Best regions for country homes: where to live in the UK countryside
Where should you buy in the UK countryside? Our experts spotlight the regions that deliver beauty, convenience and enduring appeal
Are you looking for a peaceful retreat or a longโterm investment in the UK countryside? Whether youโre drawn to the charm of the Cotswolds or the natural beauty of Buckinghamshire, this guide will help you explore the best regions to buy a country home. Our experts share their insight into what makes each region so special, and where to consider for your next home.
South Oxfordshire
The charming market towns and villages of South Oxfordshire are flanked by the natural beauty of The Chilterns and North Wessex Downs National Landscapes. Yet it combines rural appeal with convenience; not only with the city of Oxford on its doorstep, but fast rail links to London taking you from Didcot Parkway to Paddington in around 40 minutes, as well as good connectivity to hubs including Reading and Heathrow Airport.
โAs you come out west from London itโs one of the first truly rural areas you hit,โ says Matt Davies, 51ยายืโs Head of Henley Sales. โMany choose the location for its relaxed yet convenient lifestyle as they look to retire, while the excellent educational options also attract younger families.โ
HenleyโonโThames is one of the areaโs jewels, famed for its annual rowing regatta on the River Thames. โThe south side of town often attracts families with its spacious period semiโdetached and detached houses close to top primary schools such as St Maryโs Preparatory School, Trinity and Valley Road,โ he adds. โMeanwhile the north attracts downsizers, where they are close to the Kenton Theatre, Phyllis Court private membersโ club and a host of other amenities the town has to offer.โ
โYouโre also spoiled for choice in the surrounding villages, from Stoke Row, which has its own primary school, pubs and charming local shop, to Hambleden, which has been used as a filming location for numerous films and period dramas.โ
Explore homes for sale in Henley-on-Thames
Colmore Lane, Kingwood, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 5.47 acres
Guide price
£3,950,000
Green Lane, Henley-on-Thames RG9
House, 2851 sqft
Offers in excess of
£1,750,000
St. Marks Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9
House, 0.34 acres
Guide price
£1,650,000
St. Andrews Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 3856 sqft
Guide price
£2,750,000
Reading Road, Shiplake, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9
House, 0.67 acres
Guide price
£3,000,000
Rocky Lane, Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, RG9
House, 9.9 acres
Guide price
£3,000,000
Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire, RG9
House, 6.1 acres
Offers in excess of
£2,995,000
Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire, RG9
House, 0.3 acres
Guide price
£2,250,000
Main Street, Stoke Row, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9
House, 2627 sqft
Offers in excess of
£1,500,000
Quarry Lane, Shiplake, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 2899 sqft
Guide price
£1,750,000
Mill Road, Shiplake, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9
House, 2624 sqft
Offers in excess of
£1,750,000
Skirmett, Henley-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire, RG9
House, 1.7 acres
Guide price
£1,100,000
Church Lane, Rotherfield Peppard, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 1798 sqft
Guide price
£1,250,000
Priest Hill, Nettlebed, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9
House, 2613 sqft
Guide price
£1,350,000
Bell Street, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 2285 sqft
Guide price
£1,500,000
Greys Green, Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 3102 sqft
Guide price
£2,500,000
Greys Green, Rotherfield Greys, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 2787 sqft
Offers in excess of
£2,000,000
Remenham Hill, Remenham, Henley-on-Thames, Berkshire, RG9
House, 1 acres
Guide price
£3,500,000
Skirmett, Henley-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire, RG9
House, 2386 sqft
Guide price
£1,375,000
Woodlands Road, Harpsden, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 4058 sqft
Guide price
£2,225,000
Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire
For those looking for village life without venturing too far from London, the beautiful landscapes of the Chilterns and Aylesbury Vale offer an ideal backdrop. Fast train links from hubs in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire take you into London in as little as 20 minutes, including services on the Elizabeth Line and Underground.
โBerkhamsted with its bustling high street, has become a common first move out of London, particularly for younger families drawn by the regionโs excellent schools,โ says William Furniss, 51ยายืโs Head of Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire Sales. โThere are then fantastic surrounding villages with goodโsized houses that many trade up to when the time is right.โ
Villages such as Coleshill and Penn are wellโpositioned near Amersham and Beaconsfield, while further out, sought after locations including Bledlow, Radnage, Naphill and North Dean offer a true rural atmosphere. โWhether a pub, cricket club or tennis club, they all have a heart that draws the local community together,โ he says.
