Top English villages famous for television dramas
Where is Midsomer Murders filmed?
Much-loved ITV drama Midsomer Murders is set in the fictional county of Midsomer, an idyllic place to live (crime rate aside), characterised by beautiful countryside, picture postcard villages, and charming country pubs. Filming mainly takes place in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, counties packed full of villages home to some of the most characterful properties in the country. Whilst the county of Midsomer doesn’t exist, the following properties are very much real and could be yours; they’re currently for sale in some quintessentially English villages and market towns in Buckinghamshire, none of which are a stranger to the arrival of a television crew.
Haddenham
Haddenham is a peaceful and picturesque village with a thriving local community of around 5000 residents. Located in Buckinghamshire approximately 5 miles southwest of Aylesbury, it is a historic village mentioned in the Domesday Book. Historically, many people in Haddenham used to breed large white Aylesbury Ducks, keeping them on multiple ponds around the village. The pond by St Mary’s church was once thatched to stop the ducklings getting wet, and – now open to the elements – is the largest of three remaining ponds in the village and the focal point of the village fete and May Day celebrations. Haddenham also benefits from a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants, a weekly market, and a monthly farmers’ market, which offers a range of locally sourced produce. The village is a firm favourite amongst television production companies, often chosen as a filming location for period dramas, and over the years has been the setting for 13 episodes of Midsomer Murders.
Haddenham Hall
A Grade II listed, detached Regency Villa in almost an acre of formal landscaped gardens, available for sale on the open market for the first time in almost 50 years. The property sits behind high walls and timber gates, has driveway parking and a double garage. Period character and contemporary charm combine here to create an elegant family home throughout.
Haddenham Hall, 29 Churchway, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8AB
Guide Price | £3.1 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/ayl190340/
Bakers Keep
Also in Haddenham, is a modern five-bedroom property, with a separate one-bedroom annexe, garaging, and driveway parking. This individually designed property was built in 1976 by the current owners and comes with secluded gardens.
Bakers Keep, 3 White Hart Lane, Haddenham, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8BB
Guide Price | £1.65 million
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/AYL240163/
Beaconsfield
Just 25 miles west of London and known for its mix of Georgian and Tudor architecture, independent shops, and beautiful surrounding countryside, Beaconsfield is a classic English market town. Divided into two areas, Old Beaconsfield reflects the town’s heritage in its period buildings and historic pubs, and the newer Beaconsfield New Town offers modern amenities and a bustling high street. The town serves as a gateway to the nearby Chiltern Hills, and is also a huge draw for commuters, offering a country lifestyle just a short train ride from London. Home to the National Film and Television School, one of the UK’s most prestigious institutions for aspiring filmmakers and television professionals, Beaconsfield has become a hub for creativity – the town regularly hosts film-related events and screenings. You may even spot up-and-coming talent around town, as the NFTS is known for producing some of the industry’s brightest stars. The Midsomer Murders crew are also often seen filming at Beaconsfield railway station, transformed into Midsomer’s Causton railway station using temporary signage.
1 Orchard Green
Located in the old town of Beaconsfield, 1 Orchard Green is a modern, brick and flint semi-detached house with an open plan kitchen/breakfast room, a garden, and a carport. Built in 2014, the property sits in a small, exclusive development, and was carefully designed to reflect the surrounding architecture and landscape of the conservation area.
1 Orchard Green, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 2BF
Asking Price | £1,295,000
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/ris240255/
Chestnut House
Built in 1953, this detached house has been extended and modernised and offers four bedrooms with an attached double garage and off street parking for multiple cars. Gardens extend to just under 0.5 acres, and the property is within walking distance of Old Beaconsfield.
Chestnut House, 3 Chestnut Road, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, HP9 1EY
Guide Price | £2,100,000
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/ris240169/
Great Missenden
Great Missenden is a charming village located in the county of Buckinghamshire, England. It is situated in the Chiltern Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and is surrounded by picturesque countryside. The village is known for its quaint architecture, historic buildings, and vibrant community and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of attractions and activities. One of the most notable landmarks in Great Missenden is the Roald Dahl Museum and Story Centre. Dahl moved to Great Missenden in the 1950s with his family, and it was here that he penned some of his most famous works, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Matilda, The BFG, and Fantastic Mr. Fox. The village is home to several historic buildings, including the 14th-century church of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the 16th-century Old Rectory, which was once the home of the author John Milton. But they are not Great Missenden’s only claims to fame. The streets and real-life homes of this quaint Buckinghamshire village are also featured in multiple episodes of Midsomer Murders.
Shercot
This property sits a little over a mile outside Great Missenden, in over 7 acres of gardens and paddocks backing on to private woodland. The four-bedroom property would benefit from modernisation; alternatively recent planning permission has been granted to entirely rebuild a three storey home.
Shercot, Rignall Road, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire, HP16 9PE
Guide Price | £1,595,000
https://michaelgraham.co.uk/property/ris230233/
Dinton
Dinton is a small village approximately 7 miles west of Aylesbury and 5 miles east of Thame. The village is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is home to several historic buildings and landmarks. One of the most notable landmarks in Dinton is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which dates back to the 12th century and is famed for its impressive architecture and stunning stained-glass windows. In addition to historic buildings, the village has a post office, a village hall, a primary school, and The Seven Stars pub. Despite its small size, Dinton has a strong sense of community and has several local clubs and societies, including a gardening club, a history society, and a cricket club. The village also hosts an annual fete and the church and the village green have been filming locations for Midsomer Murders.
Hermits Cottage
Hermits Cottage in Dinton is just the sort of property you would expect to admire in an episode of Midsomer. The five-bedroom thatched cottage dates back to the 17th century and sits on the edge of the village, surrounded by established, enclosed gardens with countryside views.
The Green, Dinton, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8UP
Guide Price | £1,250,000
