The three most beautiful villages in Britain that you'll want to move to in 2024
Essex is one of the most picturesque counties in the UK, known for its charming villages, historic houses, and inviting atmosphere. It's precisely what many individuals seeking a new place to call home are searching for.
While there's no shortage of remarkable towns and villages in Essex, some stand out as particularly appealing to prospective residents. According to EssexLive, an Essex housing expert has identified three beautiful villages that will attract people looking to relocate in the next year.
Carl Manning, head of residential sales at Savills in Essex, has named Felsted, Fryering, and Writtle as the villages that have become increasingly desirable places to live in recent months.
Felsted: Excellent schools and connections to London
One of Carl's selections is Felsted, located in the Uttlesford area between Great Dunmow and Braintree. With around 3,000 residents, this picturesque village is surrounded by stunning countryside.
It boasts a rich history, once serving as the site of a railway line used to transport bombs during World War II. Additionally, it was the Essex residence of The Prodigy frontman Keith Flint. Felsted is also known for Felsted School, founded in 1564 by Lord Ritchie, the Lord Chancellor during the reign of King Edward VI.
"Many of the most popular villages share very similar characteristics," says Mr. Manning. "Felsted, for example, has a strong sense of tradition and is highly favored by families due to its excellent school. It offers a wonderful blend of historic and modern homes, along with excellent amenities such as a pub, restaurants, and tea room. Surrounded by stunning countryside, it's just a few miles from Chelmsford with convenient rail links to London, making it ideal for commuters. Nearby towns like Great Dunmow, Braintree, and Stansted are also easily accessible."
Fryering: A quaint village steeped in history
Next on the list is Fryering, described by Mr. Manning as "a highly desirable village." Despite its small size, Fryering boasts a rich history dating back to the 11th century, evident in its traditional ambiance. Whether it's the historic parish church of St. Mary the Virgin on Blackmore Road, with its brick tower dating back to the 1400s, or the presence of two pubs and no shops.
Mr. Manning explains, "It's a tight-knit community where you can truly escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Yet, Ingatestone with its array of amenities and direct rail links to London is just a stone's throw away, making it a popular choice for city commuters."
He continues, "Moreover, the village features two excellent pubs and a charming parish church with an ancient yew tree, believed to be one of the oldest in Essex. Surrounded by beautiful woodlands, Fryering is perfect for leisurely walks and bike rides."
One of the pubs, the Cricketers Mill Green, dates back to the 19th century and boasts a spacious beer garden set back from the road. It hosts various events throughout the year, including quizzes and entertainment nights.
"The Viper is another favorite among locals, especially during the biannual beer festivals. As you stroll through Fryering and Ingatestone, you can't help but notice the strong sense of community. At the local Ravens Bakery, customers and staff greet each other by name, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere."
Writtle: A gem among English villages
Mr. Manning's final recommendation is Writtle, a charming village nestled in the outskirts of Chelmsford. Despite its small size, Writtle boasts some of the most picturesque scenery in the county, along with a thriving community spirit.
"The village boasts traditional features such as charming pubs with a strong sense of community, lush greenery, and a tranquil family pond inhabited by ducks. Additionally, there are numerous small independent shops, cafes, and a local butcher.
"Lastly, but certainly not least, is Writtle, often hailed as 'one of the most picturesque villages in England,'" remarks Mr. Manning. "With its Norman church and verdant spaces, complete with a delightful duck pond, Writtle offers a diverse array of amenities, including a post office, deli, supermarket, and several acclaimed restaurants and pubs.
"It's also equipped with a pre-school, two primary schools, and a secondary school, and is home to Writtle College, one of the oldest and largest agricultural colleges in the UK. Despite being nestled in the heart of the countryside, providing a tranquil retreat, Chelmsford is conveniently nearby for those seeking a livelier atmosphere."
