HOORAY FOR HARPENDEN

The Hertfordshire town has been crowned Britain's most desirable place to live once again. AARON NEWBURY visits to find out why

- 

Harpenden is the centre of attention after it was named Britain's top town

(Pictures: JONATHAN BUCKMASTER)

OUTSTANDING schools, a swift commute to London and the feel of a village with the amenities of a city. That combination has transformed the heavenly town of Harpenden from a historic market settlement into one of Britain’s most sought-after addresses.

Homes in the most exclusive corners here can reach £10million.

The town’s roots stretch back to Roman times. Objects dating from 150AD, including dishes used for drinking, have been found buried in the surrounding land.

Local historians say that in Old English, its old name, Hearpedenu means “harp valley”... and it certainly pulls at the heart strings.

When resident Anita Wicks moved to Harpenden, she had one priority: her children.

“Mostly it is the schools,” the 42-year-old says as rain pelts down on the Hertfordshire town’s high street outside. “We have got great schools here.

“I moved here to have a family, my kids get good schools and it is safe and clean for them.”

Anita is far from alone in making that calculation. This town of just over 30,000 people has been rated the best place to live in the entire country in recent analysis by estate agency Savills, and its appeal is still clear despite the lack-lustre weather that greets us when we arrive.

“The commute into London, well that is a real selling point,” adds Anita.

“You can get from here to London quicker than you get from Outer London to the city.”

The village emerged from the clearing of woods on manor land at Wheathampstead, land granted to Westminster Abbey by Edward the Confessor in 1060.

Walking through the town centre, it’s hard to escape the history here - the oldest church, St Nicholas, began life back in 1217.