A delightful seaside village, just a mere two hours from London, has been branded one of the UK’s chicest places to live, despite its unusual name. The quaint village, as per namesake alone, might not top your list but West Itchenor in Sussex begs to differ.
Boasting one of the priciest coastlines in the nation, average property prices here skyrocket more than the £2 million mark. A testament to this jaw-dropping price tag, the area is undoubtedly an ideal destination to nest.
Recently identified as one of the poshest pockets in the UK by The Telegraph, this charming hamlet is nestled in an appealing part of West Sussex and was home to fewer than 350 denizens at the last census count.
Embodying what one imagines as a quintessential English idyll, West Itchenor adorns a high street filled with cottages, a church, and an endearing pond. Given the affluent demographic, it’s unsurprising there’s a buzzing yachting scene, headlined by the energetic Itchenor Sailing Club gracing the waterfront.
The beauty of this locale is best discovered through both sea and foot. One can sail across tranquil waters on the Itchenor ferry, making visits to Smugglers Hart in Bosham, reports MyLondon.
It’s the perfect setting to relish the outdoors, attracting bird life to its safeguarded wetlands.
Further enhancing its prestige, West Itchenor hosts a well-loved pub, The Ship Inn, which receives rave reviews. As one visitor praised: “Fantastic dog friendly pub in a great area for walks.”
Another chimed in: “Lovely spot, warm welcome.” If you’re planning a visit to the area, it’s highly recommended to hire a small boat from the local boat hire service and take in the stunning wildlife and natural beauty from the water. The picturesque village had an average house price of £2,020,000 over the past year, as per Rightmove.
Given the high property prices, it’s no surprise that the village has been home to numerous celebrities, including musician Keith Richards and actor Pete Postlethwaite. The journey by car takes just over two hours, accessible via the M25 or A3.
Alternatively, a train ride from London to Chichester will take less than ninety minutes. Tickets can be booked through Trainline, and accommodation can be arranged via Hotels.com or Booking.com.
