Beyond the City
beyond the city
The region is home to some of the finest towns and villages in the country and these are a particular draw to broad range of individuals looking for property, and for a variety of reasons.Â
If you are seeking a balance between the vibrancy and amenities of the city but are not seeking the isolation and seclusion that the countryside can offer, maybe town or village life is for you. As part of our research, we will look at transportation links, schools and other local amenities before reporting back to you as to which location or locations would best suit the lifestyle you are wanting to achieve.
Once we have finalised your options, we will then begin your property search, view properties on your behalf and finally provide you with a shortlist of the best properties for you to visit in person.
What follows is not an exhaustive list, but a guide to some of the regions highlights…
Highlighted as one of the Times “Best Places to Live in Britainâ€, Frome is a welcoming, charming and vibrant place with a wealth of history, culture and natural beauty.
Frome is a town with an historic centre and has a wealth of architectural interest alongside a thriving contemporary and performing arts scene. Frome is also the original Somerset Market Town, a hugely important destination hosting a thriving market since the time the ink was still wet on The Domesday Book. This tradition continues today with regular markets every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Then on the first Sunday of each month from March to December, the Frome Independent Market comes to town. The Frome Independent is a mini festival that takes over the whole town attracting thousands of visitors. It brings together the best local food and drink, artists and designers, produce, plants, flowers, retro, vintage, collectables, home wares and street entertainment.
Aside from the markets, Frome is full of specialist shops, arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles sitting alongside vintage and unique clothing shops and businesses, the majority of which are independent. Frome is also home to a number of artsvenues and galleries in historic buildings, including The Black Swan, Rook Lane Arts, and the Silk Mill.
Frome has a growing reputation as a hub for creative industries. Many professional craftspeople work from individual workshops with specialities ranging from designer jewellery and textiles to musical instrument makers and artist blacksmiths. It is also home to modern innovative and creative businesses, like 3D printing and new media agencies.
With the River Avon at its heart, the Roman town of Bradford on Avon sits on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, surrounded by glorious scenic countryside. It is no wonder the town has drawn people to the area since the Iron Age.
The Saxons drove their carts across the ‘broad ford’ that gave the town its name – a path you can still follow today – on your way to the impressive Tithe Barn. The famous town bridge – parts of which date back to the 13th century – that replaced the ford dominates the town-centre. Its nine arches span the Avon, and at its centre is a medieval pilgrim chapel, later converted into a lock up for ‘undesirables’ and which is open to visitors on World Heritage Open Days which held in September.
One of the most compelling characteristics of Bradford on Avon is its unique location on the edge of the Cotswolds facing the River Avon. Bradford on Avon has the best of everything – shopping, restaurants and public houses, river, canal and amazing local history at every turn.
Shaftesbury is a small market town in North Dorset with a fascinating history going back to Saxon times.
The town is the home of Gold Hill (made famous by the “Hovis†advert) and has magnificent views over Thomas Hardy’s Blackmore Vale. It is the gateway to the South West from where you can tour the area from Stonehenge to the east to Bath and Bristol to the north and the Jurassic Coast to the south.
The ruins of Shaftesbury Abbey and the Gold Hill Museum (Open April – October) are very popular together with the town’s many independent shops and Swan’s Yard, the creative heart of Shaftesbury.
The outdoor swimming pool is open from May and there are a number of events and festivals held throughout year. Meanwhile, the stunning landscapes around Shaftesbury are accessible and offer the chance to blow away the stresses of the city
Private and secluded, but boasting excellent communication links, Bruton is a compact, intense Somerset town with a burgeoning high street.
While the skyline of Glastonbury is dominated by the Tor, Bruton has its famous dovecote. Built in the 16th Century and now managed by the National Trust, it’s visible from everywhere in the town or any neighbouring hilltop, and is the best place from which to view the town.
As well as all the local artistic ventures, it now boasts the exciting new Hauser and Wirth gallery, ingeniously installed in a restored farm just outside the town, with constantly changing exhibitions. Bruton has become increasingly cosmopolitan, in part due to it being easily reached from London, by rail (Castle Cary station) and from the A303.
