Rose Cottage. With a wildflower meadow and thoughtfully converted studio space, this home would be perfect for artists, musicians, or anyone needing a creative escape. For those commuting into the city, Micheldever station is nearby, with direct trains to London Waterloo.
With an outdoor kitchen, gym and games room, Penvale is ideal for family life. While the village of Coombe Bissett provides a peaceful setting with essential amenities, the Cathedral city of Salisbury is just four miles away. Here, there’s fantastic shopping and restaurants, as well as connectivity to major UK cities - including Southampton, Bournemouth and London.
Another excellent family home is 6 Folly Fields, with three reception rooms and three bedrooms providing plenty of space for versatile family living. Almost next door to the property you’ll find Folly Field – 5.5. acres of playing fields, including a children’s play area. There’s also an array of independent shops, pubs and restaurants in Wheathampstead village which is within walking distance of the home. For commuters, the best part is that you can access London in less than 30 minutes from the nearby Harpenden Mainline station.
The Grange is believed to have been built on the site of the pre-reformation grain store that once supplied the monastery in Stamford and whilst being in need moderation, is no surprise full of period features. Set in the quintessential Lincolnshire countryside, offering a lifestyle of nature reserve trails, fishing, and golfing it’s hard to believe that city life is just 46 minutes away via the high-speed rail service from Peterborough, less than a 30-minute drive from this Grade II listed home.