The best village you've never heard of: Broughshane in Northern Ireland named Channel 4's Village of the Year

They say the best things come in small packages and the Northern Irish village of Broughshane, which has just been crowned Village of the Year by Channel 4, is no exception.

The Good Life actress Penelope Keith has been touring the UK in a televised search for the loveliest villages our green and pleasant land has to offer.

Four regional winners battled it out in the grand final, with Hampstead Norreys in Berkshire, Beer in Devon and Bamburgh in Northumberland coming runner-up to Broughshane.

The prize is £10,000 to spend on a community project, which Broughshane's residents intend to use promoting tourism to their village.

But what makes Broughshane, Beer, Hampstead Norreys and Bamburgh so special, aside from their good looks — and what are your chances of snapping up a property in one of them yourself?

BROUGHSHANE, NORTHERN IRELAND

Known as the "garden village of Ulster", Broughshane ticks all the boxes on your rural escape checklist. Just over three miles from the large town of Ballymena, its motto is 'People, Plants and Pride Growing Together'.

The village pond is home to every type of swan and rare species of geese, with a host of volunteers working to protect its wildlife, and the quaint Thatch Inn has a thatched roof and dates back to 1904.

Broughshane has claims to fame in the entertainment world, too. Slemish Mountain where Game of Thrones was filmed is nearby and Cold Feet actor James Nesbitt grew up here.

There is a range of property available, from two-bedroom flats to newbuilds and country cottages.

Bungalows and apartments within walking distance of Broughshane's amenities are in demand from retired buyers but there is also interest from first-timers and families looking for a spacious home near good schools.

Buyers can expect to pay a 15 per cent premium on other surrounding villages in the Ballymena area for Broughshane's on-your-doorstep shops, commuter access to Belfast and proximity to the world-famous Glens of Antrim and Giant's Causeway. House prices for the village average at around £160,000.

But Ryan Gregg, property sales manager at Rainey & Gregg estate agents, puts most of the sought-after village's success down to a tight-knit community that works tirelessly to maintain its "strong aesthetic appeal".

"Broughshane is a throwback to happier times and holds a nostalgic appeal, with a range of thriving locally-owned businesses all offering choice and value with a personal touch," he says.

"There is a charm in walking across the Buttermilk Bridge, along the river path and stepping onto the Main Street that is sadly missing in so many towns and villages in 21st century Britain."

Lexie Scott, chairman of Broughshane's community association, entered the village into the competition and is "delighted" by its victory, describing it as "a very fitting tribute to the effort so many volunteers put into the life of the village".

BEER, DEVON

The unspoilt fishing village of Beer, east Devon, has a fascinating history brimming with colourful stories of seafaring, smuggling and lace-making.

Found on the Jurassic Coast between Lyme Regis and Sidmouth, it is heaven for ramblers wanting to enjoy the glorious ocean views offered by the South West Coastal Path.

Perhaps disappointingly, Beer is not named after the drink many of us know and love, but there are good pubs here. Its name is taken from the Old English word for 'grove', as it is surrounded by forest.

Though small, it also has restaurants, art galleries and independent shops, including a delicatessen. There is a primary school, a beautifully-situated sailing club, magnificent, award-winning floral displays and the Pecorama Pleasure gardens are a popular local tourist attraction.

Fishing is still a dominant industry here. There is no harbour so boats are winced onto the safe pebbly beach, where a fish shop sells produce as fresh and local as it comes.

The cathedral city of Exeter, a 45-minute drive away, offers a 2.5hr direct rail route to London Paddington and daily flights to London City Airport, making a holiday home in Beer a tempting prospect.

“Beer sits in a beautiful, wooded cove beloved by locals and visitors alike," says Philip Cox of Stags Honiton. “The beach and surrounding countryside are very pretty and the village is lively with a population of 1,300.

"Property in this unique location is always highly sought-after, with many homes made from the local limestone."

House prices in Beer average at just over £365,000 but you can expect to pick up a flat for closer to £167,500. Most sales here last year were terraced properties, selling for an average of £311,000, while detached properties fetch an average of close to £676,600.

Trevor Bolshaw, 78, lives nearby in the market town of Honiton and plays the organ for the church. "There is a strong sense of community in Beer," he says.

"Many families have lived here for several generations and their pride in the village is reflected in its very well-kept appearance.

"There are few opportunities for new housing development because Beer is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but those fortunate enough to live there already experience a contentedness few villages can match."

HAMPSTEAD NORREYS, BERKSHIRE

The Berkshire village of Hampstead Norreys, also known as Hampstead Norris, has come alive thanks to its sociable residents.

The village hall is a hive of activity, with a horticultural society and senior citizens' club, The White Hart Inn serves excellent food and the Dean Meadow park's sports pitches are used by the local teams and schoolchildren.

Hampstead Norreys is popular with commuters, with regular services to London Paddington from nearby Newbury, Pangbourne and Goring stations.

Mum Natalie Roberts has lived in this "special" village, where she runs the Rain Dancer Wellbeing Cafe, for 21 years.

"Energy and a flourishing community spirit earned our place in the final," she says. "Hampstead Norreys is a village that's come alive with new ways to get to know your neighbours — from a free arts festival and revitalised village fete to a popular baby and toddler group and a thriving shop/cafe.

"It has a very welcoming and friendly vibe. There are opportunities for all generations to spend time together, and that's rare these days. I've made some great friends here and wouldn't want to live anywhere else!"

Susan Essex, sale co-ordinator at Cricketts Estate Agents, warns that properties in Hampstead Norreys are not often for sale.

"People tend to move there, like it and stay," she says. "It is an extremely pretty village, in the catchment area for the highly-regarded Downs School. There is a lot going on for its small size and it is in a conservation area with bluebell woods."

BAMBURGH, NORTHUMBERLAND

Foodies are well catered for with restaurants including the award-winning Potted Lobster, tea rooms and pubs, while sports fans will enjoy the 18-hole golf course and one of the country’s prettiest cricket clubs.

The Northumberland coast has long attracted holiday-goers and many of them are now making a more solid investment in the area.

Bamburgh is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the Farne Islands and Northumberland National Park close by for exploring. Salmon and trout fishing, hunting and shooting are other popular pursuits.

Though within reach of Edinburgh and Newcastle, much of this area remains agricultural, offering a slower, more peaceful quality of life.

Sharon Thatcher, at Strutt & Parker estate agents, describes Bamburgh as "the Chelsea of Northumberland”.

"If you drive a Range Rover and wear your sunglasses even on cloudy days, Bamburgh is the village for you," she says.

"Lots of our buyers come from London thanks to the easy journey on the East Coast mainline. Often they grew up round here and are now returning home.

"Prices in Bamburgh can range from £250,000 for a comfortable two or three bedroom cottage up to £700,000 for a larger four or five bed detached house.

"Direct sea views over the beach do, of course, add on a premium but these properties will all still be far better value than the South East.

"While you might not see high levels of capital growth on a home you buy here, you’ll still have a property overlooked by the stunning castle and in walking distance of beaches, boutique hotels, tea rooms and museums."