The survey, by agents Savills, asked customers to judge which was the most desirable place to live on criteria which included community spirit, transport and amenities.

They came up with the list of villages in England and Wales villages, including Alnmouth, Northumberland, Cerne Abbas, Dorset, and Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan.

So what is it about Melford that makes it such a special place to live?
Jonathan Schofield asked three residents their opinion, and what the accolade means to them.


Pensioner Harvey Florence born and bred in Melford said he loved the village and would not live anywhere else.

Born in 1933 in his grandparents' home in St Catherine's Road, Harvey has moved just once since then, in 1939 ... to a house three doors away.

"My great grandfather lost a leg working for the Great Eastern Railway in Stratford and the company moved him to Melford, where he worked at the Liston railway crossing for the rest of his working days," said Harvey.

He can still remember the thrill of being taken by his mother to watch the steam trains coming round the "big bend" into Long Melford, and the drivers who risked their jobs passing lumps of coal to his family.
"The railway was a wonderful sight, and this was still at a time when you barely saw a car in the village.

"During the war, me and my school pals used to watch the American bombers taking off from their airfield in Alpheton.

"There was a terrible day when we heard one of the bombers crash near Kentwell Hall just after take-off.

"There was a massive explosion which shook the village and I'm told they only found bits of those brave men who died."

During his eight decades in Long Melford, from the days when he played in traffic-free streets with his friends, the same streets that saw Victory in Europe celebrations and Jubilee parties, Harvey said there has always been a wonderful community spirit in the village.

"It doesn't surprise me that Melford has been voted one of the best
villages – it always has been and still is, a lovely place to live."

Rebecca Lee, 23, has lived in Long Melford since she was a toddler.

She works in the village and lives with her parents in the house she grew up in.

She said: "It is a wonderful place, and despite the village status it does not feel isolated here because we have so many facilities – pubs, supermarkets and lots of individual shops and restaurants."

Rebecca says she is not looking to buy her own property at the moment, but can see the problems for first-time buyers trying to get on the housing ladder, especially now with its "best village" status.

"I would like to live somewhere like St Catherine's Road, but the prices are very high and when you look at the massive price hike from two to three bedroom properties, I can see why people are forced to look elsewhere."

Despite this, she said many of her friends have returned to the village after leaving university as they recognise what a lovely place it is to live and bring up a family.

Stephen Woo, 30, was born in Malaysia. He came to England with his parents in 2002 to work in the food industry.

"I came to Long Melford just two years ago to help run the take-away and I have to say it is one of the best places I have lived in. The people are very, very friendly."

From the rainforests and mountains of Malaysia to Melford via Ramsgate, Cheshunt, Kelvedon and Dartford, Mr Woo has experienced many ups and downs in his six-years in England.

He said: "I have experienced racism – in Ramsgate, it was very bad, especially the young people which was very disturbing. But considering I arrived without any English, most people have been kind and helpful and this village, along with Kelvedon, is easily the best place I have lived."

"When the day arrives that I leave this country, I will be very sad. Living in Long Melford has been a wonderful experience and will stay with me for a long time."


The top 20 most sought-after villages in England and Wales according to the Savills' survey:
Alnmouth, Northumberland
Much Wenlock, Shropshire
Weobley, Herefordshire
Llyswen, Powys
Llantwit Major, Glamorgan
Guiting Power, Gloucs
Combe Hay, Somerset
Cerne Abbas, Dorset
Empingham, Rutland
Litchborough, Northants
Fingest, Buckinghamshire
West Kington, Wiltshire
Cotherstone, Co. Durham
Coxwold, North Yorkshire
Colmworth, Bedfordshire
Long Melford, Suffolk
Brent Pelham, Hertfordshire


Do you think Long Melford is one of the best villages in England? What changes have you seen? What would you like to see?

House prices at an average nearly £291,000 are close to 50% more expensive in Long Melford than similar properties across Suffolk. Will this latest boost to the village push prices even higher?