The borough with Britain’s happiest homes

IT’s long been recognised by its many celebrity inhabitants for its abundance of green spaces and historic riverside setting.

There are also good schools, shops, travel links and, according to residents, a strong sense of belonging.

All of which have helped the leafy borough of Richmond upon Thames, in south-west London, win the vote as the happiest place to live in Britain.

With house prices averaging £952,305, the wealth of its inhabitants may also have something to do with their contentment.

The borough, which includes the affluent neighbourhoods of Kew, Barnes, sheen and Teddington, has been home to many actors and celebrities including film star Tom Hardy, sir David Attenborough and Britain’s Got Talent’s Amanda Holden.

It has more than 500 hectares of green areas such as Richmond Park, Kew Gardens and Bushy Park, and is also home to attractions including Hampton Court Palace.

Dawn Platt, of estate agent Chestertons’ Richmond branch, said: ‘ Richmond really has got it all – access to nature, schools, entertainment, good eateries, bars and shops.’

The borough was followed in Rightmove’s ‘happy at home’ poll – which asked more than 26,000 respondents how they feel about where they live – by Winchester in Hampshire and Monmouth in south Wales. The average house price in Winchester is a significantly lower £571,613.

Locations for the poll were judged based on factors such as green spaces, community spirit, job opportunities and amenities including schools.

Last year’s winner, st Ives in Cornwall, was ninth this year.

Tim Bannister, Rightmove’s property expert, said: ‘The results of this year’s study highlight that residents continue to value living near green spaces and natural beauty, features that became all the more important during the pandemic.’