Inside stunning West Country village everyone wants to live in

It boats impressive views, grand houses and strong sense of community

If you're in the market for property within the tranquil Somerset village of Freshford, you'll encounter recurring adjectives. Estate agents will be swift to commend how "sought after" and "popular" the locale is.

With no current rental prospects, Freshford isn't tailored for fleeting staysit's a place for long-term dreams. A mere stone's throw from Bath, roughly an hour's stroll by local reckoning, the village serves as an idyllic retreat for those commuting to Bath, Bristol, or London, keen on swapping urban hustle for pastoral bliss.

Famed for attracting individuals yearning for a slice of the serene countryside, Freshford's property market can see values surge into the millions. But does it genuinely warrant its reputation as the village 'everyone wants to live in'?

Somerset Live reporter Phoebe Hobbs took a trip to the highly prized village to see if Freshford lives up to the hype.

On an October morning, stepping into Freshford, the breathtaking vista is unmistakable with forests brimming with green about to transition into autumnal russet shades. And then, the homes: majestic, commodious, aged with dignity, many crafted from the region's signature honey-toned Bath stone.

This exclusivity extends to house numberingor the lack thereof; such quaint detail is superfluous in a community as small and select as this. Instead of street numbers, houses bear charming names like Rosemead, Hill House, or Jasmine Cottage. The Old Bakery, a relic from the Georgian era's twilight years, now forms part of the parish church.

The Georgian brewery has been repurposed over time, first into architectural offices and now into residential units. One striking feature is the high dog-to-human ratio. As I strolled through Freshford, every person I encountered was accompanied by one, two, or even three dogs.

Importantly, everyone I met greeted me with a smile or a wave, a warmth that you wouldn't typically experience in Bath or Bristol. It gave the impression of a community built on trust.

The sight of the 15th-century Church of St Peter, vacant but with its door invitingly open, reinforced this feeling. Whitney*, a resident of Freshford for over half a century, recalls no significant crime incidents in the past two decades: "We have had some crime in the past, car thefts, but that was before cars had better security."

She mentions that police officers visit monthly to engage with the community and address any queries or concerns. My visit coincided with one such day, as the police were present that morning and even waved at me as they drove past - another unexpected encounter that would be unlikely in Bath or Bristol.

The Galleries Community Shop and Cafe and The Inn at Freshford are the two eateries providing for locals and visitors in the village. Though The Inn was closed on the morning of our visit, it is noted for being an old coaching inn with a stunning garden, perched over a river offering lovely riverside views.

Against the tranquil backdrop of the village, the bustling cafe scene came as a surprise; it was buzzing with laughter and chatter alongside remote workers on their laptops even on a quiet Tuesday morning outside school holidays, compelling one to wait for a table.

Acting as a hub, the shop cum cafe offered everything from baked goods to fresh produce, wine, and even local artwork.

While discussing the connectivity of the quaint village of Freshford, Whitney highlighted that previous road closures due to roadworks on the A36 and floods have occasionally isolated the community. Nonetheless, she emphasized its accessibility: "We are a conservation village which does have its limitations, but we are close to both Bath and Bristol with good transport links."

Regular train services seem to connect the village to Bristol, although this is based on the assumption that services run without delays or cancellations.

Freshford, a unique village, boasts a charming little train station adorned with hanging baskets and flowers. It's a delightful stop on the train journey from Bath to Bradford on Avon, making the village incredibly appealing for its easy access to both towns without the hassle of driving or parking.

However, for more convenience and dependability, owning a car might be more practical, allowing you the freedom to come and go as you wish.

That is unless you encounter obstacles such as a broken foot, heavy snowfall, flooding, MOT issues, car repairs, or roadworks disrupting your route out of the village.

With these considerations in mind, the picturesque village of Freshford takes on a somewhat lonelier, more isolating feel. For many, it offers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, rural haven on the outskirts of a bustling city.

Whether you find its quiet roads blissful or lonely is entirely subjective.

(*- Name has been changed).