Although most villages in England are run by councils, there are quite a few that are still privately-owned. Whether this is good or bad is debatable. On the plus side, the villages are all beautifully preserved (or designed). And some may argue that private villages are sometimes better run than those by not-very-well-run councils.
On the other hand, being ‘owned by a family estate’ goes back to feudal times, and there are various laws that are not very democratic. There is also now making millions from renting out property to the NHS, which is starved of cash already.
Clovelly’s Charming Cobbled Streets
Nestled on the North Devon coast, Clovelly is a picturesque village with cobbled streets that have witnessed centuries of history. Back in the 14th century, the stones provided stable ground to a village perched on steep cliffs.
The village has charming cafes and traditional pubs to gave at coastal views, and the village is carfree, which adds to its appeal. There is a Land Rover service available for transporting luggage (the modern equivalent to taking donkey rides).
Mitchell and Dickinson recently insulated the entire village of Clovelly, which reduced bills considerably. Using grants available to insulate lofts and sloping ceilings, followed by draughtproofing and their unique secondary glazing system.
Co-founder Mukti Mitchell is an environmentalist who once sailed around the British coast in a solar-powered boat he built himself – he’s the son of environmentalist writer Satish Kumar.
The owner of Clovelly is a descendent of former Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, so distantly related to Helena Bonham-Carter. He does appear to be going out of his way to ensure local people can live affordably (a 3-bedroom house here costs around £900). That’s unheard of in Devon (usually at least double that price). It’s also pet-friendly and DSS-welcome.
And unlike some areas of the southwest where empty holiday homes price others out of the market, this home is only for a long-let, on the condition that you ‘get involved with community activities!’
Tissington (Derbyshire)
Set in the Peak District, this village has pretty stone cottages in one of England’s most beautiful areas. It has a duck pond, a church, a tea shop and six ancient wells. And you can walk the 13-mile Tissington Trail nearby, along a disused railway line that runs through beautiful landscapes. Or take the 46-mile Limestone Way Footpath, which also runs through the village. Always follow the countryside code, to keep dogs and livestock safe.
This village has been owned by a family for over 400 years, who live in the nearby stately home. Perhaps they don’t drink, as this remains a village without a pub! The owner used to be a wine merchant, before inheriting his title (and village) from his uncle. A local councillor, he’s also a quiz show buff, having appeared on two TV shows.
Tissington Hall costs a lot of money to maintain, hence why it’s hired out for period TV dramas and weddings. The owner says if he didn’t have to look after this property, he’d be well off! Tenants rent at well below market rates, with retired long-standing staff receiving better terms. He does this to retain a sense of community, to stop wealthy outsiders moving in and taking over the village, or leaving empty properties.
Linkenholt (Hampshire)
Known as the ‘Highlands of Hampshire’, this pretty village is situated in the North Downs. It was bought in 2009 for £25 billion (though the church remains independent). This is quite concerning, as now the village land is used for shooting parties, killing innocent creatures, and no doubt upsetting many people who live there.
Yet despite being owned by the richest man in Sweden, Good on You (the clothing sustainabilty site) rates his chain H & M poor, meaning it does not focus on paying workers well, nor makes environmental or animal welfare policy top priorities. Focusing on cheap fast fashion, which is responsible for huge pollution and waste in the world.
Albury (Surrey)
This is a tiny parish, and despite its location, is owned by the Duke of Northumberland, who owns more land elsewhere. There was recently uproar in Hounslow (London) when a lease was due to be revoked on allotments (used since World War I) to develop 90 for-profit flats.
The ‘David versus Goliath’ battle was eventually won by local people, after 900 objections. The land was due to be sold by a man ‘richer than the King’, despite the allotments organising food bank donations, foraging days to pick apples and blackberries, and hosting nature open days.
Edensor (Peak District)
This was built by the former Duke of Derbyshire in Chatsworth Park, to replace the old village was demolished in the 19th century, due to obscuring his view!
Known for its graceful church spire, the village is now owned by a charitable trust. Back in the 60s, it became well-known, when former President John F Kennedy visited his sister’s grave, not long before he was assassinated.
Eridge Park, Crowborough
This village is the family home/seat of the Marquess of Abergavenny. Again it rents out to music festivals and weddings. Although this was a former shooting estate, to day it limits itself to fishing licenses and clay pigeon shooting (which actually is not harmless to wildlife, but not quite as bad).
Firle, Sussex
Near the historic town of Lewes, this privately-owned village has a manor house, and several surrounding villages. The local viscount owns most of the properties, and offers most a discounted rents to local people.
This village does appear to be making efforts for local biodiversity, and uses profits from renting out the estate, to help surrounding nature and wildlife.
Great Tew (Oxfordshire)
This village does not resemble most Cotswolds villages, with their honey-coloured limestone. Instead, it uses darker red ironstone, built in the 19th century by a landscape gardener. It has a unique church and 14th century wall paintings.
This village is managed by the Tew Estate, owned by a multi-millionaire who also owns the Devon estate of Bantham. Where again there are legal disputes, as he wishes to convert parts of a Grade II-listed boathouse (built for the coronation of King George VI) into holiday lets. Plans for a restaurant on the estate were also rejected, due to complaints by local people who have lived there from birth. The estate is soon to go on the market for around £30 million.
Ripley (North Yorkshire)
Just a few miles from Harrogate, this has been named as the best village in Yorkshire to live in. Owned by the family who live in the nearby castle, it’s right on the edge of of the Yorkshire Dales. The owner recently sold the local town hall back to the community, so it’s no longer privately-owned.
The castle is also being sold after 700 years of ownership. Local people are actually sad, and say they hope the new owner will have the same respect for the community and village, as the previous owners (who will remain living in the area).
Yattendon (Berkshire)
This village lies just 20 miles from Newbury, owned by the (former press barons) owners of the 9000 acre estate, who also maintain the local footpaths and bridleways. This is surrounded by beautiful countryside including the Ridgeway National Trail and Great West Way.
The Duchy Estates
The Duchy of Lancaster is owned by King Charles III and the Duchy of Cornwall is owned by Prince William (which was created to give both the monarch and the eldest son respectively private income). And it’s indeed immense – around £25 billion each, on land that stretches over several counties for each Duchy.
The Duchy of Cornwall is home to a few privately-owned villages including Poundbury (near Dorchetser, Dorset), Nansledan (near Newquay, Cornwall) and Tregurra Park (near Truro, Cornwall) with plans for another village near Faversham, Kent.
All these villages are very nicely designed, with beautiful architecture, green spaces, local produce shops etc. But there are a few concerns on the huge powers and income of the monarchy, when so many people live in poverty.
A recent Dispatches investigation caused uproar, when it was found that the Duchies (both exempt from corporation, capital gains and inheritance) are earning millions, by renting out warehouses to NHS ambulances in London.
There are now calls to dissolve these private estates and refund the cash-strapped NHS. Silver Voices (an independent charity that campaigns for seniors) says that it is a disgrace for the Monarchy to charge the NHS for parking ambulances.
And environmental campaigners have said the ‘small potatoes’ land given over for rewilding on Dartmoor is not nearly enough to help.
