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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In the famously pretty wild swimming spot of Barcombe Mills is a lovely 19th century house that's come to the market. Penny Churchill takes a look.
With its several centuries of history, beautiful country views and an ideal location within easy reach of London, Grade II-listed Great Offley House is perfect for a family.
Riverdene, in Cookham, not only appears in some of the Royal Academician's works but was also home to racing daredevil Sir Algernon Guinness.
This delightful villa apartment set in the historic village of Wrotham, near Sevenoaks, has links to Jane Austen at the peak of her powers. But just how strong are those links?
The Nonnington estate in Graffham, West Sussex, combines exquisite period details with beautiful grounds featuring a small waterfall.
An ancient and atmospheric home with a swimming pool and converted barn has appeared on the market near Buntingford. Penny Churchill takes a look.
Rachael Turner takes a look at this intriguing Chichester property, once owned by the Earl of Arundel.
Penny Churchill explores a handsome property near the historic village of Hambledon.
Penny Churchill shares details of this pristine country estate in Hampshire.
St Patricks is a house beautiful enough to stop you in your tracks, as Toby Keel explains.
Rachael Turner looks in awe at this marvellous property in Kent.
Part of a historic mill complex, Orchard House, in Franingham, Kent, combines period features with a modern sense of space and a magnificent waterside setting in a lovely village with easy access to excellent schools.
On the banks of the River Mole, at the outskirts of London, is this striking house looking for a new owner.
A riverside house on the Thames is a dream for many of us — and those houses don't get much better than this one.
Farms and estates are more popular than ever, both as investments and as places to escape the rigours of city life. Penny Churchill takes a look at one up for sale in Essex.
Living on your own island is the stuff of childhood dreams; this place offers that chance while also offering easy access to London.
The house of a Napoleonic hero, and where Percy Shelley came for tea, has come up for sale in a pretty Sussex village.
Over 20 years since it was last sold, Penny Churchill looks at a home once owned by a scientist and champion chess player player that has come to the market.
A new-found love for space, quiet and Nature is driving growth in the prime countryside market, says Penny Churchill, as she takes a look at a superb house on the slopes of Leith Hill in Surrey.
