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 look at Chart Place, an idyllic country house with an enviable setting that's come to the market.
The childhood home of an erstwhile Country Life deputy editor has come to the market for the first time in 65 years. Penny Churchill takes a look.
Quornden. A name you probably won't have come across before, but one we can guarantee you won't be able to get out of your head after seeing all that this property has to offer.
Hope Bay Studios offers the chance to live in a superb, modern home, in the country's most dramatic and iconic cliff-side location.
Have you ever dreamt of running away to the circus, but were reluctant to leave the comfort of your own home? Now you can have both, thanks to a stunningly quirky property off the South-East coast of England.
A magnificent Arts & Crafts property that's ideal for entertaining, Honer House also looks out across the RSPB Pagham Harbour nature reserve.
Teesdale, in Windlesham, Surrey, was built by Ernö Goldfinger, the inspiration for Auric Goldfinger, and it's luxurious enough to suit a Bond villain.
The Croft, in Detling, has repeatedly won awards for its striking grounds, which support a variety of wildlife.
Whether you're after a charming cottage or an estate to call your own, our list of the best country houses for sale in West Sussex makes tempting reading.
Home to George Austen until 1895, Oaklands House, in Rowland's Castle, Hampshire, has kept intact many period features, but now needs some TLC.
This delightful 16th Century chocolate box house is tastefully finished with an artistic flair, in an attractive village near Cambridge.
The Dovecote, in Colmworth, Bedfordshire combined sleek modern style with striking period features.
With its fabulous sea views and plenty of entertaining space both indoors and on the grounds, South Sands House, in St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover, is a striking family home. Or at least, it will be.
Grade I-listed Chilham Castle, in Chilham, Kent, graces the market for the first time in 20 years.
West Hanney House sits elegantly in the middle of its walled three-acre garden.
With 10,166sq ft of accommodation and a wide range of formal reception rooms, Blackmoor House is ideal for entertaining on a large scale.
The Grade II listed property sits in the centre of sought-after village Garsington.
A superb New Forest setting meets luxurious interiors and panoramic views at Chatley Wood House, in Highwood, Hampshire.
Dorcas Farm combines elegant interiors with an idyllic setting only 15 minutes from Milton Keynes.
Grade II-listed Tanyard Manor, near east Grinstead, combined charming interiors full of period details with a wide range of sporting facilities.
