Warwickshire offers an appealing mixture of rolling countryside, handsome market towns and excellent communications. Its central position makes it particularly attractive to buyers whose lives are divided between London and the Midlands, while the southern county begins to take on the character of the neighbouring Cotswolds.
Stratford-upon-Avon is the best-known centre, combining culture, restaurants and attractive surrounding villages. Further south, Shipston-on-Stour and the countryside towards the Cotswolds have a stronger rural character, with stone villages and substantial country houses. Warwick and Leamington Spa provide excellent everyday amenities and architecture, while villages such as Barford and those along the Avon can offer a quieter setting within easy reach of both towns.
Education is an important attraction, with a strong selection of independent and grammar schools across the county and neighbouring areas. Rail services from Warwick Parkway and stations on the Chiltern route provide useful London connections, while the M40 makes southern and central Warwickshire particularly accessible by road.
The county has a well-established country lifestyle, with racing, riding, shooting, walking and good pubs alongside the cultural attractions of Stratford and Leamington.
For buyers seeking more space than the Home Counties can often provide, but who are reluctant to sacrifice London access or sophisticated amenities, Warwickshire can be an unexpectedly compelling alternative.
