It’s official, the countryside property market is booming as people turn away from towns and cities in search of the perfect rural bolthole.

Estate agents Knight Frank this week reported the highest number of sales in the country market for 15 years and the number of home buyers registering last year up 35 per cent.

Driven by this increased demand for the country life, The Telegraph named where they calculated are the country’s most desirable villages in each county.

Cotswold Journal: People are heading out of towns and cities in search of country life (Canva)People are heading out of towns and cities in search of country life (Canva)

Talking about what makes a place highly sought after, analyst at Savills, Frances Clacy, told the newspaper: “People want villages that have a bit of everything, from schools to stunning countryside, with accessibility to cities and transport infrastructure.

“Less well-trumpeted factors count too, such as the main road through the village should only lead to other villages.”

So, taking into account the highest house prices, best lifestyle amenities, connectivity and chocolate box appeal, here’s which village came out on top in Gloucestershire.

Gloucestershire’s most desired village

Bourton-on-the-Hill

Average house price: £799,348

What makes it so appealing?

In Bourton-on-the-Hill you’ll find a mixture of small cottages with plenty of character and large detached houses.

This rural village is home to a country pub named Horse and Groom which you’ll find near two celebrity hangout locations – Dormy House Hotel and Soho Farmhouse.