Six of the best market towns

Read why moving to a market town could be right for you

Burnham Market, in chic north Norfolk

Why? A pretty Georgian town set around a green with an array of upmarket shops, from a fishmonger to a bookseller. The Norfolk coast lies around three miles away, as does Holkham Hall, whose estate borders one of Britain's best beaches.

What can I get for my money?

£200,000 A two-bedroom brick-and-flint period cottage, needing renovation in nearby Burnham Overy Staithe.

£450,000 Restored end-of-terrace cottage in central location with three bedrooms, garage and gardens.

£800,000 Period cottage (above); four bedrooms; conservatory; detached annexe; workshop; well-maintained gardens; orchard. Bedfords (01328 730500).

Aberfeldy, in the majestic mountain scenery of Perthshire

Why? It is Scotland's first Fairtrade town and retailers and attractions throughout the area do their best to promote Fairtrade, organic and environmentally friendly products. It has a real community spirit and the landscape is characterised by mountains, waterfalls, the River Tay and ‘birks' or birch trees, made famous by Robert Burns.

What can I get for my money?

£250,000 Stone-and-slate Edwardian cottage with four bedrooms, sun room and views of Strathtay.

£550,000 Edwardian house (above left); seven bedrooms; sewing room/study; open fireplaces; window shutters; established garden; pond; previously featured in Country Living. CKD Galbraith (01887 829446).

£640,000 Modern, high-specification house in elevated position with five bedrooms, Aga and south-facing gardens.

Sandwich, in a backwater of coastal Kent

Why? It has peaceful, pretty streets with excellent shops, lovely open space by the River Stour and a strong sense of civic pride. Many half-timbered medieval houses remain, as do a number of ancient traditions, such as the Curfew Bell at 8pm each day, which used to signal when animals were to be put out onto the street.

What can I get for my money?

£280,000 Period cottage (above right) situated in a conservation area; three bedrooms; sun room; exposed ceiling beams; inglenook fireplace; views across Sandwich; walled courtyard garden.

£330,000 Attached four-bedroom period property with courtyard garden.

£640,000 Six-bedroom converted barn in rural position with five acres of gardens, woodland and paddocks. Strutt & Parker (01227 451123).

Saffron Walden, in unspoilt north-west Essex

Why? A fine example of a medieval market town with buildings dating from the 12th century. It has a mature Victorian hedge maze at the Grade II-listed Bridge End Gardens in the north of the town, while the elegant market square hosts a lively and varied market twice a week.

What can I get for my money?

£230,000 Grade II-listed cottage (above left); two bedrooms; sash windows; fireplaces; terrace garden; quiet location close to the town centre.

£500,000 Historic townhouse spread over four floors, Grade II-listed with five bedrooms and a terrace garden.

£700,000 Renovated Grade II-listed former public house (shown below) with pargetting on the exterior, five bedrooms, self-contained annexe and half an acre on the outskirts of the town. Mullucks Wells (01799 520520).

Clitheroe, in the forest, fell and moor of Lancashire's Ribble Valley

Why? The gateway to wonderful walking country, it has a castle keep, an enviable range of specialist shops, a traditional market, excellent schools and a thriving community spirit. The nearby Forest of Bowland is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

What can I get for my money?

£250,000 Semi-detached four-bedroom modern house with conservatory, backing onto open fields.

£365,000 Grade II-listed house close to the River Ribble; 4 bedrooms; conservatory overlooking farmland; mullion windows; well-stocked garden. Mortimers (01200 427331).

£680,000 Barn conversion (above right) with four bedrooms and landscaped gardens and garage in nearby village of Chatburn.

Abergavenny, in Monmouthshire at the foot of the Black Mountains

Why? A foodie haven, with excellent shops, three markets held each week and a huge annual food festival. Bridleways, trails and walks crisscross the mountains, including the distinctive ‘Sugar Loaf' (shown right), which overlooks the town.

What can I get for my money?

£230,000 A three-bedroom end-of-terrace house with vegetable garden.

£430,000 Grade II-listed Edwardian house (above left); six bedrooms; period fireplaces. Parrys (01873 858990).

£700,000 Four-bedroom property dating back to 1600s with half an acre.

More to try...
● Stamford in Lincolnshire has ancient honey-toned buildings, plus
a range of good schools and facilities.
● Kelso in the Scottish borders has a Flemish-style town square and beautiful townhouses.
● Beaminster's historic town centre in Dorset has more than 200 listed buildings, Georgian architecture and picturesque 17th-century cottages.
● Oundle in Northamptonshire has wonderful limestone properties.

All prices correct at time of publication