'It's such a lovely place to live' – Cookham villagers delighted with Sunday Times accolade

Cookham has been named among the best places to live in the South East in an annual Sunday Times list – and villagers are delighted with the recognition.

The affluent village was one of 11 locations in the region to make the newspaper’s final cut, with Reading suburb Caversham and Buckinghamshire market town Amersham also making the list.

Lindfield in West Sussex was named the regional winner, with Norwich being crowned the national champion.

The Sunday Times said Cookham is a place where prospective residents will need to ‘dig deep’ to afford the property premium, but the offset is a lifestyle in beautiful surroundings with a deeply embedded community spirit.

Adam Garrett, owner of Devine Flowers in High Street, said the title comes as no surprise.

“The community, the vibe, the environment, being close to the river and just 40 minutes from central London – it’s such a lovely place to live,” he said.

Having run his business in the village for 22 years, Cookham resident Adam said the village pulls together to look after its own.

He added: “An awful lot of community stuff goes on here. There’s a lot of charity events that go on to look after the children and the elderly.

“The Sunday Times are correct – it is absolutely one of the best places to live.”

Long-time residents Lindsay and Pete Vale said Cookham has managed to retain its charm.

“Architecturally, it’s pretty much the same and people really look after their properties,” said Pete.

Lindsay said neighbourly spirit remains a defining feature.

“The community really comes together for street parties and events and really supported each other through tougher times such as during COVID and when the roads were closed due to flooding.”

The Vales raised three daughters in the village and now enjoy perks of village life such as quality dining, excellent dog walks and membership to the Odney Club.

Newer to the area is Shannon O’Sullivan who came for a quiet escape from the bustle of London.

“The community is so welcoming in Cookham. Everyone knows each other and it’s very friendly. You know when people say: ‘neighbours don’t talk to each other anymore’?

“It’s not like that here. We do all speak to each other.”

Jo Cox, of Mead Property, said many are drawn by both lifestyle and education.

“All the schools are consistently well thought of from parents to Ofsted and access to the grammar school system is a big factor,” she said.

Jo also stated that the housing market is more diverse than it seems with Cookham offering everything from quirky 14th-century cottages to ‘cookie-cutter’ family homes.

“There’s quite a selection of property here; something for everyone from a little flat to a six or seven-bedroom house.

“It’s not just the million pound properties but it’s also true that there are no cheap options. Little two-bedroom cottages on the high street go for half a million pounds, but they are pretty, quirky and popular.

Jo also highlighted a thriving lettings market, which is at its peak during times of school admission datesm and safety is another bonus lifestyle factor for residents.

“Another good thing about Cookham is there are no pockets to avoid. There isn’t anything to look out for or be weary of. It’s a great place to live.”

Simon Stone, of estate agents Barker Stone, helped the Sunday Times with its research.

He wholeheartedly echoes the Guide’s summary of Cookham as a great place to live.

“The outdoor spaces, the schools and the general feel of the place, those are fundamental reasons why people move here and the community spirit here is very strong,” he said.

“There are a lot of events and fun activities over the course of the year, more so than maybe other villages. Perhaps that is because of the lovely green spaces and the river and Stanley Spencer Gallery but also perhaps it’s because a lot of families have been here for more than one generation so they are very much committed to the area.”

Visit thetimes.com/best-places-to-live to view the Sunday Time Best Places to Live 2026 guide.