Welcome to Britain’s premier destination for remote working – Ogmore-by-Sea, where ex-Londoners are rushing for the coastal vistas, lightning-fast broadband, and an outstanding work-life balance. The picturesque village on Glamorgan’s Heritage Coast has been hailed as the finest location to work from home, according to research examining property prices, connectivity speeds, and countryside accessibility.
Residents in Ogmore-by-Sea have shown little shock at the recognition, with numerous locals having relocated back to the region after lengthy periods in London, particularly since home working became commonplace. Village cafés have witnessed a surge in trade due to the influx of remote employees, a phenomenon boosted by the Covid pandemic.
Lee Davis, who previously departed for the energy of metropolitan areas like London and Manchester, returned to nearby Wick five years ago.
Operating in steel sales, Lee appreciates the adaptability of home working, stating: “I often work from home so I can have interludes like taking my friend’s dog, Fudge, for a walk.”
He discovers serenity beyond the metropolis, explaining: “You can switch off completely – it chills me out. I can’t stand the place; the Tube, the people, the stress. I wanted to come back somewhere tranquil.” For him, Ogmore-by-Sea epitomises the ideal work-life equilibrium.
Ffion Hughes, works at The Welsh Coffee Company, her uncle’s coffee shop, which has become a focal point for those combining employment with a hot beverage.
She said: “We typically attract numerous people working from here, predominantly during morning hours. The moment Covid struck, countless individuals flocked here, it was extraordinary.”
Nico Gibbs, who is employed at the neighbouring Hilary and Iain’s Kitchen, voiced appreciation for the surge of remote employees. He revealed: “People are here for hours and hours which is nice. They get to look at the beach and most of them order breakfast, then they will have a coffee. We are happy to let them stay as long as they want.”
Nevertheless, the location’s appeal amongst remote employees occasionally strains the internet provision. Nico observed: “We do give out the WiFi password – but sometimes it gets too busy to give it out.”
John Sinden, a former London worker who moved to the coastal village in 2018 and now works remotely as a biotech executive, praised the local facilities. He exclaimed: “People are friendly here and everything works, like the public transport. It is a lovely location, close to the sea and with coastal paths in walking distance.”
Deb Clarke, a local with deep ties to Ogmore-by-Sea, returned to the area five years ago and wouldn’t dream of living anywhere else.
She said: “It is so close to the coast and close enough to Swansea and Cardiff.”
Currently juggling her work as a scenic artist from home and caring for her eight-week-old Cavapoo named Melyn, Deb relishes the balance between her professional commitments and seaside living.
John Davis shares the sentiment of many locals who have chosen to return, having moved back six years ago after a period away. He observed: “A lot of people came during Covid. People wanted to leave towns and cities.”
He also pointed out that new housing developments are drawing a younger crowd to the coastal village. Census data shows a population increase from 878 in 2011 to 1,354 in 2021.
The village has been praised for its “real year-round community”, charming pub, nearby boutiques and “excellent” shops in a recent study, which also spotlighted an average house price of £517,000. The report further noted the availability of ultrafast internet, easy train access to London, and proximity to Cardiff.