Leave the (admittedly stunning) city of Oxford and head into the countryside and you very quickly find yourself in some of the most beautiful areas of outstanding national beauty in the UK. From the Chilterns to the Cotswalds, you certainly know the names and you’ve probably even visited them. But what about living there?

The countryside is peppered with some truly stunning villages, many of which are a short drive to larger market towns that offer connections to Oxford and London. The areas surrounding Wallingford, Great Tew, Burford, Abingdon-on-Thames, and Watlington for example. And of course, Chipping Norton has long been high on many people’s lists of dream home locations, and its proximity to the member’s owner club, Soho Farmhouse hasn’t damaged its reputation at all.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the beauty of Oxfordshire’s villages means that when properties do become available, the market is very competitive. But it’s not impossible. Some prime spots include Kingham, which is set in the Evenlode valley, and was once chosen as England’s Favourite Village. It’s got lovely stone houses with pastel-coloured doors and pretty cottages that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. There’s a village shop, and two great pubs – the Wild Rabbit and The Kingham Plough. It’s a time capsule in the best possible way.

Or there’s Minster Lovell, another stunner in the Cotswolds which also has the reputation of being the UK’s most haunted village if that’s your thing. For any tree fans out there, Shipton under Wynchwood is a wonderful place to consider, nestled as it is in the heart of the Wynchwood Forest. While fans of the water could do worse than Dorchester-on-Thames, a diminutive village on the banks of, you guessed it, the Thames, about 9 miles south of Oxford.

Some villages are of course more desirable than others due to school catchment areas or ease of commute. Perhaps unsurprisingly, because of its proximity to the world’s most prestigious (and famous) university, Oxfordshire has some of the finest schools in the country too, including Abingdon Boys, Headington School, St Helens, and St Katherines, The Dragon School, The Marlborough School, and Cokethorpe. In terms of travel, proximity to Oxford and Didcot will be good for anyone commuting into London, and the M4 and M40 keep the county well connected by road.

In terms of things to do, Oxfordshire is your oyster. Endless walks, some of the best pubs and restaurants in the country, antiques, horse riding, mountain biking...it’s difficult to get bored in this truly lovely part of the country.