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HUNGERFORD
Crossrail brings this country town within reach of downsizers, says Anna Tyzack Three Swans Hotel in Hungerford
When in Hungerford Pub lunch The Bear is a Hungerford institution. greenekinginns. co.uk New frock Mojo & McCoy has fans all over the West Country. mojoand mccoy.com
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or those looking to live in proper countryside, within commuting distance of a desk in the City, the West Berkshire market town of Hungerford has become something of a hotspot. ‘It’s a quiet, rural area with dark skies at night yet perfectly accessible from the capital,’ explains Nick Loweth of Knight Frank in Hungerford. ‘And when Crossrail comes to Reading, the commuting opportunities will be even speedier.’ The promise of Crossrail has prompted a new wave of London leavers to the area – those who’d previously found the one-hour commute from Hungerford station to Paddington a beat too far. They’ll find a vibrant community of locals in Hungerford, surrounded by authentic countryside, picturesque villages, and even their own ancient feast, a Hocktide knees-up known as Tutti Day. According to Knight Frank, London leavers now account for more than 30 per cent of property purchases. ‘It used to be the poorer cousin to
Marlborough, but its shops and restaurants have become significantly better over the past ten years,’ says Tom Hudson of property finders, Middleton Advisors. ‘Yet it still feels like a big village, surrounded by parkland and a common with cattle roaming over it.’ Located on the border of Berkshire, Wiltshire and Hampshire, the town is well placed for excellent shoots, extensive cycling routes and racing at Newbury and Barbury Castle. ‘There is so much on your doorstep to keep you busy at the weekend,’ Loweth says. ‘And access to the M4/M3/A34 makes it easy to get around.’ There’s a Waitrose in Newbury and useful independent shops (and lots of antiques shops) in Hungerford itself – Bridge Street is known locally as ‘the Bond Street of Berkshire’. In every direction there are revered local pubs serving excellent food, including the Harrow in Little Bedwyn, the Three Tuns in Great Bedwyn, and the Dundas Arms on the canal at Kintbury.
Sunday stroll Walk east along the towpath of the Kennet & Avon Canal to the hamlet of Kintbury and its riverside pub, the Dundas Arms. dundasarms. co.uk New Barbour and wellies Roxtons on Bridge Street is an excellent country sports emporium. roxtons.co.uk Date night The Woodspeen is a Michelinstarred restaurant and cookery school. thewood speen.com
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The canal runs through Hungerford
Decent cuppa Grab a book from award-winning Hungerford Bookshop (hungerford bookshop. co.uk) and read it over a flat white at Eliane. elianesmiles.com
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