Back in March, the Sunday Times published the results of this year’s best places to live. We thought we’d remind you of the overall winner alongside some of the winning regional places. And while we do that, we’ll also share details of the new build homes on new developments either in or close by to, the best places to live.
Best places to live 2023 This year’s overall winner of the Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2023 was the East Sussex town of Wadhurst. The blend of beautiful countryside on the doorstep and a thriving high street is what secured the votes for the picturesque town, as people feel it is a place that offers everything. From good schools, convenient transport links and its exceptional community spirit, people who live in Wadhurst feel it provides everything needed for modern life.
Hillbury Fields in Ticehurst, East Sussex from Fernham Homes
In the Ticehurst area of Wadhurst is this wonderful development of one, two, three and four-bedroom homes from housebuilder Fernham Homes. With its rural countryside location, surrounded by ancient woodland and open fields, the bustling village of Ticehurst offers independent shops, traditional pubs and quirky cafes, alongside the opportunity for plenty of outdoor activities. And it’s very accessible, too, while Wadhurst itself is only a few minutes away by car.
Seen here is The Penhurst, an attractive three-bedroom end of terrace property located in a very desirable position, overlooking the central pond. Inside the property you can expect to an open plan kitchen/diner with integrated appliances as well as a separate lounge and a downstairs WC. To the upstairs, the main bedroom features an en suite and built-in wardrobe, with a handy cupboard off the landing for extra storage. The perfect home for growing families, and on the doorstep of the best place to live in 2023, you can see the Hillbury Fields development in Ticehurst here.
Chichester, West Sussex – a Regional Best Place to Live 2023 Winner
Staying in Sussex but this time West Sussex, the cathedral city Chichester was voted as the best place to live in the South East of England region. With its mix of history and modern culture, the town has good schools and transport links offering easy access to places like the South Downs National Park. And Chichester was also acknowledged for its kind heartedness, having welcomed the highest number of Ukrainian refugees per head in the country.
Minerva Heights in Chichester from Miller Homes
For anyone wanting to buy a new build in the popular area of Chichester, the Minerva Heights development is just over a mile from the centre. This development of two, three and four-bedroom homes from Miller Homes is now in Phase 4 with a good selection of homes available.
This is a three-bedroom detached property available for sale at Minerva Heights. With two downstairs dual aspect rooms, you can expect ample space and plenty of light. The open plan kitchen/diner has French doors opening out onto the garden while the lounge features an elegant bay window. The downstairs laundry room and WC bring added convenience while upstairs, the built-in storage cupboards are very handy. The master bedroom in this property not only features an en suite but also dual aspect windows.Take a look at the homes for sale on the Minerva Heights development here.
Leamington Spa , Warwickshire – Best Place to Live in The Midlands Winner
The royal spa town ticks all the boxes when it comes to beautiful, well-tended parks, excellent transport links, good schools and a town centre with a good selection of both popular chain and small independent shops, cafes and eateries. And it’s no stranger to winning accolades like these, with Leamington Spa also having been voted one of the coolest cities to live in this year. Famed for its tree-lined avenues, Regency whitewash and ironwork, the town looks the part as much as it is a good place to live.
Abbotts Court Luxury Apartments from Kendrick Homes in Leamington Spa
Situated on the north side of Leamington Spa and less than a mile from the centre of town, you will find this exclusive new development of luxury apartments. Abbotts Court offers a choice of either penthouse or garden apartments, each with its own private entrance. 
This is one of the two-bed ground floor garden apartments with a fantastic open plan kitchen/lounge/diner ideal for entertaining while zoned areas deliver space for more intimate evenings. The apartment features bi-fold doors leading to the garden and useful laundry room. The main bedroom has an impressive en suite and walk-in dressing area while the second bedroom is a good large double size with ample storage. The apartment comes with a private rear garden and all the high-quality touches you would expect from a luxury apartment. Find out more about the Abbotts Court development here.
Dunkeld, Perthshire – Winner of the Best Place to Live in Scotland
It might be small, but Dunkeld in Perthshire has a large, vibrant community, and this coupled with its beautiful rural location makes it a very desirable place to live. They say people make places, and this is quite true in Dunkeld where many creative young professionals have launched independent businesses from shops to cafes, bringing quality and variety to the town. And with lochs for swimming in and hills to walk in close by, it becomes clear why Dunkeld has won the best place to live in Scotland title.
The Deer Pines in Perthshire from Muir Homes
While it’s not Dunkeld (we currently don’t have any new build homes in Dunkeld), around eight miles south of the best place to live in Scotland is The Deer Pines development from Muir Homes in Stanley, Perthshire. Much like Dunkeld, it is nestled within miles of rolling hills and has excellent transport links. The perfect location for families who want countryside living while not being too far from a city, Stanley is within easy reach of the City of Perth. And with a forest and open green spaces within the development, The Deer Pines makes a special place to call home
This is the Wemyss, a four-bedroom new build property with exceptional features and thoughtful design, in a villa style. To the downstairs of the property there is an open plan kitchen/lounge with a separate dining room, utility room and WC, while the addition of an integral garage provides valuable storage space. Upstairs and there is a stylish family bathroom, with the master bedroom having its own en suite. The master and second bedrooms both have built-in wardrobes, while two storage cupboards feature on the second floor also.
Take a closer look at The Deer Pines development from Muir Homes here.
Here’s the full list of all the winning places.
Overall Winner – Wadhurst, East Sussex
East of England Regional Winner – Saffron Walden, Essex
London Regional Winner – Crouch End
Midlands Regional Winner – Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Northern Ireland Regional Winner – Donaghadee, County Down
North & Northeast Regional Winner – Whitley Bay, Tyne & Wear
Northwest Regional Winner – Waterloo & Toxteth, Liverpool
Scotland Regional Winner – Dunkeld, Perthshire
Southeast Regional Winner – Chichester, West Sussex
Whether it’s one of the best places to live in the UK or not, you can find your dream new build home in the location you’d like to live, in by searching our website here.
