English villages should be quaint and quiet, perhaps with a cosy pub and a cricket ground. But of course, nothing says rural village quite like the village green.
And perhaps one of the country’s greatest examples of such a green can be found in leafy Wiltshire.
The tiny settlement of Aldbourne boasts a picture perfect open plain overlooked by a stunning 11th century church, the Church of St Michael. And with a small population you won’t have to battle for a seat The Crown pub or the Blue Boar.
Despite its size, the village has plenty to offer with an “outstanding” primary school, a post office, cricket club and tennis club. However, if you do feel the need to venture out in search of somewhere with a few more facilities, the town of Marlborough is only 6 miles away.
For those that fancy themselves as tip-top walkers, the surrounding countryside is prime hiking territory with a multitude of gorgeous rambles to choose from.
Now if you visit Aldbourne, like what you see and decide you’d like to move to the area then be warned – the place can be pricey.
The average property value in the area is more than £500,000 for a terraced house and detached homes fetch upwards of £700,000 on average. However, if you’re in the market for a semi-detached home in the village, the average price is a little lower at nearly £450,000.
If local community initiatives are your scene, the Church of St Michael’s provides an excellent avenue for new residents to muck in, help others and embed into the area. The Church supports the local Swindon Food Collective and partners with other churches in the area.
Not only is Aldbourne easy on the eye, it’s also a historical site. The US 101st Airborne were based in the archetypal English village prior to the dropping into mainland Europe to fight the Nazis.
The Airborne’s time in the Wiltshire village is chronicled in the epic HBO drama Band of Brothers.
The village’s immense history can be explored at the Aldbourne Heritage Centre which is right in centre, by where else but the beautiful village green.
