The Derbyshire spa town tucked into the Peak District, has been named by House & Garden as one of Britain’s most idyllic rural places to live — in their newly coined “Notswolds” guide.

The “Notswolds” term describes charming, countryside locations that rival the Cotswolds in beauty and lifestyle but without the sky-high property prices.

Buxton stood out thanks to its unique blend of dramatic landscapes, rich architecture, and strong cultural life.

At an average property price of around £264,437, Buxton offers real value, according to the magazine. Named “England’s highest market town,” Buxton is surrounded on three sides by the Peak District National Park. Its elevation and location give residents “a ringside view of beautiful nature” all around.

Buxton is among the towns that form High Peak Borough Council, which is currently part of Derbyshire County Council. As the county council prepares to submit their merger proposals, one option High Peak could look at is joining with Tameside or Stockport councils in Greater Manchester. | LDRS

placeholder image — Buxton is among the towns that form High Peak Borough Council, which is currently part of Derbyshire County Council. As the county council prepares to submit their merger proposals, one option High Peak could look at is joining with Tameside or Stockport councils in Greater Manchester. | LDRS

But Buxton is more than just scenery. As House & Garden notes, the town’s Georgian architecture – which has earned it the nickname “the Bath of the North” – is complemented by handsome Victorian and Edwardian villas, plus Arts & Crafts homes around Pavilion Gardens.

Culture is also a big draw. Buxton’s Opera House and a calendar full of annual festivals help make it a lively, artistic place to call home. Within five minutes you have amazing countryside but with good connections including a direct train link to Manchester.

The Romans were the first to discover the springs around Buxton, and they called the town ‘Aquae Arnemetiae' - ‘The Spa-Town of the Sacred Groves’. Buxton has been famous for its healing waters for centuries, and it can be sampled straight from the spring at St Ann's Well in the town centre.

Property variety is also highlighted. A three-bedroom house in Buxton typically falls in the £200,000–£375,000 range. In particular, townhouses around Broad Walk are “highly prized,” with some converted into luxury apartments.

Why this matters

Buxton’s inclusion in a high-profile design and lifestyle magazine like House & Garden underlines its rising appeal — not just as a tourist destination, but as a genuinely desirable place to live.
The “Notswolds” label positions Buxton as a more affordable but equally charming alternative to more traditional, pricier rural England hotspots.
For property buyers, this could increase interest in Buxton’s market, especially from those who want the countryside + culture combo.