Five of the best – Hampshire

While the Cotswolds continues to be a hugely-desirable and trendy destination for many buyers, those who really value a vibrant local community, fewer tourists and dare I say it, a touch more value, may wish to consider Hampshire instead.

I’m always struck by just how many Hampshire villages still have a shop and pub, so often lost in other parts of the country. Unlike the Cotswolds, which while incredibly beautiful is very much the preserve of the second homeowner, Hampshire, with its extensive network of Chalk streams and rolling downland, is better for commuting, with excellent schooling and crucially populated in the main by families who live there full time. 

This is reflected in its good local pubs and extensive village shops which are bustling throughout the week, rather than the gastro pubs of the Cotswolds which tend to be a hive of weekend activity. Hampshire arguably has a better choice of schools, which are fewer and further between in the Cotswolds.

I’ve highlighted a few of my favourite spots below, all of which have the rare ingredients required to create vibrant rural communities which are great places to live.

Rural northwest

In the rural northwest (I must admit a bias here as I live in north Hampshire with my family), Ashmansworth, Faccombe, Linkenholt and Vernham Dean are my top picks. You can’t really buy property in Faccombe as it’s owned by the Estate, but Ashmansworth, Linkenholt and Vernham Dean are great choices – beautiful countryside, pin-drop quiet and easy access to good watering holes. Yet at the same time they are handy for commuters, as you can access Andover in a flash or head north to Newbury with relative ease. The beauty of living within, or close to, a large estate is that it ensures a strong sense of community due to the extensive full (and part-time) employment opportunities they provide. People live and work there, meaning they are present and involved at the heart of the community. At the heart of the Faccombe Estate is the renowned Jack Russell Inn, which makes the most of Estate-grown produce including game, figs and apples from the orchards. There is also the George Inn in Vernham Dean, a beautiful, old-fashioned village pub. These villages also benefit from easy access to excellent schooling, in the form of Cheam, Farleigh, Horris Hill and St. Gabriel’s.

Southwest

Dip down to the southwest and you will come across Houghton, Broughton and the Tytherleys. These rural communities also boast good pubs, with the Boot Inn in Houghton (whose riverside beer garden abuts the River Test), The Greyhound in Broughton and The Black Horse in West Tytherley. These are also blessed with the Broughton Community Shop and the West Tytherley Community shop, two pillars of the community that offer not only convenience but a place to bump into and chat to neighbours. Perhaps not as convenient for the daily commute to London, but still with access to exceptional schooling (Farleigh in particular), you may even find a bit more bang for your buck in this part of Hampshire.

Central

If you’re all about the amenities, the villages surrounding Winchester are where you should focus, with excellent schools, convenience and easy commuting. The downside is that there isn’t quite have the same rural feel as other parts of the county. There are some very good schools within easy distance – not far from Winchester lie Twyford and St Swithun’s, while Farleigh is just south of Andover so you can easily access a good prep school option. Peter Symonds college, a state sixth-form in Winchester, also has an excellent reputation.

Southeast

Over towards the southeast of Hampshire is the striking Meon Valley in the South Downs National Park, with beautiful countryside but also fairly handy for commuting from Petersfield. In East Meon you will find Ye Olde George, a delightful 15th century coaching inn, and the Izaak Walton, a family-run pub, café and tearoom. There’s also The Pub With No Name just north of Privett, which is attracting quite a following. The Bereleigh Estate ensures a good sense of community, with Bedales School within easy reach and Twyford and St. Swithun’s slightly further afield. The Petersfield School is rated outstanding by Ofsted.

East

East of Winchester you have the Alresford villages (Bighton being one of my favourites) and up into the Candover Valley, a highly regarded string of villages which are a mecca for commuters as you can hop on the train at Basingstoke or Alton. It’s right in the middle of some excellent schools, while The Woolpack Inn at Totford, at the bottom of the Candover Valley, is well worth a visit, as is The Grange Festival, a renowned destination for world-class opera and jazz.