Explore homes for sale in Buckinghamshire & Hertfordshire
Colmore Lane, Kingwood, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 5.47 acres
Guide price
£3,950,000
Green Lane, Henley-on-Thames RG9
House, 2851 sqft
Offers in excess of
£1,750,000
Guide price
£1,250,000
Monks Hood, Ferry Lane, Medmenham, Marlow, SL7 2EZ
House, 0.6 acres
Auction Guide Price
£2,800,000
Matching Green, Essex, CM17
House, 1 acres
Guide price
£1,950,000
Eden Drive, Windsor, Berkshire SL4
House, 2159 sqft
Guide price
£1,200,000
St. Marks Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9
House, 0.34 acres
Guide price
£1,650,000
St. Andrews Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9
House, 3856 sqft
Guide price
£2,750,000
Offers in the region of
£2,250,000
Grove Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4
House, 1744 sqft
Guide price
£1,450,000
Whiteleaf, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire HP27
House, 0.35 acres
Guide price
£1,900,000
Middle Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25
House, 1 acres
Guide price
£1,350,000
Chiltern Hill, Chalfont St. Peter, Gerrards Cross, SL9.
House, 0.32 acres
Offers in excess of
£1,500,000
Shootersway Lane, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire HP4
House, 0.33 acres
Guide price
£2,950,000
Ashwell SG7
House, 3369 sqft
Guide price
£1,795,000
Money Row Green, Holyport, Berkshire, SL6
House, 1.74 acres
Guide price
£4,350,000
Burchetts Green Road, Burchetts Green, Maidenhead, SL6
House, 0.5 acres
Offers in excess of
£1,850,000
Common Road, Chorleywood, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3
House, 1.7 acres
Guide price
£3,650,000
Reading Road, Shiplake, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire RG9
House, 0.67 acres
Guide price
£3,000,000
Station Road, Marlow, Buckinghamshire SL7
House, 4182 sqft
Offers in excess of
£2,850,000
Hampshire
With its easy access to coast and countryside, its two National Landscapes (South Downs and the New Forest), and commuterโfriendly rail services to London, Hampshire provides exceptional variety.
โOne of the lovely things about the area is that itโs so diverse,โ says George Clarendon, a partner in 51ยายืโs Winchester office. โYou have families attracted by the good schools, those who need to commute to London, and people coming out to retire or enjoy the laidโback lifestyle unique to the area, from beautiful walks to water sports.โ
This variety is also reflected in the areaโs homes, from larger country houses to the traditional brick-and-flint cottages commonly found here, suiting a range of tastes and budgets. The historic market towns of Stockbridge and Alresford, alongside the characterful surrounding villages, hold particular appeal. โThey each form a hub either side of Winchester, both with lovely Georgian high streets lined with boutique shops and cafes,โ he adds.
Explore homes for sale in Hampshire
Cliff Road, Totland Bay, Isle of Wight PO39
House, 0.85 acres
Guide price
£1,775,000
Lower Whitehill, near Overton, Hampshire RG25
House, 2.56 acres
Asking Price
£1,650,000
Abbotts Barton, Winchester, Hampshire SO23
House, 1.2 acres
Guide price
£3,250,000
Blackdown, Haslemere, West Sussex GU27
House, 32.15 acres
Guide price
£9,500,000
Marsh Court, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20
House, 1.45 acres
Guide price
£1,750,000
Coopers Hill, Eversley, Hook, Hampshire, RG27
House, 4.64 acres
Guide price
£2,800,000
Montgomery's Farm House Crondall, Hampshire GU10 5HH.
House, 4 acres
Guide price
£2,895,000
Headley Lane, Passfield, Liphook, Hampshire, GU30
House, 5.75 acres
Guide price
£2,950,000
East Meon, Petersfield, Hampshire GU32
House, 4707 sqft
Guide price
£1,150,000
Whitmead Lane, Tilford, Farnham, Surrey GU10
House, 2.35 acres
Guide price
£3,250,000
High Street, Droxford, Southampton, Hampshire SO32
House, 2553 sqft
Guide price
£1,150,000
High Street, Odiham, Hook, Hampshire RG29
House, 2252 sqft
Asking Price
£1,250,000
Guide price
£1,200,000
Newtown Road, Awbridge, Romsey, Hampshire SO51
House, 1.25 acres
Guide price
£1,100,000
Bamber Lane, Lower Froyle, Alton, Hampshire, GU34
House, 4.14 acres
Guide price
£3,000,000
High Street, Odiham, Hook, Hampshire, RG29
House, 1.29 acres
Guide price
£4,000,000
Baring Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23
House, 5533 sqft
Guide price
£2,675,000
South Road, Broughton, Stockbridge, Hampshire, SO20
House, 2124 sqft
Guide price
£1,050,000
Astra Court, Hythe, Southampton, Hampshire SO45
House, 3104 sqft
Guide price
£2,450,000
Hay Place Lane, Binsted, Alton, Hampshire, GU34
House, 3.22 acres
Guide price
£1,400,000
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds has undeniable star power, drawing UK and international celebrities with its upscale lifestyle, from Daylesford Organic to The Club by Bamford and Estelle Manor. Yet its appeal goes deeper, says .
