The Sunday Times has just released their pick of ‘the 20 best secret villages to live in’ voted for being friendly, pretty and essentially ‘under the radar’ as not many house hunters have heard of these communities.
With more than 6,000 villages in the UK, Chiltern Relocation are thrilled that the village of Whiteleaf in Buckinghamshire was voted into the Sunday Times top twenty picks.
Whiteleaf sits just a mile outside the town of Princes Risborough which is in the heart of the Chiltern Hills. Described as being ‘the perfect balance of rural and commutable’ it is ideally located for those who want the best of both worlds. With journey times of approx. 45 mins to London Marylebone it is no wonder that commuters love this location. When not commuting the village is much sought after given that is in the heart of a National Landscape (formally Area of Outstanding National Beauty). It is also close to the Ridgeway and the National Trust Chiltern Escarpment that provides some of the best walking and cycling in the south of England.
Values in the Risboroughs have risen faster than any other rural part of the southeast according to Hamptons, up by 120% in the last ten years, compared with a regional average of 48%. So, what can you expect to find in this tucked away village? Residents are proud of their well-reviewed pub The Red Lion and there is also a golf course in addition to it being the starting point for many countryside walks. Housing options vary from historic cottages to generous family homes boasting character. All essentials can be found in the picturesque market town of Princes Risborough, just a few minutes’ drive away, including High Street names and a Tesco Superstore.
Given the size of the village, housing stock is not plentiful, but if you love the sound of Whiteleaf and want to find a similar sounding village, Chiltern Relocation would recommend the following locations:
Bourne End. Nestled on the Thames this village is popular with sailing enthusiasts or those who simply enjoy being by the river for fabulous walks into the Chilterns. The village has its own train station with direct trains to Reading. The High Street has a great range of shops, cafes and restaurants and it is just four miles from Beaconsfield with mainline commuting links.
Farnham Common/Farnham Royal. These two villages are located just by Burnham Beeches a 370 hectare area of ancient woodlands, ponds and pastures. There is a good range of housing in both villages and popular pubs. The High Street has everything needed for day-to-day essentials and Beaconsfield is just a short drive away with trains into Marylebone of approx. 25 minutes.
Great Missenden and Little Missenden. The timbered historic housing makes this town and village a destination in itself. The town is tucked into the valley in the Chilterns but also has its own train station with commuting times of 45 mins to central London. Walkers are spoilt for choice in the picturesque Missendens.
Penn and Tylers Green These friendly villages boast a large village green and duck pond at the heart of their communities. This rural location is only minutes from all the conveniences of Beaconsfield or ten minutes from the much larger High Wycombe. Penn has a few village shops and doctors’ surgery and some popular pubs.
Seer Green This village is popular with families due to its rural location yet the village has a railway station with direct trains to London Marylebone taking only 25 minutes. The village has a fabulous community feel with many local events including the family friendly Seer Green Beer and Music Festival. Located just 3 miles outside of Beaconsfield it feels like a rural haven.
Jordans This even smaller village located next to Seer Green is full of charm. Many of the village houses overlook the village green which hosts many community events. The village has a small but popular primary school for children up to the age of 7 years old. The railway station is called Seer Green & Jordans and is just a short distance from the heart of the village.
Wendover This bijou town has a rural feel, nestled in the Chiltern hills, but with all the conveniences of a town including specialist shops and restaurants on its historic High Street. The glorious Wendover Woods are on the doorstep with fabulous routes for walkers and cyclists. Commuters can expect a 50 min journey into Marylebone.
If you would like more information about secret villages and towns and would like help with your home search then please do get in touch. Call 01494 672086, email enquiries@chilternrelocation.com or visit our site for more information www.chilternrelocation.com
