Somerset village near Bristol named among poshest places to live in the UK, with £950,000 average house price

A village near Bristol has been named among the poshest villages to live in the UK, according to a list released by The Telegraph. Situated approximately 14 miles south west of Bristol city centre, Wellow in Somerset has a whopping average house price of over £954,953 - putting it at the same level with Studland, a posh village in Dorset.

The recent research by estate agent Savills, said the extensive list comprises 54 villages from throughout the country that were judged "most desirable" in terms of house prices and lifestyle. Francesca Leighton-Scott of Knight Frank said: On the edge of the Cotswolds, Wellow is built on oolitic limestone.

“It has a vibrant community with an excellent pub, the Fox and Badger, a well- stocked community-run village shop, a church, primary school, monthly newsletter, two flood-lit tennis courts, a playground and stables.”

Wellow, which had a population of 529 as of the 2021 Census, is located just three miles from Bath. The village itself falls within the southernmost boundary of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is recognised as having special architectural and historic interest, which led to it being designated as a Conservation Area in 1983.

Rise in demand for countryside homes

According to The Telegraph, the demand for rental homes in the countryside has increased since the pandemic because more individuals are moving there due to greater housing flexibility brought on from home working. More than half of Savills estate agents nationwide reported an increase in demand in the most sought-after rural areas, with 57% of respondents indicating they were unable to purchase where they desired.

Frances Clacy, analyst at Savills, told The Telegraph: “People want villages that have a bit of everything, from schools to stunning countryside, with accessibility to cities and transport infrastructure. Less well-trumpeted factors count too, such as the main road through the village should only lead to other villages.”

The Telegraph’s top 54 "most desired villages” were chosen based on a combination of highest housing values, best lifestyle facilities, connectivity, and chocolate-box appeal along with trendy amenities like yoga studios, cycling shops and running clubs.

Along with general stores that offer zero-waste refill stations for domestic supplies and homemade ready meals and vegetable boxes, there is also the juxtaposition of an authentic architectural aesthetic (the older the better) around a green. In addition, it’s also critical to have a strong sense of history, identity, and community.