Marlborough is situated in the picturesque rural north-east of Wiltshire.
Much of its great natural beauty is environmentally protected and it offers a unique blend of modern attractions and facilities. Site of a twice-weekly market, the High Street is one of the widest in the UK and lined on both sides with characterful old buildings housing an array of high quality shops. Marlborough has been recently ranked as the second best place to shop in England by The Harper Dennis Hobbs’ (HDH) annual Vitality Rankings.
The town displays the confidence of wealth from times past, yet today remains vibrant and progressive with its own chic café culture and many independent shops. The Merchant’s House – one of the finest 17th century homes open to visitors in England – can be found on the High Street here and contains a wealth of period features, paintings and artefacts and on-going restoration.
Among Marlborough’s many claims to fame is the mysterious Merlin’s Mound which can be found within the grounds of Marlborough College and is the reputed burial place of the wizard Merlin.
There are all sorts of events for local residents and visitors alike; the annual Marlborough Literature Festival, is an important event with something interesting for all ages and the Marlborough College Summer School draws lots of people to the town. Another popular annual event is the Marlborough Open Studios, usually held over several weekends in July, where local artists open up their studios, both in Marlborough and the neighbouring areas.
Walkers will enjoy the nearby Savernake Forest, to the southeast of the town. Head here during late spring for the bluebells and in autumn for the fantastic colours. The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty encompasses much of the countryside around Marlborough and there are ample walking and cycling routes throughout this area. Marlborough is also located very close to the Avebury World Heritage Site.Â
Steeped in over 2,000 years of history, Tisbury is the largest village in the Nadder Valley, in the West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.Â
St John’s 12th-century parish church is in the centre of the village, with the churchyard boasting an ancient yew tree still flourishing after 4,000 years; Old Wardour Castle is tucked away on the village outskirts.
Tisbury is seductive, with an appealing mix of ancient stone properties and Victorian redbrick houses, a growing number of commuters both east to London and west to Exeter, and a thriving high street with a great range of independent shops. It’s one of three main villages in the area, the others being Hindon and Fonthill Bishop, each with their own amenities and charm and which are less than 10 minutes’ drive away.
Just down the road is Old Wardour Castle – a fine example of a 14th century castle. The unusual hexagonal ruins of Old Wardour Castle stand serenely in their lakeside setting, protected by acres of wood. Today the castle ruin provides a relaxed, romantic day out for couples, families and budding historians alike. Fonthill Lake and the popular Beckford Arms are also very close by.
The town of Glastonbury is most famous for the annual festival which bears its name, but this quirky Somerset town offers so much more than just music.
It is full of magic and mystery, and boasts a history that dates back thousands of years. The local myths and legends are part of the appeal that attracts visitors from across the globe.
Situated on the Somerset Levels, Glastonbury is steeped in history, with evidence suggesting that the town has been populated since the latter part of the Stone Age. Often referred to as the spiritual centre of England, Glastonbury boasts many myths and legends, along with several buildings of religious significance.
Located just a 5 minute walk from the town centre, Glastonbury Abbey is one of the most visited attractions in Somerset.
King Arthur, who reportedly led Britain’s defence against the Saxons’ invasion in the latter part of the 5th century, was supposedly buried here, with the site of his tomb still recognised today. Unfortunately, the dissolution of the monasteries reduced the magnificent abbey to ruins, though the myths, legends and tales of this important historical site are as strong as ever.
Attracting visitors from all over the world, Glastonbury Tor is without doubt one of the most popular spots in the whole of Somerset. Rising more than 150m above the surrounding Summerland Meadows, the 360-degree views from Glastonbury Tor are breathtaking. Standing proudly atop the hill is St Michael’s Tower, now roofless, but teeming with history.
It is believed that several buildings stood at the summit before St Michael’s Tower was constructed, with experts identifying evidence from as early as the 10th century.