homes

This town offers Victorian charm with colourful cottages, stunning coastal walks including the Blackhead Path, and highly-rated dining

Venture slightly away from the usual tourist routes and you’ll discover this charming town, perfect for a peaceful coastal retreat, boasting picturesque strolls and breathtaking vistas.

Whitehead presents all the appeal of a Victorian seaside resort, featuring period architecture and meandering pathways that overlook the tranquil azure waters. Like any worthwhile destination, it boasts an array of delightful bakeries, cafés and public houses, all providing refreshments and a welcome break after a day spent discovering the coastline.

However, the Lighthouse Bistro and Bakehouse truly stands apart from the rest, earning the top spot for dining on TripAdvisor in the locality. Patrons keep returning for the delicious seafood chowder, fresh bakes and the lovely panoramas whilst enjoying a drink overlooking the ocean during summer months.

One delighted visitor said: “What a great find! This bakery/restaurant is excellent. We each had a delicious bowl of soup accompanied by freshly baked bread. Perfect lunch after our Blackhead Beach walk.”

Outdoor enthusiasts frequently find themselves drawn to explore this region, renowned for its trails, including the legendary Gobbins Cliff Path. Rich in heritage, this route offers more than simply a stroll but rather a voyage through the ages, where you’ll encounter all the natural forces and feel more connected to the ocean than ever.

You can peer down into the thundering waters of the North Passage whilst standing on a metal bridge suspended between clifftops, providing unparalleled panoramas. A passionate adventurer documented their visit on TripAdvisor, saying: “The views are spectacular, and the history is so interesting. Keep your eyes open in the water – we saw several seals in the water. “

The location is temporarily shut following recent rockfall, though it’s expected to welcome visitors back shortly. However, there are numerous other routes to appreciate the stunning Northern Irish coast, such as the Blackhead Path.

Renowned for its charming white lighthouse backdrop, this route attracts walkers of all kinds, being a manageable trail suitable for various fitness levels. One hiker said: “You’ll enjoy stunning views across Belfast Lough of North Down, Scotland and nearby islands. You can walk up to the lighthouse in a circular route – through the caves and up the back steps – or take a left up across the Golden Steps. Incredible views and all free!”.

Railway enthusiasts or those seeking educational experiences should definitely visit Whitehead Railway Museum. Here, guests can climb aboard a locomotive featuring a 140 year old engine and enter a genuine 1950s carriage, all maintained by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s collection.

Punters can wander through the venue independently or absorb fascinating insights from the knowledgeable staff stationed at the museum. When the weather’s playing up, it’s a perfect spot for some indoor entertainment. One visitor confessed they “nearly didn’t call in” but were “so glad” they did, even expressing a wish to have allocated more time.

WHEN it comes to buying a home abroad, no one knows more inside tips than the A Place in the Sun presenters.

With costs rising all over the world those on the hunt for a holiday home might be disheartened – but there are still bargains to be found according to property expert, Craig Rowe.

A brand new series of A Place in the Sun is back and presenter Craig Rowe who first joined the show four years ago has found a hidden gem.

In the upcoming episode airing on Thursday, January 7, Craig heads to the French countryside region of Limousin.

He’s helping best friends Fiona and Tina look for Fiona’s ideal home with a a maximum budget of £80,000.

Yet Craig reveals that they manage to bag a deal for £75,000.

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Craig told us: “I’ve spent a lot of time in France, but for this show we were in Haute-Vienne – and I was amazed at the prices.

“At first when we were looking through the properties I said to my producer, ‘I think we’re going to struggle to get something decent for that price’.

“But you’d be amazed at what we found which were really good properties – and that really surprised me.”

While the Limousin region is miles away from the coastline, it’s well-known for being a hotspot for watersports thanks to its thousands of lakes.

In fact, the region is even called the ‘French Lake District‘ – it also has lots of walking and cycling routes.

Craig added: “It’s a beautiful region filled with little patisseries and boulangeries, which is everything I love about France.”

Craig continued: “It has lots of beautiful French towns, and of course, lots of lakes so you won’t miss being by the coast – and if you want to visit a city then Bordeaux isn’t far away.

“There’s still an expat community, and as we found, properties are really good value.

“With prices going up all over the world, it’s great to find these pockets where you can still get a really good bargain.”

If the French countryside doesn’t tickle your fancy, but you still want somewhere up-and-coming with lower prices, Craig has some other suggestions.

He said: “Valencia is one of my favourite places in Spain and in the last few years, I’ve heard more and more about it.

