Essential Insights
From the historic cities of Winchester, Salisbury and Bath to the rolling hills of the South Downs, the beauty of the New Forest and the dramatic Jurassic Coast, our Southern Counties region offers a diverse array of lifestyles. The east and north areas of West Berkshire and Hampshire are favoured by London commuters, while the western counties of Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset appeal to those seeking a more rural way of life.
Well connected by road and rail, with easy access to Heathrow and Bristol airports, the Southern Counties remain a prime choice for buyers. Renowned schools such as Winchester College, Marlborough College and Sherborne further enhance its appeal, attracting families seeking the finest education.
The Highlights
The Southern Counties offer an exceptional quality of life, blending natural beauty, cultural heritage and destination hotels and restaurants. The North Wessex Downs and Cranborne Chase provide unspoiled countryside around Marlborough, Hungerford and Shaftesbury, ideal for equestrian pursuits, country sports and fly fishing on the River Test and Kennet.
The region offers some of the UK’s most prestigious sporting estates, while cultural highlights range from Bath’s Georgian splendour to Bruton’s bohemian cultural scene, home to the Hauser & Wirth gallery and award-winning hotel The Newt. The Grange Opera Festival set within the idyllic surroundings of the Candover Valley near Alresford in Hampshire, and the iconic Glastonbury Festival add to its appeal.
The New Forest National Park offers extensive walking, sailing along the River Hamble and Beaulieu, access to the Isle of Wight and dining at The Pig in Brockenhurst. Other celebrated culinary destinations include The Beckford Arms on the Fonthill Estate, Babington House near Frome and Osip’s farm-to-table restaurant with rooms just outside Bruton.
Key Details
The Southern Counties offer excellent connectivity to London and major cities including Bristol and Southampton, with the M3, A303, and M4 motorways providing key access routes. For commuters, trains from stations including Basingstoke, Winchester and Alton reach London Waterloo in 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, while services to Paddington from Newbury and Bath take 1 to 1.5 hours.
The region is home to some of the country’s most prestigious schools, including Sherborne, Marlborough College, Millfield, Winchester College, Bryanston, Canford, Cheam, Farleigh, Pinewood, St Swithun’s, Twyford and the Royal High School Bath.
