There are a number of reasons why the wealthy are favouring remote living over the hustle of city life. This trend has been accelerated by the increasing ability of high-income individuals to work from home, leading people to move beyond city limits and reap the benefits of living in rural areas. One such benefit is increased privacy, something that is highly valued by the elite. It limits the need for intensive security systems and enables people to live a life that is entirely their own.
Cleaner air and lower noise pollution are two further benefits, along with the proximity to nature. It is far easier to maintain a healthy work-life balance when living in an area where the pace of life is slower and stress factors are significantly lower. Rural properties are naturally far larger given the ample space available away from the high-rises of the city, with rolling acres of green fields ripe for design and development.
Living remotely in the UK is easily attainable, especially in the towns and villages mentioned in this guide.
Malham, Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales, a seemingly endless expanse of rolling hills and river valleys, is one of the most famous and picturesque national parks in the UK. Some of the villages located in the Yorkshire Dales, particularly those in the northern parts of the park, offer complete isolation to prospective residents, a chance to disconnect from city life. However, it is the villages that boast proximity to Skipton that garner the greatest popularity.
One such village is Malham, located at the southern base of The Dales at the end of the River Aire. This beautiful settlement is known for its rural charm and desirable location and is surrounded by natural landmarks like Malham Cove and the Gordale Scar. Malham is the perfect blend of seclusion and modern amenities, located a mere 11 miles from Skipton and its well-connected transport network. Given the small, rural nature of the village, the property market is fairly limited as only a handful of homes are available for sale each year. Nestled in the village and surrounding area, some luxury properties can be found, such as traditional cottages and larger estates – the value of these stunning homes ranges from £500,000 to over £1.5 million. The market is small and competitive, but those who invest reap the benefits of living in one of the most tranquil, beautiful parts of the UK.
Aboyne, Cairngorms National Park
In the heart of the Scottish Highlands is the UK’s largest national park, the iconic Cairngorms National Park. Home to the country’s tallest mountain, vast woodlands, untouched moors, and a variety of diverse, stunning scenery, any property for sale in the Highlands will offer privacy and picturesque views of the unspoilt landscape.
For those who desire the Highland’s beauty and tranquil nature but desire close access to modern amenities, the village of Aboyne is perfect. Just 26 miles from Aberdeen, the village is completely accessible whilst still remaining quiet and remote. Despite being a small settlement, schooling options in Aboyne are more than satisfactory with Aboyne Primary School and Aboyne Academy, a secondary school known for having consistently high attainment levels, located in the village itself. There are several luxury properties in and around Aboyne, however, as with other areas of this limited size, the Aboyne property market is highly exclusive.
Windermere, The Lake District
The Lake District, a mountainous region in England’s Northwest, is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. It boasts breathtaking scenery, stunning lakes for which it was named, and an enjoyable remoteness that creates a sense of privacy but not complete isolation. The valleys and fells of this national park are home to high moorlands and idyllic towns and villages on the banks of great lakes.
Windermere town lies around 1 km east of the lake it was named after, Lake Windermere, a 10-mile-long body of water rich in biodiversity and beautiful views. Historically, the town grew around the railway station but has since expanded in the direction of the lake, leading to the construction of many stunning lakeside properties. The benefits of such properties include seclusion and natural beauty as well as proximity to the town centre and all of the amenities it offers. This includes a variety of schools for boarding and day pupils, many offering an independent education that prioritises holistic learning as well as academic achievement. The size of the town is reflected not only in the abundance of schools, but in the selection of homes available on the market. Some of the most sought-after luxury properties on the lakeside boast original historical features and range from £1 million to £4 million in value.
Kingham, Cotswolds
The Cotswolds. Gorgeous honey-coloured brickwork, cosy English pubs, finest stately homes, stunning scenery with rolling hills and sweeping meadows, and a sense of quintessential English charm are some of the defining highlights of this revered area. Residing in the south of England, Cotswolds covers 780 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon to Bath. The small towns and villages nestled within are conveniently connected to the rest of the country whilst remaining quiet and secluded – the Cotswolds has plenty of vast country homes that have no neighbouring properties for miles yet are still in easy reach of amenities.
The Village of Kingham is a particularly desirable corner of the Cotswolds where residents enjoy picturesque walks and a slower pace of life. It is rare for a village of this size to have such an incredible array of amenities, including the charming village shop, the local primary school, and Kingham Hill private school for boys and girls (11-18 yrs). Houses in Kingham rarely change hands and when they do they are snapped up very quickly, a further testament to the popularity of the area and the exclusivity of the Kingham property market. Daylesford is one of the most visited places in the Cotswolds and its Daylesford Organic Farm is what makes Kingham so popular. The farm has built a lifestyle empire setting the precedent for a sustainable future, with both the shop and the entire estate exuding affluence and attracting thousands of visitors every year including the rich and famous. A delightful farm shop and a rustic eatery with fresh, organic ingredients take centre stage in Daylesford Organic Farm. There’s a spot for every mood – the Legbar for charcuterie and small plates, the Old Spot for pizzas and wood-fired specials, or the Trough Café for something hearty and comforting. Most of the produce comes straight from the on-site farm, ensuring every dish is fresh, simple, and full of flavour as it should be.
Brockenhurst, New Forest
The New Forest is one of the largest remaining areas of unenclosed pastures, heathland, and forest in the south of England. It covers southwest Hampshire and southeast Wiltshire meaning you can enjoy the beauty of the country while being a few short miles from the coast. Peace and tranquillity are easy to come by in the New Forest, with only the famous wild ponies occupying the vast space between the secluded residences.
However, seclusion does not necessarily equal total off-grid living, especially in Brockenhurst village which boasts a well-connected rail network that can get you to London in under 2 hours. Brockenhurst is filled with beautiful Victorian and Georgian architecture and has a wonderful high street dotted with pubs, shops, restaurants, and tearooms. There is also an array of schools in and around the village, with Brockenhurst College receiving a Good rating in all areas from Ofsted. Further to this, the luxury housing market is not nearly as exclusive as other places on this list as there is a vast array of beautiful red brick homes and detached cottages to choose from. Prices range from £700,000 to £2 million.
There are many places in the UK where it is possible to live in tranquillity whilst remaining well connected to all the necessary amenities for a high quality of life. Private luxury living and rural landscapes go hand in hand. With stunning views and vast open spaces, the possibilities for development and investment are endless.