โIโve heard it referred to as the โGoldilocksโ zone - not too far from London, but not too close. Everything is just right,โ he jokes. Train connections will get you to the capital in around an hour, while the regionโs picturesque honey-coloured homes are surrounded by rolling countryside, benefiting from the extra protection afforded by being part of a National Landscape.
โThe north offers the best access back to the capital and to the immediate areaโs best amenities. If you draw a line around StowโonโtheโWold, Chipping Norton, Charlbury, Woodstock and Burford, much of the demand is concentrated here,โ he notes. Meanwhile villages towards Cirencester offer excellent value for those prioritising unspoilt rural settings.
Explore homes for sale in the Cotswolds
The sought after area of Cleeve Hill, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL52.
House, 1.28 acres
Guide price
£1,300,000
Burmington, Warwickshire, CV36
Barn Conversion, 3484 sqft
Guide price
£1,375,000
Church Road, Bitton, Bristol, BS30
House, 27.6 acres
Guide price
£2,600,000
Hollingham Lane, Horsley, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL6
House, 2703 sqft
Guide price
£1,450,000
Old Warwick Road, Rowington, Warwickshire CV35
House, 16.78 acres
Guide price
£3,500,000
Spine Road West, Ashton Keynes, Wiltshire, SN6.
House, 2813 sqft
Asking Price
£1,599,950
Fields Road, Chedworth, Cheltenham GL54
House, 1.45 acres
Guide price
£2,250,000
New Street, Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire CV36
House, 4.25 acres
Guide price
£1,350,000
Guide price
£1,100,000
Lower Chedworth, Chedworth, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL54
House, 2690 sqft
Guide price
£1,300,000
Old Town, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37
House, 0.19 acres
Guide price
£1,425,000
Hankerton, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16
House, 3727 sqft
Guide price
£1,195,000
Avonbank Drive, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37
House, 4415 sqft
Guide price
£2,375,000
Station Road, Churchdown, Gloucestershire, GL3
House, 2823 sqft
Guide price
£1,175,000
Asking Price
£1,400,000
Middle Aston, Oxfordshire, OX25
House, 1 acres
Guide price
£1,350,000
Swindon Road, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16
House, 22.84 acres
Guide price
£2,950,000
Crescent Terrace, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL50
Townhouse, 3877 sqft
Guide price
£1,395,000
Shipton-Under-Wychwood, Chipping Norton OX7
Village House, 2395 sqft
Guide price
£1,300,000
Guide price
£1,350,000
Kent
Kent is synonymous with its excellent grammar schools, a major draw for families looking to set down roots while maintaining short commutes into London. This has driven strong demand in towns such as Sevenoaks, where property prices grew 2% in the year to Q4 2025, bucking wider trends.
โCertain pockets of Sevenoaks such as those close to Knole Park and Sevenoaks School have always traditionally been sought after, but now we are also seeing buyers who place a lot of importance in being within 5 to 10 minutes walk of the station,โ says James Storey, a Partner in 51ยายืโs Sevenoaks office, with trains into London Bridge in under 25 minutes.
Tunbridge Wells and surrounding villages also continue to see demand shaped by school catchments. โTunbridge Wells has something to offer everyone, whether youโre a young professional looking for a quick commute into the capital or a family wanting to settle down,โ says Ross Davies, Office Head of 51ยายื Tunbridge Wells. โWhat I love is that for a larger town it feels like a village. Everyone seems to know each other, and itโs a very friendly place to be. Itโs a vibrant town with its own soul.โ
Explore homes for sale in Kent
Greenhill Road, Otford, Sevenoaks TN14
House, 1 acres
Guide price
£1,475,000
Rede Wood Road, Maidstone, Kent ME16
House, 5364 sqft
Guide price
£1,150,000
Maidstone Road, Whetsted, Tonbridge, Kent TN12
House, 3268 sqft
Guide price
£1,150,000
Otford Lane, Halstead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14
House, 0.5 acres
Guide price
£1,250,000
Sparepenny Lane, Farningham, Kent, DA4
House, 0.72 acres
Guide price
£1,500,000
Goudhurst, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17.
