Two villages in Wales have been named in a list of 48 deemed to be the poshest in Britain. Using exclusive research provided by Savills, The Telegraph Money named the most desirable villages based on the combination of highest house prices, best lifestyle amenities, connectivity and aesthetic appeal.
The two Welsh locations included in the list are Shirenewton, Monmouthshire and Llancarfan, Vale of Glamorgan. It’s not the first time Shirenewton has appeared in this annual list of the best rural 'hot spot' village locations and Llancarfan is known locally as a hidden gem so it's not a shock to see it appearing within the 48 locations.
The Telegraph said: "Finding the perfect village that combines both chocolate-box appeal with necessary amenities on the doorstep too can be tricky. From rolling hills and winding roads, a healthy choice of local pubs and restaurants, plus good travel connections and impressive schools, there are so many factors to consider – and that’s before you even think about the area’s property prices." For more property stories sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here.
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During the pandemic, city dwellers flocked to the countryside in search of green open spaces to make lockdowns more tolerable. However, Frances McDonald, director of research at Savills says search criteria has 'shifted' in the past 18 months as workers have returned to the office.
"Our latest research indicates that proximity to a train station, place of work and family has become much more important for those searching for a new home – particularly as individuals are more likely to be commuting to the office multiple times a week. While still important to some now, pandemic buyer wish lists favoured proximity to parks, shops, and local pubs and restaurants.
"Exactly what village characteristics are classed as essential will vary from buyer to buyer, but we know that access to education, attractive surroundings and connectivity is a decent definition of a ‘have it all’ village."
Shirenewton
There’s a trio of main reasons why the village is included in the list; the Severn Estuary views, its famous Christingle service and yoga. The Telegraph said: "Shirenewton is the biggest of three villages – the others being Mynyddbach and Earlswood – in between the Usk and Wye valleys in the Monmouthshire hills, with views that stretch down to the Severn Estuary."
Mike Watkins, partner at Mr and Mrs Clarke, added: "It has a sense of community that rivals other villages. You make friends mainly through the dog-walkers of the village, and at the crossroads of the three villages.” The average house price in and around the village is £556,956 according to The Telegraph, with Rightmove adding that the majority of sales last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £772,500.
Llancarfan
If you can find it, nestled within a hidden Vale of Glamorgan valley, visiting Llancarfan feels like stepping back in time for many people and adds to its undeniable charm. Read more about that here.
Combine this with its quaint 12th century church and popular community pub and the village was always going to be a strong contender to be added to the list. The Telegraph said: "As of the 2011 Census, the village is home to approximately 750 people and, while you might think its proximity to Cardiff and Swansea might make it prone to becoming a commuter town, the population has remained stable for the past decade.
"It’s just a 10-minute drive from Cardiff Airport, but with little disturbance from planes overhead and leafy meandering country lanes, it feels like taking a ‘step back in time’.”
The house prices in and around the village are not stuck in the past though unfortunately, with The Telegraph stating the average now stands at £592,974 but you might find it a challenge to change your address to a Llancarfan postcode at the moment, as there was only one sale in 2023 - seems once you live in the village you’re not too keen to ever leave.
See more of The Telegraph's list here, plus for more property and renovation stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here.
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