Watch: I visited the Solihull village named among UK poshest places to live & it was so welcoming

Named one of the poshest villages to live in the UK according to a list released by The Telegraph, I’m in Barston - just a few miles east of Solihull - which in addition to its “posh appeal”, has won praise for its transport links and general quality of life. I went along to find out if it lives up to this reputation.

Barston sits just four miles east of Solihull and 11 miles away from Birmingham. Despite its rural charm and lifestyle, the village has great transport links to cities, making it an ideal spot for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle when they head home but without the sheer isolation that rural life often brings.

The village is bordered by the River Blythe - this scenery being a strong part of its appeal - as well as the many historic buildings that adorn the area such as the historic Church of St Swithin, which dates from 1721 and built on the site of an earlier church.

The Telegraph’s list was chosen by a combination of factors, such as the highest housing values, best lifestyle facilities, connectivity and the trendiness of the local amenities. Barston has topped the list for 2024 - as well as 2023.

Since the pandemic there has been an increase in demand for rental homes in the countryside - this is attributed to the greater flexibility brought on by home working - but the main attraction of living in a place like this will be fairly obvious for many.

Stella, volunteer for St. Swithin Church and House told me: “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 “posh”. But the people here are just lovely. They’re delightful. We’re a proper community - we do breakfast at the church once a month, lots of the villages come along, there’s a local pub, there’s an institute where we have the WI and all sorts - and the church is a really, really friendly place to be. And that’s the heart of the village, really. It’s been here 300 years.”

Julia told me: “A lot of people around here have got a lot of character - all very nice, polite, down to earth people. Most of them all got their own businesses or retired from old businesses they used to own, but generally very pleasant people. I don’t think I’ve come across anybody in the area which I can say a bad thing about if I’m honest.”

Stella added: “Well, it’s peaceful really. I lived in the city for a long time because we ran a business in the city - and it’s a hustle and bustle and noisy. It’s lovely here because all you hear are the noises of the tractors and that sort of thing. And it’s a real joy and I feel very, very privileged to live here. I really do. It’s an absolute joy. That’s the only way I can describe it.”