‘Not all villages are equal, and only a select few have it all: attractive houses, good connections, a decent school and friendly neighbours who come together at the pub, shop and village hall.’
So says the Sunday Times, explaining how they chose the 50 Best Villages in the UK.
And, we were delighted to discover, two North Yorkshire villages made the list…
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Hampsthwaite
This is what the Sunday Times said:
With the rugged Yorkshire Dales in one direction and swanky Harrogate in the other, this is the ideal location for anyone seeking country living with luxury close at hand. The stone houses around the village green are a delight, the Joiners Arms offers Theakston Best Bitter and Sophie’s coffee shop has pie or a homemade flapjack (vegan version available) on sale, the perfect reward after Pilates, Zumba or a yoga class at the village hall.
Nearest station Harrogate (5 miles).
Average house price £401,218
Hovingham
This is what the Sunday Times said:
The Howardian Hills are the hottest property market in the north, with countless homes attracting multiple bids. This prime cut of English countryside — all lush fields, tree-lined hills and dramatic views — has York and its impeccable connections on the doorstep. Hovingham has attractive red-tiled stone and brick cottages, a green with a bright red phone box, village hall, tennis club, a busy shop as well as an elegant gastropub in the Hovingham Inn and a brilliant bakery and café run by Simon Kelly and his Swedish wife, Victoria. “It’s so beautiful. Everyone’s very house-proud, there’s a regular litter pick and volunteers look after the playground and organise the monthly artisan market,” Kelly says.
Nearest station Malton. York is 17 miles away.
Average house price £478,533
Also Walkington, East Yorkshire made the list. If you live in any of these, congratulations!