Those who move out of London often focus on the surrounding areas, the so-called Home Counties: Surrey, Sussex and Kent to the south; Berkshire and Buckinghamshire to the west; Middlesex, Hertfordshire and Essex to the north and east. Slightly further out are Hampshire, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire, which also balance of country life with easy access to the metropolis.
Surrey is the county most associated with the ‘stockbroker belt’: it’s very close to London but still leafy and attractive and boasts world-famous estates such as St George’s Hill and Wentworth. Its market towns like Haslemere and Farnham have great amenities and quick rail links back into the capital.
Sussex is perhaps best characterised by the views offered in the beautiful South Downs, but there are also vibrant cities such as Brighton and Chichester which offera real cosmopolitan mix.
Kent, the Garden of England, has been growing in popularity for those moving out of London for some time, and country houses in Kent are remarkably good value compared to those in neighbouring Sussex or Surrey.
Many parts of Hampshire are very pretty and yet still commutable to London – Kingsclere and Winchester are both within an hour of Waterloo, the former a classic English village, the latter with its medieval cobbled streets and fun markets one of the most desirable Cathedral cities in the country.
In Berkshire, towns and villages such as Bucklebury, Bray, and Yattendon are justly famous, while in Buckinghamshire the likes of Long Crendon are both practical and picturesque.
Herfordshire has the charming city of St Albans to recommend it while Harpenden and Hertforshire are also enduringly popular, while Essex has countryside that inspired Constable as well as 350 miles of coastline.
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Penny Churchill takes a tour of The Old Vicarage, a house set in a gorgeous slice of countryside yet which is easy commuting distance from London.
Penny Churchill takes a look at a house ideal for those commuting in to the City.
Greyfriars is a beautiful 19th century home with an impeccable pedigree, designed by Charles Vosey and with gardens laid out by Gertrude Jekyll. Now, it's looking for a new owner.
Great Tangley Manor is one of the most beautiful — not to mention one of the oldest — homes in Surrey, and it's now seen a significant price reduction. Penny Churchill and James Fisher report.
Dirk Bogarde, one of Britain's most celebrated actors of the 20th century, took on and rescued this home in Buckinghamshire before selling it on to the wildly successful produce behind the 'Carry On' films. Now, Drummers Yard is looking for a new owner once more.
Ivy House is a beautiful home in a prime spot on the south coast. Penny Churchill takes a look.
It had to happen: Country Life and skateboarding come together at last.
Penny Churchill takes a look at Charles Hill Court, a magnificent home up for sale in a hugely popular spot.
You might get wet on your commute, but on the plus side you'd never get trouble with noisy neighbours at these utterly unique properties.
The Buckholt Estate is a grand country home in a grand country estate of a size that's a hair's breadth away from being a grand.
Penny Churchill takes a look at the breathtakingly impressive Combe Court, in one of the prettiest locations in the Surrey Hills.
Queen Victoria's children and guests lived for years in the exquisitely detailed Osborne Cottage, which offers its buyer the opportunity to own a unique piece of British heritage.
Tumbledown Farm in Brockham is exactly the sort of place you're probably thinking of when you think of moving out to the country.
A vast expanse of parkland is literally on your doorstep at this charming house, with five bedrooms, a study and a wonderful library.
The ideal country house with the ideal lifestyle business? Dillions Farmhouse and Vineyard in West Sussex are up for sale.
The work done on this home in Hertfordshire is striking yet sympathetic as it comes to the market for the first time in over three decades. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
From a thatched cottage to a castle, and from a former pub to one of Britain's greatest privately-owned homes, Buckinghamshire has a huge amount to offer.
Delightful character cottages, sprawling country houses and even a surprisingly big city flat are all among the property options open to those with a seven-figure budget. Here's our pick of the best £1 million houses for sale across the land.
Cobstone Mill became famous across the world as the home of Ian Fleming's second-most famous creation, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Today, this delightful old mill is seeking a new owner.
