One of the best places to live in the UK in the heart of the South Downs

Thanks to pretty and varied architecture, access to numerous sporting activities and an idyllic location, the picturesque town of Midhurst and equally charming adjoining village of Easebourne have regularly won the accolade of being one of the best places to live in the UK.

James Machell, director and head of residential at Savills, Petworth, said: “Midhurst and Easebourne have great appeal and are quintessentially Sussex, being in the heart of the South Downs National Park with the protection this status affords.

“Located en route to Chichester and the south coast, the area offers better value for money for the commuter utilising Haslemere station, a mere 15-minute drive away, yet is surrounded by some of the best countryside West Sussex has to offer.”

James said the area is supported by a wide selection of excellent schools: “State schools such as Midhurst Rother College, rated Outstanding by Ofsted, Midhurst CofE primary school and Easebourne CofE primary school, both rated Good by Ofsted, and independent schools such as Bedales, Churchers College, Seaford College and Highfield & Brookham Schools, to name a few, are all extremely popular.”

Inhabitants also enjoy access to a wide range of sporting activities, from polo to sailing, golf, shooting, motorsport, walking, cycling and horse-riding.

James said the area tends to appeal most to families due to the ‘lifestyle attraction’, but also appeals to people ‘looking to step out of the prime commuter zone for retirement, while retaining easy access to London from what is a highly desirable location’.

“It is popular with a wide age-range and diverse families, both those with local roots and those emanating from London and the A3 corridor.”

As with all areas in the region, new development is evident, in particular the redevelopment of the King Edward VII Hospital to the north of Easebourne.

In addition, ‘converted farmhouses feature in the area, along with everything from Grade II listed country houses to barn conversions and Edwardian homes’.

A three-bedroom bungalow can be expected to start at around £375,000 and family homes range from £450,000 to £1,500,000, while large country houses are available from about £2,000,000 upwards.