The Howardian Hills
The Howardian Hills is an Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB), and is wonderfully rural. Its rolling countryside sits between York City and the North York Moors National Park.
Due to its proximity to York and its train station, property in the Howardian Hills is popular with buyers wanting access to London. The area also boats some fantastic schools in Ampleforth College and Terrington prep school.
The area takes its name from Castle Howard, a stately home used for the television adaptation of the novel, Brideshead Revisited. Castle Howard itself is a popular tourist destination, with the house and gardens open to the public. The town has some wonderful amenities, including a particularly good butcher and a garden centre.
Other popular villages in the Howardian Hills include:
There are several pretty villages that are popular with house buyers. This hidden corner of The North of England has plenty of peaceful places to offer them, with some wonderful property in West Lutton, Killam, and Rudston.
Terrington
Houses in Terrington are very popular among families looking for a safe and quiet place to raise their children, which good village schools. Terrington is home to Terrington Hall Prep School, a primary school and Terrington preschool playgroup. There is a well-stocked village shop and doctors’ surgery.
Hovingham
Hovingham is an attractive estate village, much of which is still owned by The Worsley family. It has excellent amenities including a village shop, primary school, bakers, hotel, pub and hairdressers. Property in Hovingham is very popular among buyers downsizing from the countryside, who don’t want to rely on a car every day.
Nunnington
Nunnington is to the northern end of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is a pretty, traditional estate village on the River Rye. On the edge of the village is Nunnington Hall a National Trust property, which has regular exhibitions and is open to village residents for free, with its pretty garden and historic house. The village is served by Ryedale school, an “Outstanding” secondary school.
Welburn
Welburn is close to the A64, giving easy access to York. The villagers there benefit from a popular pub, the Crown and Cushion, as well as a primary school and active village hall.