Big smoke residents eye countryside

Rising numbers of people are looking to drop out of the city life and head for the countryside.

Research by Yorkshire Bank reveals 72 per cent of people are willing to spend over an hour commuting in exchange for a slice of the rustic life.

The main benefit – cited by 59 per cent – was better health.

For 32 per cent the call of the better schools takes people out of the smoke.

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank head of retail, said: "Potential buyers are savvier than ever and are really doing their homework when it comes to finding the perfect location to buy.

"In contrast to the recent trend of buying, improving and moving on, many buyers are concentrating on finding a home where they can settle long-term, and build a future for themselves and their family."

The poll shows while 27 per cent of those polled say the city's hustle and bustle is too strong to keep them away, the slower pace of life is too much of a temptation.

"Some 62 per cent of twentysomethings claim city living isn't vital to career progression, while a further 48 per cent aspire to owning both a city crash pad and a country pile with a view to enjoying the best of both worlds," Mr Lumby said.

However, across the nation, the draw of the country varies dramatically.

Only one in five Londoners would be willing to give up the convenience of living in the city for a new life in the country. In contrast, residents in East Anglia claim to crave country life the most, with more than half saying that they'd prefer to live in a more rural area.

Daniel Barnes