From the riverside glamour of Henley in the South to Banbury’s glorious golden sandstone in the North and the dreaming spires of Oxford in between, Oxfordshire is a classic English county with a wealth of beautiful country homes. With much of the county easily commutable to London, there are hundreds of picture-perfect country villages to choose from. You never have to look far for a good pub and the county also lays claim to some of the country’s finest restaurants and retreats, including Raymond Blanc’s two Michelin starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison and the renowned Soho Farmhouse. Lovers of the outdoors are spoilt for choice with three AONBs (the Cotswolds, Chilterns and North Wessex Downs) and magical walking along the banks of the Thames, which winds its way through the heart of the county.

Famous for its quintessential market towns and honey-coloured cottages, the rolling Cotswolds are bursting with character and charm. Here you’ll find a whole host of award-winning hotels, pubs and world-class restaurants as well as some of the country’s most unique property. Lose yourself amongst a constellation of picturesque villages – with a variety of quirky and independent shops, restaurants and farmers markets – or soak up the amazing atmosphere of one of the many sporting events, such as horse racing at Cheltenham or eventing at Badminton, to name just two.

The Royal County of Berkshire is the jewel in the home counties crown. It’s no surprise that a county fit for a Monarch is one of the most attractive locations for those making the move out of London, with a wealth of exceptional schools and fast commuter links to the capital. There’s no shortage of leisure activities either, with racing at Windsor, Ascot and Newbury as well as polo at The Guards Polo Club, Cowarth Park and The Royal Berkshire Polo Club. Fine dining is a particular highlight and Bray is the county’s worthy epicentre, with the Roux Brothers’ Waterside Inn and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck and The Hind’s Head.