Basingstoke & Countryside

Village Living & Rural Tranquillity Within Easy Reach

Basingstoke offers the best of both worlds. A busy, vibrant town centre surrounded by charming, tranquil villages. With over 90% of its area classified as rural and edging onto the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to the west, the Borough boasts attractive countryside, nature conservation areas and many sites of historical interest.

Overton

A genuine working village, Overton combines rural charm with the unusual status of being an ‘industrial’ village. The former Portal paper mill is nowadays home to the De La Rue factory which prints currency, and is a major local employer. A large, bustling village, Overton has a full range of amenities complemented by a range of clubs and societies. A highlight in the village’s social calendar is the annual Sheep Fair.

Oakley

For quintessential rural charm, look no further than Oakley, with its picturesque village pond. Schools, shops and pubs along with sports clubs and facilities make for an attractive proposition for those wanting to combine the best of rural living with being in easy reach of the town.

Old Basing

Of the Borough’s historical sites, one of the most interesting is Basing House, the ruins of which can be visited in Old Basing, a village on the eastern outskirts of Basingstoke. The most impressive residence in Tudor England, Basing House was sacked by Oliver Cromwell and his troops following a two-year siege during the English Civil War. Today, Old Basing comprises the village of Old Basing and the modern Lychpit development.

Sherfield-on-Loddon

Sherfield-on-Loddon is home to a 650-year-old mill which gives milling demonstrations, as well as a 14th-century church whose bells, it is said, were donated by Oliver Cromwell after the siege of Basing House. As well as interesting historical buildings, the village features an attractive green and cricket pitch.

Preston Candover

Offering excellent communications, close to the A31 and the M3 motorway, Preston Candover is a picturesque village situated between Basingstoke and Winchester. Its strong sense of community is reflected in the many local clubs and events.

St. Mary Bourne

The village of St. Mary Bourne recently came ninth in a list of the most desirable villages in Britain compiled by national estate agency Savills, due to its convenient location, attractive mix of thatched cottages and Georgian houses, beautiful gardens and range of amenities.

From the lively large village to the tranquil rural hideaway, the borough of Basingstoke and Deane, named after the largest town and smallest village in the area, offers the opportunity to enjoy rural living at its best.

In brief

Choice of attractive, self-contained villages close to Basingstoke
A Borough that is over 90% rural and part of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Excellent communications
Many sites of historical interest.