Chalke Valley named Best Place to Live in South West
It's topped the Sunday Times' newest list
Last updated 8th Apr 2022
A small area of Wiltshire has reason to celebrate today (Friday 8th April) as it's been named the Sunday Times Best Place to Live in South West England.
The Chalke Valley has come out on top of the list, beating the likes of Bridport and Bristol.
The judges behind the guide assess a wide range of factors, from schools, transport and broadband to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.
Here's what they said about the Wiltshire winner:
"The community-run Chalke Valley Stores is an inspiring hub for a string of villages that reflect the best of rural life in the 21st century, with a standout pub, Saxon churches, thatched cottages and a history festival, but also Ch4lke mobile - a locally organised mobile network that will give broadband speeds a much-needed boost."
The average house price in the area costs a hefty £655,000.
Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said:
“The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list is necessarily subjective. Leave it just to statistics and you will never capture the spirit of a place. For that, you need to visit to take into account that ‘you have to be here’ feeling. Is the pub dog-friendly, for example? Can you live car-free? What are the schools and houses like? Is it multicultural and multigenerational, and can it offer a good way of life to lots of different sorts of people?
“Ten years ago, when we launched the inaugural list, London’s gravitational pull was strong, the WFH revolution had not yet reached our doorstep and high streets were stacked with chains. How times have changed — and how welcome that change is.
“This year we have discovered new best places to live, from resurgent city centres in the North, rejuvenated suburbs across the country, hidden villages in the Southwest, and a commutable Scottish island.
“We hope there is something to suit everyone.”