Three North East villages have been listed as the 'poshest locations to live' in the UK according to a new study. 

Within the research, which was conducted by Savills and listed by The Telegraph, Brancepeth, Mitford and Dinnington were all found to be among the poshest villages in the UK - and have been branded 'quaint'. 

While these locations might not be the cheapest to live in, they have been hailed as some of the best and most relaxing places to have a property.

These plaudits from Savills and the Telegraph come after two North East areas were named among the best places to live in the UK last month in a separate study.

Dinnington and Brancepeth have made the list for a second consecutive year, while the village of Mitford, near Morpeth, is a new addition.

Frances McDonald, director of research at Savills, said: "Our latest research indicates that proximity to a train station, place of work and family has become much more important for those searching for a new home – particularly as individuals are more likely to be commuting to the office multiple times a week.

"While still important to some now, pandemic buyer wish lists favoured proximity to parks, shops, and local pubs and restaurants. Exactly what village characteristics are classed as essential will vary from buyer to buyer, but we know that access to education, attractive surroundings and connectivity is a decent definition of a ‘have it all’ village."

Here are the three North East villages named the "poshest":

Brancepeth

Brancepeth is located around five miles from Durham, has an average house price of £446,545, and has a population of around 400 people.

The Telegraph said its posh appeal was ivy-covered cottages, a 12th-century castle, and a golf course designed by Wentworth architect.

In the list, the newspaper wrote: "Brancepeth blends the old with the new. Modern housing is designed to fit in with its surroundings, and development has been carefully controlled to protect the village.

"Only “in fill” development – building on vacant land in an already built-up area – is allowed to take place. The village has a proud relationship with its renowned Harry Colt-designed golf course."

Mitford

Mitford, near Morpeth, has an average house price of £889,191, with the Telegraph considering its posh appeal to be its nearby schools, community spirit and country dancing classes. 

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The Telegraph wrote: "Mitford is a cosy village on the outskirts of Morpeth, which means there’s nearby access to the kind of amenities you’d get with a larger town, including a supermarket, a good choice of primary and secondary schools and trains to London, Edinburgh, Leeds and Bristol – but still a tight-knit village sense of community. Mitford village hall hosts everything from country dancing to pilates and table tennis, and there’s also a historical society."

Dinnington

Of the three villages listed, Dinnington has the cheapest house prices with an average of just £217,779.

However, the fact that its posh appeal is listed as being close to Ponteland and Darras Hall, has definitely made its name worthwhile in the list.

The Telegraph said of Dinnington: "This medieval settlement dates back to the 13th century. It has the hallmarks of a traditional village with a church, as well as a doctor’s surgery, primary school, village hall and social club."