Chorleywood: The Happy Commuter Village Just 30 Minutes from London
Nestled beyond the M25 in Zone 8, Chorleywood is a charming Hertfordshire village that feels worlds away from the bustling capital, yet is remarkably accessible via London's oldest Underground line, the Metropolitan line. This picturesque locale stretches past the M25 and outside the 0208 telephone code boundary, offering a serene countryside retreat while maintaining a direct link to central London.
A Village Crowned the Happiest in Britain
In 2004, Oxford University researchers named Chorleywood the happiest place in the entire country, a title that still resonates today. The Metropolitan line deposits commuters at a viaduct surrounded by undulating green landscapes, setting the tone for a peaceful escape. The village exudes a quintessentially British appeal, with its rural charm and community-focused amenities.
A short 20-minute stroll from the station reveals the heart of Chorleywood: the Rose and Crown pub facing Chorleywood Common, bustling with ramblers and leisurely walkers. The village also features the Quakers village hall, well-used golf courses, cricket pitches popular with residents, and a tidy parade of shops that serve as the centre of local chatter and daily life.
Property Market and Premium Prices
Living in this idyllic setting does not come cheaply. According to Rightmove, the average house price in Chorleywood hovers around the £880,000 mark, which is more than £200,000 above London's average. While London offers a broader range of properties and locales, Chorleywood's premium reflects its high demand and desirable rural-urban balance, making it one of the more expensive areas in the region.
Embracing the Great Outdoors
For outdoor enthusiasts, Chorleywood boasts stunning countryside and numerous walking routes that start in the village itself and extend into the surrounding landscapes. A leisurely stroll around the village and common can easily fill a couple of hours, providing a perfect way to unwind.
As spring approaches, Chorleywood Common and its neighbouring woodlands become ideal spots for picnics, offering a far quieter alternative to most London parks. Another must-see is the Chorleywood House Estate, dating back to the 18th century. Visitors can explore the stunning estate and its acres of well-maintained gardens, which lead down to the Chess Valley along the River Chess. One resident noted, "The Estate is absolutely beautiful and delightfully peaceful despite the proximity to the M25."
Easy Access and Transportation
The presence of the Tube is a major selling point for Chorleywood. Simply hop on the Metropolitan line from Baker Street or catch the Chiltern Railways Aylesbury Vale Parkway service from nearby Marylebone, and you'll arrive in just over half an hour. This connectivity makes it a popular choice for commuters seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing urban access.
A favoured trick among ramblers is to alight at Chorleywood and traverse various rural footpaths to destinations like Chalfont and Latimer (approximately an hour's walk) or Rickmansworth (a 90-minute trek), highlighting the area's appeal for hiking and exploration.
