THREE areas in Hampshire have been named as some of the best places to live in the South East.

The list released by property experts Garrington, named 20 of the most desirable towns and villages where people are desperate to buy property.

But do you agree with their choice?

Petersfield

Andover Advertiser: Google street viewGoogle street view

Top for Hampshire and placing third on the list was Petersfield.

The market town in the East Hampshire has plenty on offer for house hunters- but it will cost you -as the average price of a detached house in Petersfield was £657,548 in the year to November 2020.

The area has superb transport links with easy access to the A3 and M25 as well as being an hour’s train journey to London Waterloo.

Garrington added: “Petersfield is typical of the ancient market towns dotted across Hampshire and, in this particular case, made all the more attractive and picturesque thanks to its location within the South Downs National Park.

“With its regular farmers’ markets and bustling streets lined with all manner of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, Petersfield gives every impression of a thriving community locked away in the depths of Hampshire.”

Winchester

Andover Advertiser:

Ranking 17 on the list and second for Hampshire was Winchester.

Though the average house price in the town was a whopping £752,839, its ancient history and the long standing reputation of its schools earned it a place in the top twenty.

A Garrington spokesperson said: “With many professionals now choosing to work from home for at least a part of the week, acceptable commuting distances have been pushed further and further from the capital itself.

“This has attracted those professionals and their families to take up residence in this ancient and attractive city and the county town of Hampshire. This ancient capital of Wessex is home to the world-famous Winchester Cathedral and the city continues to be surrounded by open countryside and farmland.”

Eastleigh

Andover Advertiser: Google street viewGoogle street view

Coming in 19th place on the list, the third and final town in Hampshire to be nominated, was Eastleigh.

Whilst average property prices in this area are significantly cheaper than the other two Hampshire areas (£351,166) its location is by far one of the best.

Eastleigh expanded rapidly in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks largely to its extensive railway yards and it has remained on the mainline for direct services to London Waterloo – a journey of around one and a half hours.

Garrington said: “Eastleigh has been ranked as one of the top ten places to live in Britain, thanks mainly to its ideal location.  It offers fast Transport links to London, Southampton, Winchester, Portsmouth, the New Forest National Park, and the sandy beaches towards Bournemouth and the borders with the county of Dorset.”

Here is the full list:

1. Reigate, Surrey

2. Brighton, East Sussex

3. Petersfield, Hampshire

4. Farnham, Surrey

5. Cowes, Isle of Wight

6. Amersham, Buckinghamshire

7. Hurley, Berkshire

8. Petworth, West Sussex

9. Cookham, Berkshire

10. High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

11. Chertsey, Surrey

12. Broadstairs, Kent

13. Caversham, Berkshire

14. Eynsford, Kent

15. Goudhurst, Kent

16. Sevenoaks, Kent

17. Winchester, Hampshire

18. Crowborough, East Sussex

19. Eastleigh, Hampshire

20. Winchelsea, East Sussex