Muddy Stilettos recently released its top places to live in 2026, featuring cities, towns and villages across the UK – and one Buckinghamshire village made the list
After residing in Windsor for several years, and subsequently Beaconsfield, audience writer Sophie Harries felt melancholy about packing up and leaving everything behind. Little did she realise that the village Sophie now calls home in Buckinghamshire would feel as though she’d been there for decades.
Muddy Stilettos recently unveiled its premier places to live in 2026, showcasing cities, towns and villages throughout the UK. These locations are celebrated for their educational facilities, retail prospects and public houses, alongside property values, and the village she has recently relocated to has secured a spot on the list.
Situated near London yet boasting a rural atmosphere, Buckinghamshire is renowned for its Chiltern scenery, market towns and leisurely lifestyle, reports the Express.
The county hosts some of Britain’s finest grammar schools, making it clear why famous faces are attracted to the area.
Muddy Stilettos highlighted eight premier Buckinghamshire towns and villages for residential living, encompassing Amersham, Marlow, Taplow, The Chalfonts and Bourne End.
Having relocated to Bourne End within the past two years, it’s evident why residents adore it so deeply.
Don’t mistake it for Bourne End in Hertfordshire though; this Buckinghamshire village is entirely distinct.
The settlement provides waterside living, abundant walking routes and proximity to the more expensive Marlow, minus the astronomical costs.
Muddy Stilettos declares Bourne End amongst the “best places to live” in South Bucks, boasting excellent transport links to London and stunning rural landscapes that influenced Sir Stanley Spencer and Enid Blyton.
Bourne End, with its own marina housing a delightful tapas restaurant, numerous pubs offering hearty Sunday lunches, and antique shops, has something to cater to everyone’s taste.
Just up the road lies Cliveden House, a National Trust property that has served as a filming location for years. Known for its historical role as a hub for political and literary society, it now offers scrumptious afternoon tea and boasts stunning hotel rooms.
Sophie has spent countless days wandering around Cliveden, marvelling at my fortune of having such a gem right on her doorstep. It provides sweeping views over Bucks, woodland strolls and riverside picnic spots.
Bourne End exudes a strong sense of community with regular street markets, a bustling local library and an annual Christmas fair. You can even drop by The Hedsor Bar, a local social club featuring a vast beer garden.
It also serves as a starting point for some picturesque walks. Sophie often walks along the river into Cookham, but you can also amble into Marlow or even Henley if you’re an avid walker.
Just outside the village, you’ll find Home Barn, an interiors shop that draws interior designers from London, and it’s incredibly impressive.
However, residing in this village doesn’t come cheap, with house prices averaging £587,038 over the past year, according to Rightmove.
Home to Riversdale, a grand riverside road, and The Abbotsbrook, a coveted private estate in the village, the average house price remains high. Properties in these locations rarely go on sale for less than the £1.5 million mark.
Riverside Manor, a grand mansion perched on the banks of the Thames in Bourne End, was put up for sale last year with an eye-watering price tag of £36million. With its 200-capacity ballroom, home cinema and spa complex, it certainly gets the tongues wagging amongst the locals.
Sophie has yet to bump into local celebrities Shakin’ Stevens and Lorraine Kelly, but she can’t sing the praises of Bourne End enough.