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.

Somerset County Gazette: 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 village came out on top in Somerset.

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Somerset’s most desirable village

Wellow

Somerset County Gazette: Wellow boasts an excellent pub and a well-stocked community-run village shop. Picture: TripadvisorWellow boasts an excellent pub and a well-stocked community-run village shop. Picture: Tripadvisor

Average house price: £954,993

What makes it so appealing? Wellow offers quintessential country living just five miles south of the cosmopolitan city of Bath, so it is perhaps unsurprising it has made it to Somerset’s top spot.

The village boasts a vibrant community and the well-run Fox and Badger pub in which to meet up in.

Other sought-after facilities include a well-stocked community-run village shop, church, flood-lit tennis courts, playground and, what no rural setting should be without, stables.

The village falls within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and, because of its architectural and historic interest, it is also designated as a Conservation Area.