‘Coveted’ Somerset village among best places to live – but it’s not cheap

A “coveted” village just a stone’s throw from Bristol city centre has been recognised as one of the nation’s top places to live. The luxury lifestyle website, Muddy Stilettos, has unveiled its 2025 recommendations for prime living locations, with Dursley in Gloucestershire clinching the top spot.

The fashionable town of Frome was crowned the best in the Bristol and Somerset region, but a much smaller locale quietly secured the tenth position – making the list for the second consecutive year.

Chew Magna was lauded by the panel as a “stunning” location boasting “characterful homes, fantastic dining options, a lake and Bristol right on your doorstep”. Nestled in Somerset’s Chew Valley, it is perfectly situated for exploring some of the West Country’s most picturesque countryside while still being conveniently close to Bristol and Bath.

Those who frequent Bristol’s festivals might recognise it as the host of Valley Fest, which will make a comeback for its 11th year in 2026, promising more lakeside music, food and family-friendly entertainment. The festival site overlooks the leisure hotspot of Chew Valley Lake, on the village outskirts, which is another major attraction for visitors.

The charming reservoir is accessible all year round and provides a traffic-free lakeside trail for walkers and cyclists, along with a restaurant, fish and chip shop, picnic areas and a playground. Water sports and fishing are also on offer at the lake, reports Bristol Live.

Within the village centre, Chew Magna’s high street buzzes with activity. On a recent visit, Bristol Live witnessed customers forming queues at MoonDance cafe for coffee and cake, whilst diners enjoyed wine and oysters al fresco at the Lazy Lobster seafood establishment.

For more casual dining options, JAR’s artisan deli offers an array of enticing produce and grab-and-go delicacies including chocolate tiffin and various baked treats from their display counter. The selection encompasses cheeses, cider, doughnuts, pasties and pizza, alongside beautifully presented pantry essentials perfect for creating gift hampers.

Though the typical property value stands at £566,354 in Chew Magna based on recent twelve-month sales data, a charming two-bedroom cottage currently awaits buyers at £300,000. Local estate agents Killens, who are handling the semi-detached property sale, characterise the location as being “renowned for its picturesque surroundings, vibrant community atmosphere and convenient amenities, making it a coveted destination for homeowners seeking a quintessential village lifestyle”.

Premium property specialists Knight Frank positions Chew Magna as “one of the most sought after villages in the Chew Valley”, whilst marketing a £1,395m period residence presently available on the High Street. The agents additionally emphasise the “comprehensive range of facilities” encompassing a primary school, dental, health and veterinary practices alongside sports clubs.

Savills is also showcasing a luxury property on the outskirts of the village, enticing potential buyers with the following: “Amenities within the village are excellent and include a well-stocked supermarket, master butcher, three popular pubs, coffee shop, deli, seafood restaurant, wine shop, pharmacy, dentist, Post Office, flower and gift shop and hairdresser.”

However, for the privilege of becoming a Chew Magna resident, this seven-bedroom home carries a hefty price tag of £1.6m.