He who dares to challenge location, can often win.

I was once told of a lesson taught to young army recruits; “prepare your base before going out on patrol”.  We all need the certainty and security of a home - the foundation from which we manage our busy lives.  There are homes in the less well publicised pockets of our countryside that can offer this and much more. With so much to get right, don’t be afraid to patrol further West along the M4, as you might stumble across something that challenges your perceptions of what is possible.

With fibre internet and satellite broadband bringing fast connections deeper into the countryside, the traditional commute to work can now look like something very different. For those of us who need (and to be fair to us, desire) to keep to our in-person meetings, the search requirements require a direct train to London, good local school options and outdoor space. The options of direct trains from Swansea (2.45hr), Cardiff, Newport (1.36hr) to London Paddington means that South Wales can offer the main home destination. In the Welsh borders, connections to London are frequent from Hereford with a change at Newport (2hr 35).

The M4 is the main highway artery that provides direct road connections from across the central South of England into Wales. Terminating at Junction 49, all the way beyond Llanelli, a fast highway route means travelling for a meeting in Bristol, Swindon or Newbury is achievable with a same day return.  If leaving the gates of your house outside Abergavenny, an event at Newbury Racecourse would take sub 2 hours by car.

Both independent and state schools with good reputations are available throughout the region with noted popular schools in Cardiff, Monmouth, Brecon, Llandovery, Llanelli and Hereford. The school  has an important role, connecting you with families who you’ll find have made similar moves before you.

These idyllic Western regions have something to offer across all common (and uncommon) categories of property, from townhouses in boutique market towns of Hay and Wye, Crickhowell and Llandeilo, to coastal residences overlooking picturesque fishing harbours. All of which can be set in the most picturesque landscapes and culturally rich areas that, in my view, are seldom matched across our shores.