It’s official, the countryside property market is booming as people turn away from towns and cities in search of the perfect rural bolthole.

Estate agents Knight Frank this week reported the highest number of sales in the country market for 15 years and the number of home buyers registering last year up 35 per cent.

Driven by this increased demand for the country life, The Telegraph named where they calculated are the country’s most desirable villages in each county.

The Argus: People are heading out of towns and cities in search of country life. Picture: CanvaPeople are heading out of towns and cities in search of country life. Picture: Canva

Talking about what makes a place highly sought after, analyst at Savills, Frances Clacy, told the newspaper: “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.”

So, taking into account the highest house prices, best lifestyle amenities, connectivity and chocolate-box appeal, here’s which villages came out on top in East and West Sussex.


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East Sussex’s most desirable village

Kingston

Average house price: £782,339

What makes it so appealing? One of the greenest villages on the list – in more ways than one - Kingston boasts a community energy project under way and a pavilion with a living roof.

With a thriving community, you have options such as yoga classes, bridge nights and whisky tastings among the many things to get you out of the house.

A much sought-after location, it is situated just one mile from the South Downs Way, and two miles from Lewes.

West Sussex’s most desirable village

The Lurgashall, Lodsworth and Lickfold Triangle

Average house price: £1,055,250 

What makes it so appealing? A quintessentially British country setting, the Lurgashall, Lodsworth and Lickfold Triangle is set within the South Downs National Park in the footprint of the Blackdown Hills.

Surrounded by farms, it boasts a shop, church and campsite and, if you enjoy a tipple in picturesque surroundings there are plenty of pubs and restaurants to choose from including the 16th-century Noah’s Ark Inn in Lurgashall