Situated right on the border of England and surrounded by rolling hills, the historic town of Presteigne has been crowned one of the UK’s top places to live by The Sunday Times, who highlighted its strong community spirit and stunning views.
The small town, home to fewer than 3,000 residents, is far from dormant; it pulses with a dynamic local life. From hosting music festivals to showcasing an award-winning museum and spearheading numerous community initiatives, Presteigne is a locus of cultural richness. Praising Presteigne, The Sunday Times shared: “You’re guaranteed a spectacular starscape in the only official Dark Sky town in England and Wales – and much more besides in this supremely community-minded town.
“Volunteer drivers are on hand to take people for long-distance hospital visits, the wildflowers that brighten up every verge and roundabout are planted by guerrilla gardeners, and a new community orchard and veg garden is taking shape.”
From environmental consciousness to cultural vibrancy, Presteigne exemplifies small-town charm with big-hearted endeavors.
“There’s a repair café, toy hospital and regular litter picks, as well as sports clubs, concerts and film screenings,” they said. From the pharmacist who moonlights as a fire-eater to the wheelbarrow race down the high street, expect the unexpected in Presteigne.”
Nestled amidst breathtakingly unspoilt countryside, this bustling border town boasts a plethora of distinctive attributes that render it a sheer delight both to visit and reside in.
Home to a vibrant community of artists and creators, the town is enriched by residents such as Sara Bamford, 73, an artist who migrated to this haven in her twenties, now proudly operating The Workshop Gallery and Café, reports Wales Online.
The establishment, The Workshop Gallery and Café, is known for its selection of ethically sourced, exquisite gifts, cards, playthings, and jewellery. Not to be overlooked, the café prides itself on serving sumptuous local dishes, including light lunches, salads, soups, homemade desserts, alongside a range of teas and coffees.
In addition to the gallery and café, Sara, with the support of her husband David, directs the acclaimed David Bamford Handmade Carpets enterprise. This venture specialises in crafting stunningly unique, tailored hand-woven carpets, textiles, flat weaves, runners, blankets, embroidery work, cushions, and scarves.
Moreover, they offer expert services in carpet conservation, restoration, and cleaning operations.
Vocal about her attachment to the area, Sara expressed: “We love it, we’ve lived here for 30 years… it has attracted a whole load of artists, musicians, writers and we all like each other.
“There is loads of stuff going on… it’s a really lively area with all these things happening, I love Presteigne. Everyone knows everyone else and looks after everyone else, there is lots of community things that go on.”
Highlighting the demographic changes, Sara observed the notable return of younger generations, adding: “What has been nice is to begin with a lot of my sort of age, older people, were coming here but more young people are coming back.
“My daughter was brought up here, she runs the café now, her friends are coming back to live here. Her friends have little kids and they all come to the gallery and the café and its really nice.”
The Presteigne Festival, a much-celebrated cultural event, happens every August for six days and has been a pillar of artistic excellence for over three decades.
Renowned for fostering emerging talent, the festival presents an eclectic mix of contemporary and 20th century classic compositions, alongside beloved pieces from the broader classical music canon.
Presteigne offers more than just engaging community events, it boasts idyllic surroundings that add to its allure as a place to reside.
The landscape features rolling hills stretching into the distance, while Clatter Brook and the River Lugg provide serene waterscapes to the south and north respectively.
Deputy mayor Andre Vanhuls shared his sentiments on the local allure: “We have got some amazing walks around the area, great footpaths that go in through the town and out in different directions. It is a big tourist area for walking, cycling and is very popular.”