Four North East villages have been among the "most desirable" to live in in the UK, according to The Telegraph.

The paper selected 54 locations from across Britain, in conjunction with research from Savills, that were deemed “most desirable” in terms of costs and the lifestyle they offer.

Among those featured was Brancepeth in County Durham which has an average house price tag of £390,238.

More than half of the estate agents working for Savills across the country reported a rise in demand in the most desirable countryside locations, with 57% saying they were unable to buy where they wanted.

Frances Clacy, analyst at Savills, told The Telegraph: “People want villages that have a bit of everything, from schools to stunning countryside, with accessibility to cities and transport infrastructure. Less well-trumpeted factors count too, such as the main road through the village should only lead to other villages.”

The Northern Echo:

The full list of 54 villages on the list can be seen on The Telegraph page here.

Most desirable villages in the North East

Brancepeth

The County Durham village of Brancepeth features ivy-covered cottages and is the surrounding for Brancepeth Castle which dates back to the 12th century. 

The village was previously listed on The Telegraph's list in 2022 where it was also described as one of the poshest villages in the UK. 

Kirkby Overblow

Set in North Yorkshire, Kirkby Overblow is in the Harrogate district and offers splendid views from all directions including sites of the river Wharfe, Harewood estate as well as Ilkley Moor. 

Kirkby Overblow is the home to an ancient church that is also the village hall and has an average house price tag of £698,656.

The Northern Echo:

Warkworth 

Northumberland is home to the village of Warkworth, the ancient village that although small, boasts a wealth of history. 

With a 12th-century church, impressive castle, unique shops and breathtaking views, Warkworth is a popular spot for exploring and has a price tag of £289,459.

Dinnington

Dinnington is set in Tyne & Wear and is one of the oldest villages in the UK, with records showing it was inhabited before the Iron Age. 

Just a five-minute drive from Newcastle Internation Airport, the village boasts easy access to the City Centre and its beautiful walks, plus it comes with a price tag of £210,671.