Tucked into the rolling greenery of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this rural neighbourhood is something urbanites would only expect to be real in TV period dramas. Funnily enough, the villages of Sarratt and Chenies have been the setting for several Mr Darcy-esque shows due to their idyllic, pastoral feeling and grand, historic residences. Admittedly, the price of living the countryside dream means that many of the conveniences one would enjoy in the city are a drive or at least a decent walk away. That being said, Chorleywood station is nearby, and operates on the Metropolitan line, meaning that the neighbourhood is incredibly popular with commuters looking for an escape from the busy central London.

The two villages of Sarratt and Chenies have existed since the year 700, with the founding of the Church of the Holy Cross dating back to 1190. The Swedish origins of Sarratt suggest that original settlers were Scandinavian, and the locality was known as Isenhampstead up until the 13th century. The acquisition of Chenie Manor by John Russell, key royal advisor to Kings Henry VII and VIII, as well as Edward VI, put Chenie on the Tudor map. However, as time passed both villages settled relatively comfortably due to the establishment of local papermills and agriculture amidst the area’s vast greenery.

The bucolic village of Sarratt, with all its lovely cottages and farm houses, provided the setting for a number of popular films and TV shows including Four Weddings and a Funeral (2004) and the 2012 film, The Woman in Black – both used the church for their respective funeral scenes.

Some locals have been dispirited by the 2011 expansion of the M25, which they claim has changed the rural atmosphere of the neighbourhood. The lack of amenities nearby as well as woes of the national train companies also can bring a shadow upon this otherwise middle-class haven.

Due to the fact that the neighbourhood is in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it is fiercely protected by locals and authorities from development. Also considering the size and relative lack of population in the area, it is unlikely to see any radical changes. However, the Highspeed 2 railway will be going through the protected area nearby, which worries some locals. Additionally, the recent completion of a big housing development by Wilton Park, as well as new proposals being submitted in Wycombe to develop new properties, could attract more attention to the quieter villages nearby.