Savills Portugal

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and within close proximity of several quintessential ‘chocolate box’ villages, Bishop’s Stortford is regularly ranked as one of the best places to live in the UK.

Its status as a commuter hotspot has led to significant growth in recent years, with an eclectic mix of period and modern properties.

The north-west corner of the town and the period homes close to the station are often in highest demand, while the likes of the nearby Hadham and Pelham villages are also extremely sought after.

Demand for property in the town and surrounding areas only accelerated during the pandemic. According to Savills latest Prime Regional Index, properties at the higher end of the market have seen price growth of 2.6 per cent in the last year and 8.7 per cent in the last five years. Prime rental prices in the ‘outer commute’ region meanwhile have increased by 5.9 per cent in the last 12 months and by 14.5 per cent in the last five years.

Originally a small Roman settlement, Bishop’s Stortford grew throughout the Middle Ages and eventually became an important staging post on the mail coach routes between London, Cambridge and Newmarket.

The town's trade and wealth grew in 1769 with the opening of the River Stort Navigation to London – a relationship that was enhanced in 1842 with the arrival of the railway.

Such excellent connectivity endures to this day – the fastest train service into London Liverpool Street is just 38 minutes, while for those travelling by road there are links to the M25 via the M11. The emergence of Stansted as one of the UK’s leading airports also means international travel is just on your doorstep.

But Bishop’s Stortford has much more going for it than just road and rail. Its large array of good quality family housing and highly-regarded primary and secondary schools – including The Hertfordshire and Essex High School, Bishop’s Stortford College and Hockerill Anglo-European College – make it a popular choice for those with children.

The lively and bustling high street is also a huge draw, providing a varied assortment of independent retailers and boutiques alongside notable high street chains and a twice-weekly market where you can pick up a range of local produce and crafts.

Food-lovers are also spoilt for choice with several restaurants, cafés and cosy pubs. For special occasions the Mediterranean restaurant and oyster bar Skew, which overlooks the River Stort, is a popular choice for many, while the Michelin Guide listed Lemon Tree on Water Lane offers live music and private dining to complement its delicious food.

Despite Bishop’s Stortford’s recent growth there is still plenty of greenery, with over 90 acres of parks and open spaces to enjoy. For those who want to be even more active, Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre includes a gym, two swimming pools and a running track, while there are plenty of other sports clubs including golf, football, rugby and tennis. An excellent community spirit also means there are countless groups and organisations for every pastime.

Rhodes Arts Complex on South Road is one of Bishop’s Stortford’s main attractions – encompassing a theatre which hosts regular live music, dance and comedy events alongside a museum that tells the story of the town’s history.

If all that isn’t enough, then the medieval market town of Saffron Walden is within easy reach, as well as the university city of Cambridge. You could also spend a day at nearby Audley End House and gardens or enjoy one of its regular open air summer concerts.

Offering an enviable quality of life with superb connectivity to other parts of the UK and indeed the rest of the world, Bishop’s Stortford has remained a popular destination for buyers and renters alike for generations – and there’s every reason for that to continue.