Berkshire – £785,000

How does bucolic village life in The Pang Valley sound? Enter Figtree Cottage, a gorgeous semi-detached four-bedroom cottage with wisteria in the front and a climbing rose tree in the back. You’ll have plenty of views of the well-kept garden thanks to triple aspect windows, and there are plenty of footpaths directly on your doorstep for nature-lovers and hikers.

Devon – £950,000

If you’re pining after a project, this amazing property in the village of Talaton could be just the ticket. It spans a whopping 3000 square feet, including an annexe that could be used as a holiday let or for multi-generational living, and outbuildings that are ideal for home offices and workshops. Best of all, it has incredible views over the Devonshire countryside (although you’ll have to peer past your variety of mature fruit trees to spot it – shame!).

Essex – £775,000

We’re a total sucker for a period property, and this chocolate box Grade II listed cottage in the grounds of the grand Hyde Hall is as period as it gets. It’s packed with pretty 16th century original features (hello exposed timber beams, brick-built fireplaces and leaded windows), and the rural setting and countryside views guarantee you peace and quiet. And breathe…

Leicestershire – £850,000

There’s plenty of space to put your stamp on this five-bed detached home – over 4,000 square feet of it, to be precise! It’s perfectly located in the pretty village of Braybrooke, with Market Harborough nearby for indie shopping, eateries and bars – no wonder it’s Muddy’s Best Place to Live in Leicestershire 2022.

Kent – £950,000

Once part of the nearby Bunce Court, Woodpeckers was originally a flint and brick stable building before being converted into 2,300 square feet of gorgeous family home. It now boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms, five reception rooms and beams and fireplaces galore. The beautifully manicured gardens are nothing to sniff at, either! We’ll take it.

Norfolk – £1,000,000

Bang on budget is this five-bed period property in the village of Lyng. Not only is it done up to the nines inside (just take a peek at that vaulted kitchen-diner), there are two separate one-bed annexes that make excellent accommodation for friends, family or lodgers, as well as private river frontage on the River Wensum.

Northamptonshire – £800,000

This four-bed period home is excellently situated in the Northants village of Cold Ashby, which is equidistant between Northampton, Rugby and Market Harborough. Inside, the house dates back to the 1700s (plenty of period charm), but has all the mod cons as well as a great family garden.

Oxfordshire – £750,000

Green-fingered house-hunters will love this four-bed farmhouse in Wantage. The house comes with a bucolic walled garden packed with mature trees, flowerbeds and hedges, as well as two patio seating areas so you can soak up the sun.

Suffolk – £725,000

Love a property with a clean finish? This recently renovated four-bed family home in the village of Worlingworth should float your boat. There’s plenty of opportunity to put your own stamp on the place, and the dual aspect windows make the most of the garden views.

Surrey – £950,000

Talk about a rural retreat! This delightful two-bed cottage is set in 1.37 acres of land, and is surrounded by a historical arboretum planted by the grandson of renowned plant hunter and botanist, Robert Fortune. You’re not completely out in the sticks though – the property is in Cranleigh, which is apparently the UK’s biggest village. Who knew?

Sussex – £995,000

It might need a sprinkling of modern fairydust on the interiors, but the location of Rose Tree Cottage is unbeatable – it’s squirrelled away in the village of Northchapel in the heart of the West Sussex countryside, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Village life, here we come.