Dawn Chorus: The second-happiest place to live in Britain is a complete bargain, where a dream farmhouse with stables goes for £600k
This morning's Dawn Chorus looks at the surprise findings of some recent research, a magnificent new display and shares the Quiz of the Day.

A happy coincidence
The various surveys and analyses which tell you which are the best places to live, have the prettiest houses or the best waterfront property aren't always — it has to be said — massively useful for those with limited budgets. Which is to say, almost everybody. After all, towns like Richmond-upon-Thames and Harrogate are gorgeous — but enormously expensive by pretty much any measure.
So it's something of a nice surprise to spot recent research by estate agency network eXp UK which looked at the happiest places in Britain, but cross-checked the data with average house prices.
And it threw up some interesting data. Top of the happiness list (based on the government's Office of National Statistics figures looking at local districts) put North Kesteven at the top. This East Midlands area, not far from Lincoln, recorded a happiness score of 8.09; for comparison, bottom of the happiness table was Adur, in West Sussex, covering the area between Worthing and Brighton, with just 6.16.
The good bit for people keen on Kesteven? Houses in the district are 12% cheaper than the national average, coming in at £257,199.
Even better news for those seeking a bargain, however, is that second on the list comes the Lancashire district of Pendle, scoring 8.06 for happiness, but with an average house price of just £146,516.
That's literally half the national average, and having had a look we can confirm that bargains are to be had. This 20-acre farm costs just £625,000, for example (though the farmhouse needs a complete refurb), while we also found an impressive cottage for just over £400k, homes at under several homes at under £100,000, and — our favourite of the lot — this equestrian property bursting with character and charm, with 2.5 ares included and more space available as an add-0n, all for £600,000 via Anthony Dawson.
Quiz of the Day
- 1) The surname ‘Fuller’ once described someone who worked with which material?
- 2) Which word beginning with S can refer to an article of clothing, a cut of meat and part of a saddle?
- 3) Which two butterfly species are often referred to as ‘cabbage whites’?
- 4) The Native American Amonute, who was also known as Matoaka and became Rebecca Rolfe after marriage, is better known by what name?
- 5) Which commonly used word is a contraction of ‘God be with you’?
Ice and fire
If you don't follow @countrylifemagazine on Instagram, you might have missed this magnificent picture we shared at the weekend. And if you do, and did see it... well, Chris Gorman's pic is so glorious we're fairly sure you won't mind seeing it again.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Winter sun in Greenwich
The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich is already beautiful enough to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But winter can take the edge off even the most wonderful buildings, so it's great to see them bringing light and wonder to the majestic Painted Hall thanks to Luke Jerram's new installation, Helios, which promises a dazzling ‘winter sun’ escape in the cold months. Book a visit here.
The village of the Supercar
There are well-heeled villages across the land where supercars are so prevalent it's 'like living in an episode of Top Gear'. Anna White found out more.
That's it — we're back tomorrow
Quiz Answers:
- 1) Wool
- 2) Skirt
- 3) Large white (Pieris brassicae) and small white (Pieris rapae)
- 4) Pocahontas
- 5) Goodbye
Toby Keel is Country Life's Digital Director, and has been running the website and social media channels since 2016. A former sports journalist, he writes about property, cars, lifestyle, travel, nature.
-
Small engines, big batteries: The quiet revolution of car design
More and more cars on the road are electric, and some unusual shapes and sizes glide past silently. But what does it all mean for design?
By Guy Bird Published
-
14 ways to keep your dogs cool in the heat, by A-list dog trainer Ben Randall
Dogs can't regulate their body temperatures as well as humans can, so at this time of year they need your help keeping cool, whether you're on the road, out and about or leaving them with someone else while you go away.
By Ben Randall Published
-
19 charming homes for sale, from picture-perfect cottages to beachside retreats, as seen in Country Life
This week's selection of some of the best homes to come to the market via Country Life this week.
By Toby Keel Published
-
Tim Burton is selling the house he shared with Helena Bonham-Carter, a sublime home on the Thames that comes with three private islands
Mill House in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire, might just be the perfect English country home.
By Rosie Paterson Last updated
-
A spectacular tower for sale that's a blend of Victorian folly, architectural marvel and 21st century family home
Hadlow Tower has space, and a back story of love, jealousy and intrigue.
By Toby Keel Published
-
A spectacular, light-filled home on the Isle of Wight where you can see the water from practically every window
Penny Churchill takes a look at the grand and impressive Fishbourne Quay House.
By Penny Churchill Last updated
-
The former stables — and recording studio for the Pet Shop Boys — transformed with a magical blend of city and country aesthetic, now seeking a new owner
In the heart of Clerkenwell, what was once a Victorian industrial unit is now a beautiful home.
By Toby Keel Last updated
-
The Good Life 2025? A development promising 'Britain's greenest homes' blends zero carbon, organic allotments and a touch of luxury in the Kent countryside
Hartdene Barns, sitting on a disused dairy farm in Kent, is a vision of what sustainable living one day mean for all of us.
By Annunciata Elwes Published
-
Breathtaking views and gardens that run down to the water's edge at this delightful home in Cornwall
The Garden House in Polruan sums up the appeal of waterside living. Penny Churchill steps inside.
By Penny Churchill Published
-
A 500-acre estate that spent 11 centuries in the same family, for sale for only the second time in its history
In the beautiful hills of north Wales the Garthewin estate has come up for sale, including a great country house once restored by the architect who created Portmeirion. Penny Churchill takes a closer look.
By Penny Churchill Published