Keen to make the move out of London to enjoy a greener lifestyle but worried about leaving your favourite urban pleasures behind?
We often receive enquires from clients who are eager to make the move out of cities to the Chiltern Hills – keen to buy a house with more space, a big garden, easy commute and access to excellent local schools – but who are unsure about leaving their city home comforts behind.
Here are Chiltern Relocation’s top three local towns/villages which ooze rural charm but are sought after for their chic credentials such as great café-life, farmers markets, independent retailers, stand out restaurants and historic pubs.
Amersham
Urban fix: Amersham usually features within the Top Ten places to live in The Sunday Times due to multiple factors. Easy access to London via overground and underground. The charming Old Town boasts a farmers’ market, great deli’s, cafes and pubs and a number of highly regarded restaurants including Michelin starred Artichoke. There are a number of independent clothing and homeware boutiques in the Old Town which draw many to the area. Up the hill in the New Town there is a more traditional High Street with all the familiar names including a Little Waitrose and M&S Food. A newly revamped leisure complex is under construction which will offer swimming pools, a gym, rock climbing etc. The New Town has a buzzy atmosphere with the sizeable Beech House bar and restaurant and Metro Lounge to name but a few.
Rural fix: Amersham is nestled in the Chiltern Hills with miles of rural footpaths from the doorstep. Many popular walks depart from the Old Town towards Chalfont St Giles alongside the river and across the rolling hillside. Cycling is a big pastime in the area with many local clubs. Shardeloes riding stables is just outside Amersham which is very popular. Being in the heart of the Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) walkers are spoilt for choice.
Cookham
Urban fix: The stunning High Street is a destination for those who enjoy great restaurants, café life and independent retailers. The Bel and Dragon is an historic country pub with simply amazing food and a wonderfully welcoming bar. Devine Florists is a delightful hub of the High Street and runs classes for those eager to try their hand at arrangements. There are a number of independent retailers including clothing boutiques, a book shop, butcher and cycle store along the High Street. Other restaurants include award winning Maliks, Anong Thai and historic pubs The King Arms and The White Oak amongst others.
Rural fix: Cookham sits on The Thames and has many stunning walks along the coastal path. National Trust land is just a stone’s throw from the High Street with Cookham Commons easily accessible for rural walks. Cookham Reach Sailing Club is very active and many water enthusiasts enjoy sailing, kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding. National Trust property Cliveden is just a few miles from Cookham.
Wendover
Urban fix: Nestled in the Chiltern Hills this village has a vibrant High Street with a wide appeal. Rumsey’s Chocolaterie and coffee shop is a destination in itself with their famous handmade chocolates. There are a number of homeware boutiques on the High Street too including No 1 Wendover (recently mentioned by Ranvir Singh in Red magazine as her favourite shop). A number of independent clothing boutiques and independent restaurants are also a big draw including a Spanish tapas and cocktail bar and a number of historic pubs.
Rural fix: Wendover Woods covers more than 800 acres and there are always plenty of activities on offer such as the Go Ape treetop assault course, a Gruffalo trail, cycle routes, barbeque areas, large children’s play area and great café. The Halton Tennis centre just moments from Wendover is one of the top UK tennis centres in the country and offers fantastic facilities and coaching. Cycling is also hugely popular due to the wide variety of cycle routes throughout the area.