House, 2.5 acres
Guide price
£3,250,000
High Street, West Malling, Kent, ME19
House, 3485 sqft
Guide price
£1,350,000
Solefields Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13
House, 3358 sqft
Guide price
£2,100,000
Plymouth Drive, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13
House, 0.16 acres
Guide price
£1,850,000
Ash Platt Road, Seal, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15
House, 2763 sqft
Guide price
£1,250,000
Marlborough Crescent, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13
House, 0.21 acres
Guide price
£1,450,000
Golford, Cranbrook, Kent TN17
House, 2.13 acres
Guide price
£1,450,000
Nevill Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4
House, 0.57 acres
Guide price
£2,750,000
Bourne Lane, Tonbridge, Kent TN9
House, 0.35 acres
Guide price
£1,395,000
Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14
House, 4752 sqft
Offers in excess of
£1,500,000
Wittersham, Tenterden, Kent TN30
House, 8.77 acres
Guide price
£2,250,000
Dornden Drive, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3
House, 3173 sqft
Guide price
£1,395,000
Pineneedle Lane, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13
House, 3090 sqft
Guide price
£1,950,000
Frank Rosier Way, Tunbridge Wells, East Sussex TN2
House, 3605 sqft
Offers in excess of
£1,250,000
Bishops Down Park Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4
House, 3137 sqft
Guide price
£1,500,000
Surrey
โA lot of people are attracted to Surrey when they decide itโs time to move out of London,โ explains . โItโs an easy migration down the A3, with many attracted by the numerous excellent schools and good commute.โ
Traditionally, the most desirable areas in what is referred to as โNorth Surreyโ or Elmbridge offer excellent connectivity and an upscale lifestyle, with a premium attached. According to 51ยายื data, Esher and Cobham have seen the largest increase in new applications in its country markets, up 20.6% and 19.8% respectively in Q4 2025 compared with the fiveโyear average.
โA consistently in demand location is Guildford, a vibrant market town with a cobbled high street. The Surrey Hills villages around Guildford remain the most popular such as Shamley Green, Wonersh, Bramley, Peaslake and Shere, while smaller towns such as Godalming offer excellent connectivity to the capital with fast train links and a good sense of community,โ she says. โChiddingfold is always highly sought after and since the Hindhead Tunnel opened some 15 years ago, Haslemere has become increasingly popular and is known as the โGateway to the Downsโ with the protected countryside of the South Downs National Park on the doorstep.โ
Explore homes for sale in Surrey
Fairacres, Cobham, Surrey KT11
House, 3392 sqft
Guide price
£1,899,950
Leigh Hill Road, Cobham, Surrey, KT11
House, 1.06 acres
Guide price
£3,250,000
West Road, St George's Hill, Weybridge, Surrey KT13
House, 1.5 acres
Guide price
£15,000,000
Park Hill Drive, Cobham, Surrey KT11
House, 4054 sqft
Guide price
£3,000,000
Pickhurst Road, Chiddingfold, Godalming, Surrey GU8
House, 0.88 acres
Guide price
£2,375,000
Heath Ridge Green, Cobham, Surrey KT11
House, 0.26 acres
Guide price
£3,350,000
Blundel Lane, Stoke d'Abernon, Cobham, Surrey KT11
House, 0.28 acres
Guide price
£1,000,000
The Warren, East Horsley, Leatherhead, Surrey KT24
House, 1.85 acres
Guide price
£3,950,000
Sherbourne Drive, Wentworth, Berkshire, SL5
House, 1.5 acres
Guide price
£21,500,000
Hendham Road, London SW17
House, 2461 sqft
Guide price
£2,395,000
Ronmar, Leatherhead Road, Oxshott, Surrey KT22..
House, 2375 sqft
Guide price
£1,350,000
Northweald Lane, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey KT2
House, 1534 sqft
Guide price
£1,250,000
Guide price
£1,295,000
Blackdown, Haslemere, West Sussex GU27
House, 32.15 acres
Guide price
£9,500,000
Horseshoe Crescent, Guildford GU1
House, 2874 sqft
Guide price
£1,875,000
River Bank, Thames Ditton, Surrey KT7
House, 2980 sqft
Guide price
£2,595,000
Westcar Lane, Hersham, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12
House, 3277 sqft
Guide price
£1,895,000
Roehampton Gate, London SW15.
House, 7219 sqft
Guide price
£5,750,000
Westwood Grove, Swinley Road, Ascot SL5.
House, 3014 sqft
Guide price
£1,650,000
Woburn Hill, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15
House, 2774 sqft
Guide price
£1,550,000
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