Renowned for its rolling hills, picturesque countryside, green pastures, and dinky villages, this bucolic English county is a true rural delight, offering the quintessential living experience in the country. Often referred to as “The West Country”, Somerset has long been associated with idyllic, simpler living among the many pretty villages dotted throughout the county, inviting a much quieter existence compared to busier towns and cities.
Whether you're drawn to historic cottages, expansive estates, or more modern homes that have been designed and outfitted with contemporary touches, Somerset’s myriad of villages provide plenty of choice for prime properties. From bustling village markets to locales that are a little off the beaten track, the options are boundless when it comes to moving to this charming part of South West England.
Glastonbury
Few communities in England can claim a heritage that is both mythical and biblical. Glastonbury’s origins are shrouded in tales of King Arthur and the Holy Grail, the latter of which is said to have been brought to the famous abbey in the first century. Aside from its alluring heritage, Glastonbury offers a variety of properties from medieval-style cottages and period homes, to modern builds on the village outskirts, with many offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills, including Glastonbury's famous Tor (the meaning of which is an old hill with a rocky outcrop at the summit, in old English).
As part of the Somerset Levels, the natural beauty surrounding Glastonbury is captivating, with lush, rolling green hills and charming woodland. Local walks in the area, including Tor, are sensational for nature lovers looking to embrace the fresh West-Country air. The village has good transport connections to larger nearby towns like Wells and Bridgwater for accessing amenities, with added local charm, mystique, and prime properties making this a fantastic living location in Somerset.
Mells
A quintessential Somerset village, Mells boasts ample traditional stone cottages which are typical of this county with pretty, spacious gardens that border rolling fields. Mells is part of the conservation area, ensuring that the character of the village remains intact, but there are still options for larger properties in the area including converted barns, and manor houses.
The village is much smaller than many other entries on this list but has good access to larger communities – like Frome – for convenience and amenities. The nearby Mells River imbues the village's charm, with peaceful waterways to explore and a gentle pace of living in this quaint little village.
Frome
Nestled in the heart of Somerset, Frome is a historic market town that retains the feel of an upscale village thanks to picturesque streets, a welcoming local community, and incredible properties to live in. Homes range from beautifully restored Georgian townhouses to modern-built apartments within the town centre, whilst the outskirts play home to a variety of dwellings including wood and stone-built cottages, converted barns, manor houses, and more.
Frome is served by strong transport links, with easy access to Bath and Bristol via the A361 and direct train services. The surrounding countryside offers plenty of natural beauty, including the nearby Mendip Hills, where outdoor enthusiasts enjoy numerous walking and cycling paths across the area. Frome has plenty to offer those wishing to strike a balance between quiet village life, and living in a more active part of Somerset’s enchanting countryside.
Castle Cary
Castle Cary – one of the most attractive of Somerset's market towns – is a medieval village that has sprung up and expanded over the last centuries into a thriving marketplace. It contains many beautiful listed buildings that add to its heritage, including the signature fortification from which this community takes its name. The castle may have been demolished two hundred years ago, but its impact on the town cannot be understated, transforming an unassuming commune into a thriving part of the West of England.
The village is home to several notable period properties and is surrounded by beautiful estates, with large properties set within sweeping grounds and traditional cottages in the heart of the village. It also has excellent transport links, with direct train services to London, making it a popular choice for commuters. Castle Cary strikes a good balance for country living, with a friendly local community that makes movers feel welcome in this quaint part of Somerset.
Shepton Mallet
One of Somerset’s oldest villages, Shepton Mallet has a rich local history and many timeless homes to live in. The name itself derives from old English for “sheep farm”, and played a significant role in Roman, Saxon, and Medieval Britain. There are over 200 listed buildings in the area, including the Anglo-Bavarian Brewery, Old Bowling House, and Darshill Mill.
With so many heritage structures, as one might expect, there are some stunning properties to find in Shepton Mallet. Areas on the outskirts such as Charlton and Bowlish are particularly attractive for period homes with Georgian townhouses and stone cottages on display. The village has a good selection of independent stores and other amenities and is close to both Bath and Bristol, which is ideal for commuters.
Wedmore
Located at the foot of the Mendip Hills, Wedmore boasts delightful properties, including elegant country estates, converted farm buildings, and gorgeous stone cottages. Many of the homes enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside – fantastic for nature enthusiasts looking to embrace the fresh air by exploring the hills on foot.
Although small, Wedmore is very well connected with neighbouring settlements, such as Wells and Cheddar. In the middle of the moors, as one of the country's best dairy pastures, the village is perfectly positioned for access, about 20 miles south of Bristol and 30 miles southwest of Bath.
Bruton
A charming village situated amidst some outstanding countryside, Bruton in South Somerset is a centre of creativity, with many arts and crafts to enjoy as well as being a great town for exploring. The River Brue runs concurrent to the village from the nearby hills, whilst Bruton itself, is a tranquil place with many properties that feature large gardens and stunning views of the surrounding area. In keeping with the county style, potential buyers can expect stone cottages, renovated barns, and other farm buildings, with a smattering of newer developments offering more contemporary living options.
Unique for such a small settlement, Bruton features a direct connection to London Paddington (journeys usually take 1 hour and 41 minutes), as well as Bath and other nearby towns like Frome and Castle Cary, which are also just a short drive away. Living in Bruton is convenient, cosy, and undeniably tranquil for those seeking a quieter life in the country.
Somerset is home to many liveable villages, each offering unique and distinctly characterful options for homes, and beautiful countryside to immerse oneself in, whilst remaining connected to the wider world. Whether drawn to Glastonbury’s mystical allure or taken in by the timeless beauty of Mells, when it comes to living in the countryside, it’s hard to beat Somerset.
