Savills Portugal

With a bustling high street, great pubs and top local schools alongside plenty of green space and riverside walks, Rickmansworth (or ‘Ricky’ to locals) has everything you could possibly want from a modern commuter town.

Tucked away in a pretty part of south Hertfordshire, it offers the perfect balance of semi-rural living and access to London – making it a popular destination for families seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Within easy reach of the M25 and only 15 miles from Heathrow airport, the town, alongside the equally popular neighbouring village of Chorleywood, sits on the Metropolitan tube line with services into Baker Street, King’s Cross St Pancras and London Liverpool Street, while Chiltern trains to Marylebone take less than half an hour.

High demand

Properties range from small Victorian cottages and 1920s and ‘30s semi-detached and detached houses to modern apartments and those on private estates. Highly desirable Loudwater also includes notable McNamara houses – recognisable by their cottage-like appearance and thatched roofs.

Demand for larger family homes is especially high, with the average house price increasing by 14.9% in the last five years to £747,158 according to Savills research. This compares to an average of £541,131 for Hertfordshire as a whole. The average monthly rental price meanwhile has seen a rise of 32.1% to £1,881 (compared to an average of £1,559 a month for the whole county).

Thriving community

Part of Rickmansworth’s appeal is undoubtedly its well-performing schools – with several highly rated by Ofsted. Desirable state secondaries include Rickmansworth School, St Joan of Arc and St Clement Danes in Chorleywood, while sought-after independents include the Royal Masonic School for Girls and the Merchant Taylors’ School for Boys. Watford Boys and Watford Girls schools are also within easy reach. For younger children, Chorleywood, Christ Church Chorleywood and Harvey Road are all highly rated state primary schools, while Charlotte House is a popular independent.

In addition to schooling Rickmansworth enjoys a vibrant village feel, with a cosmopolitan high street and lively café culture. A good mix of national chains are complemented by independent boutique retailers – providing everything you need for a daily shop and more.

Hudson Place on Church Street is a great spot for coffee by day and cocktails at night. Local Italian restaurants Zaza and Maurizo’s are very popular, or if you want something a little more traditional then The Coach & Horses serves hearty British food. The Feathers in Church Street is also a must, while The Artichoke in nearby Croxley Green is a contemporary pub that serves great homemade food amid a warm welcome.

Out and about

If it’s fresh air you’re after then Rickmansworth and its surrounds also have lots of green space to explore. The town is where the rivers Chess, Gade and Colne converge, so there are plenty of water-based activities – the centre piece of which is Rickmansworth Aquadrome, a 100-acre public park and nature reserve with walking and cycling trails, canal paths and three lakes offering everything from waterskiing to boating. You can also pick up some tasty refreshments at the Café in the Park.

The William Penn Leisure Centre – named after the founder of Pennsylvania who was once a Ricky resident – has an indoor swimming pool and sports facilities, while the town is also home to well-established football, cricket, hockey, rugby, tennis and golf clubs as well as the annual Ricky Road Run.

Chorleywood also has a 250-acre common with a golf course, bridleways and glorious countryside walks.

Culture vultures can enjoy their fill of plays and performances at the 515-seater Watersmeet theatre complex owned by Three Rivers District Council, while the town’s past can be explored in the Three Rivers Museum on the High Street.

With much more to offer than just a speedy journey to the capital, it’s easy to see why Rickmansworth and Chorleywood have such strong appeal. A large variety of housing, an active community and glorious Chiltern countryside ensure they’re a popular place to call home.