The pretty UK village locals say is 'perfect' - but most houses sell for £1m

There is a pretty village in southern England where many people would want to live given half a chance.

In the heart of the New Forest, Brockenhurst is between the bustling city of Southampton and the famous seaside town of Bournemouth.

The village is home to about 3,500 people and has a thriving high street complete with the award-winning Bakehouse bakery, The Buttery tea room, Village Veg greengrocer's and Commoners restaurant.

Brockenhurst is also popular with visitors to the New Forest, drawn to its village charms and free-roaming New Forest ponies which, along with cattle, can be seen grazing the village green and holding up the traffic.

Chris Hayward, Managing Director of estate agent Hayward Fox, told Express.co.uk: "'Brock' is arguably the best village in the New Forest.

"It's got good shops for a village, good pubs and eateries, and you're in the forest. It's just perfect really. A lot of people given a chance would live down here."

But anyone wishing to buy will need deep pockets, with the majority of sales in Brockenhurst selling for an average price of £1,283,882, according to Rightmove.

It reported that properties in the village had an overall average price of £995,923 over the last year.

Mr Hayward said: "It's not really a first-time buyers area because of the prices. A lot of people have been here their whole lives and are now in retirement, but there's a lot of families as well because of the facilities and location."

On the line between London Waterloo and Weymouth stations, Brockenhurst is popular with city commuters. It is also easily within reach of Bournemouth Airport and Southampton Airport.

Eighteen-hole Brockenhurst Manor Golf Club, named among the top 100 courses in 2022, is said to be ideal for enthusiasts, while Brockenhurst FC - the Badgers - has senior teams and a "thriving" youth program.

Brockenhurst College is a "leading force" in education in the area, offering A-Level and equivalent courses to some 3,000 students aged 16-19 and older.

Mr Hayward explained that the property market in Brockenhurst has settled since the Covid pandemic rush and is now much steadier.

He said: "Prices have dropped back since Covid... It's a steady market now which is better in some respects because it gives people moving more chance to see stuff before it's sold. There's been a correction price-wise. They've found their level again now.

"Properties coming on now are coming on at sensible levels. It's just such a popular area."

There is also demand from buyers looking for second homes, with Hayward Fox recently selling a house for more than £2million as a third home. People are also scouring the area for properties to let as short term holiday accommodation.

But according to Mr Hayward that's accepted locally, as such lets aren't dominating the village where prices range from £90,000 for a retirement flat to £3m to £4m.