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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Belvedere wants for nothing. A beautiful location, large rooms and acres upon acres of beautifully landscaped woodland all make this one of the most special properties on the market at this moment in time. Penny Churchill reports.
A sprawling house with a pair of gardens designed by some of the most brilliant minds in modern horticulture is at the heart of this huge estate for sale — which just so happens to be rather close to where Country Life is made.
Hunton Court has it all: a beautiful home in wonderful part of the country and full of interesting history, yet within easy reach of London.
Church Cottage is the idyllic countryside family home for everyone, including Alexandra Fraser, who takes a look at its many remarkable features.
Otham Farm in Kent has been rescued, altered and extended again and again. It has now been restored and its gardens salvaged, returning it to a stunning family home. Penny Churchill reports.
Barrington Hall has suffered many ups and downs in its three centuries of existence, but an astonishing restoration effort has put it in superb condition. Now it's looking for an owner to kick off its next few centuries; Penny Churchill reports.
Oxford Cottage is a wonderfully-pretty Georgian home with a surprisingly rural feel despite its location in the heart of the lovely town of Marlow.
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.
In a village synonmous with the works of one this country's most important 20th-century painters, it's a rare treat to see the cottage which he made his own on the market once more.
If the Festival of Speed at the weekend has inspired you to start collecting classic sports cars, you'll need somewhere to keep them — and this country house in West Sussex could be the answer.
A landmark Oxfordshire estate where champion racehorses were prepared – or retrained – is an exciting addition to the market.
A delightful millhouse in Hampshire has come up for sale with land, stables, a river full of fish and a bridge, all within easy reach of London.
Hill Place, potentially designed by Sir John Soan, can be purchased as a whole estate or simply as a country house, with just 20 acres of stunning parkland.
This incredible apartment in a huge 19th century house within the M25 has had some astonishing visitors. If only the walls of Wall Hall could talk...
Selham House is the perfect house for entertaining, with a pool for the summer, large rooms for the winter and a grand entrance hall worthy of Downton Abbey.
Bartley Manor has undergone a series of renovations to return it to its former glory, with each owner since the first leaving their own unique stamp on the property. Penny Churchill reports.
The history of Belmore House, a moment's stroll from the charming centre of Cowes, is inextricably linked with the world's most famous yacht club.
