I visited West Midlands poshest village and I can see why homes are so expensive and in-demand

A picturesque village in the West Midlands has been named one of the poshest places to live in Britain, according to a list published by The Telegraph.

Barston, located just a few miles east of Solihull, has earned high praise for its rural charm, strong transport links, and overall quality of life.

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The list, initially released in March 2024, was reshared by The Telegraph in its daily newsletter on Monday, March 10, 2025.

Finding the perfect village that combines idyllic countryside beauty with modern conveniences is no easy task. For many, the UK’s most exclusive villages remain destinations for a day trip rather than a permanent residence.

However, The Telegraph has identified 48 villages that stand out, with Barston being the only one in the West Midlands to make the cut.

Read more: West Midlands village near to Birmingham Airport and the M42 is one of Britain's poshest

The rankings were based on research by Savills, considering factors such as property values, lifestyle amenities, connectivity, and aesthetic appeal. Barston’s average house price of £615,549, coupled with its proximity to transport hubs, makes it a desirable location for those seeking a balance between country life and accessibility.

Barston is bordered by the River Blythe, enhancing its rural appeal while maintaining excellent transport links. The village is just a five-minute drive from the M42, and trains to Birmingham run from the nearby village of Dorridge. Additionally, the HS2 interchange station being developed to the north will provide even faster connections to London, further boosting the village’s desirability.

Despite its reputation for affluence, residents describe Barston as a close-knit and welcoming community.

Stella, a volunteer for St. Swithin Church and House, said, “The village is a lovely, lovely place to live. The people here are really friendly. I don’t feel that we’re posh. The houses are quite expensive, so I suppose that’s why they use that expression, but the people here are just lovely. We’re a proper community.”

She highlighted the community activities that make Barston special, such as monthly breakfasts at the church, a local pub, and various gatherings at the village institute. St. Swithin Church, dating back to 1721, serves as a historical and social hub.

Another resident, Julia, added: “A lot of people around here have got a lot of character – all very nice, polite, down-to-earth people. Most of them have their own businesses or are retired, but generally, they’re very pleasant. I don’t think I’ve come across anyone in the area that I could say a bad thing about.”

For many, the village’s appeal lies in its tranquillity. Stella, who moved to Barston after years in the city, said, “It’s peaceful really. We ran a business in the city, and it was all hustle and bustle. Here, all you hear are the noises of the tractors and that sort of thing. I feel very, very privileged to live here.”

The rural community of Barston can trace its roots back to medieval times. The village is a designated a conservation area and is home to around 440 residents.

Barston’s inclusion in The Telegraph’s list for two consecutive years highlights its lasting appeal. As more people seek the charm of countryside living without complete isolation, villages like Barston will likely remain in high demand.

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