New year, new home? If you're in the market for a new house within an easy commute of Birmingham, this guide to the best places to live in Warwickshire is probably for you.
Lifestyle magazine Muddy Stilettos has looked at the top eight places to live in Warwickshire, judging them on commutability, schools, surroundings, things to do, community vibes and places to eat.
The guide includes Henley-in-Arden, Warwick, Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon plus some small hamlets offering surprising affordability with average prices starting from £345,000.
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1. Arrow
The small hamlet of Arrow boasts half-timbered cottages, winding lanes, a 12th-century church and sweeping countryside and yet it's only 40 minutes from Birmingham.
A converted watermill makes for a picturesque and award-winning pub with great food.
Houses went for an average of £345,000 over the last year.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Small but mighty, this superbly connected hamlet delivers big on charm with half-timbered houses, sweeping countryside, great schools and a Muddy Award-winning pub."
2. Henley-in-Arden
One of Warwickshire’s oldest market towns dating back to the 12th century, this unspoilt high street is packed with buildings of historic interest, including the timber-framed Guild Hall, ice-cream shops and pubs.
Houses went for an average of £386,099 over the last year.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "The one-mile long High Street here is a conservation area with more than 150 buildings of historic interest, close to the lush ancient Forest of Arden and Stratford."
3. Houlton
Muddy Stilettos describes this as a 'standout new Midlands address' on the site of the world’s first telephone exchange.
Houses went for an average of £441,103 over the last year.
A spokeswoman said: "Sustainable design, leafy spaces and walkable streets set the tone for modern village life.
"With a nursery, schools, co-working at The Exchange, doctor’s surgery, Co-Op and planned train station, it’s built for connection.
"Praised by The Observer for 'thoughtful planning' and 'nature on the doorstep' it’s a vibrant, well-connected neighbourhood where heritage meets tomorrow."
4. Ilmington
Part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this pretty village is just eight miles from Stratford-upon-Avon.
It's more pricey than its neighbours with mostly detached houses going for an average of £732,333 over the last year.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Think amazing views, some pretty great drinking holes, gorgeous country gardens and a community feel (there’s a community-owned village shop with 120 volunteers).
"It’s also just eight miles out of Stratford-upon-Avon so close enough if you need a culture fix, seven miles from Shipston-on-Stour and five miles from the gorgeous market town of Chipping Camden."
5. Kenilworth
This attractive market town is home to Kenilworth Castle, a Michelin-star restaurant and indie shops. Houses went for an average of £446,731 in the last year.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "The jewel in the crown of this historic market town is the romantic castle ruins.
"Kenilworth has a Michelin-starred restaurant, some great indie shops, its own arts festival, a food festival, two community theatres and the annual Two Castles Run."
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6. Stratford-upon-Avon
There's a lot going on in this cultural market town set on the banks of the River Avon - from Shakespeare museums and theatres to dragon boat races, independent shops and restaurants in Tudor-style buildings.
Houses went for an average of £409,017 over the last year.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Shakespeare’s birthplace is a buzzy riverside tourist town where culture and community thrive – from food festivals and workshops to world-class theatre at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
"Not to mention top schools, classy restaurants, historic hotels and more stunning Tudor-style architecture than you can shake a stick at. You’re also minutes from windswept walks in the countryside."
7. Warwick
Warwick has top schools, leafy parks and is home to Warwick Castle. It's a great base for commuting to Birmingham and London.
Houses went for an average of £385,199 over the last year.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "This easy-on-the-eye market town has Georgian townhouses, Queen Anne mansions, tottering half-timbered Tudor buildings and a castle, all washed down with chi-chi tea shops and artisan bakeries."
8. Whitnash
Whitnash is described as 'Leamington Spa’s quieter, more affordable neighbour ' with multiple gaming companies powering the global video game industry and historic Warwick, less than three miles away.
Houses went for an average of £349,827 over the last year.
A Muddy Stilettos spokeswoman said: "Whitnash doesn’t shout about itself, but it’s got all the right moves: affordable homes, good schools, leafy parks and open countryside, including the Insta-famous Chesterton Windmill, a 17th-century landmark straight off a postcard.
"This small town nails that sweet spot between peaceful and practical. Ideal for young families, couples or anyone wanting a bit more space without giving up on the buzz — Whitnash is where life feels balanced, not boring."
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