“It’s really booming and while property prices are going up, it’s still much more affordable than Barcelona or Madrid.

“Another place to watch in Spain would be Murcia – it’s still relatively under the radar because it doesn’t have as many airlinks as Malaga or the Costa Del Sol.

“For example in the winter you’ll have to fly from Alicante, but it’s definitely up-and-coming. That’s one to watch in 2026 – it would be a great place to invest.

Outside of Spain, I’d consider Porto in Portugal which is a great alternative to Lisbon which is getting quite expensive. But it still has great culture, food and wine.”

If you’ve been watching A Place in the Sun wondering whether now is the right time to buy abroad, Craig has some words of wisdom.

Craig told us: “Property is going up everywhere, in the UK, Europe, the States. So if you’re thinking about doing it, why not now?

“Costs are only going one way, and while you’ve got these little gems, like Haute-Vienne, which are up-and-coming destinations, take the opportunity now.

“2026 is an exciting year, and I know for A Place in the Sun, we’ve got a lot of filming coming up with house hunters – there’s still a big passion and a hunger for people who want to look at properties overseas.”

After selling Brits their dream home for five years, Craig is getting ready to take the plunge himself.

“My partner Paul and I are hoping to buy a property in Spain, we’re not in a position to do it yet, but hopefully we’ll be able to in the next couple of years.

“I love Valencia as a city, whereas my partner loves Barcelona – but I think he’s coming round to my idea.

“Valencia is smaller than Barcelona, it’s the third biggest city in Spain, but there’s only around 800,000 people that live there, so it’s still a relatively small city.

“It has amazing coasts, beautiful architecture, it’s got everything you need from a city.”

Watch Craig on A Place in the Sun on Thursday 8 January on Channel 4 at 6pm – new episodes will continue air Monday-Friday.

One Woman Who Was on A Place In The Sun Bought Her Dream Spanish Home For £45k…

Jacqui Lockhart from Scotland left for Almoradi on the Costa Blanca shortly after the airing of her episode of A Place in the Sun back in December 2017.

Originally looking for a holiday home, Jacqui travelled to Spain in search of her dream escape with the help of presenter Danni Menzies.

After looking at multiple apartments, Jacqui fell for a flat in Almoradi with a communal pool and rooftop costing just £45,000 – after visiting 10 times in one year, Jacqui made it her permanent home.

Talking to Sun Travel about her move to sunny Spain Jacqui said: “It took a lot of guts for me to move. To say ‘right, I’m not coming back to the UK’ took a lot of courage. But it’s been so good, I absolutely love it.”

She says that one of the biggest perks of life abroad is that going out for meals and drinks works out to be a lot cheaper.

Jacqui said: “I love going out for meals, and it’s so much cheaper than in the UK, you can get a glass of wine for €1.50.

“You can get a three-course meal and a coffee for around €10.”

Jacqui bravely bit the bullet and loves her new life abroad, she does heed some warnings for anyone hoping to do the same.

She explained: “I’m lucky as I have a plan B, I’ll never sell my house in Scotland.

“But I know a lot of people here who have sold up completely, moved lock, stock and barrel and now they’re coming into their dotage and they can’t go back because they can’t afford it.

“I also know some people who came just before Covid wanting to open a bar and then as they started, had to close because Spain went into lockdown.

“They lost so much money and used all their savings to live and have had to move back to the UK and rent which is such a shame.

“My other piece of advice would be to rent first to see if you like the area. Thanks to Brexit, Brits can only rent in Spain for three months at a time, but do that and get to know the town you like.”

Plus, another A Place in the Sun presenter reveals her favourite foreign family holiday park – and it’s surprisingly affordable.

And another A Place in the Sun presenter moved to the Costa del Sol where she spends evenings on the beach but reveals there is a catch to her new life in Spain.

AMERICAN stars Beyoncé and Jay-Z are set to use a “rich person” planning loophole to build a huge rural estate in the UK. 

The couple are said to have bought a 58-acre plot in the Cotswolds for their mansion. 

On the land is a derelict shack near an algae-filled lake. 

Permission has been granted for a spectacular seven-bed property. 

Development is allowed under a special exemption clause in the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework. It gives permission for new homes in rural locations where planning would typically be refused. 

To qualify the design must be of “exceptional quality . . . truly outstanding, reflecting the highest standards in architecture”. 

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It has been dubbed the “rich person clause” because of the ­millions of pounds required to override regular restrictions. 

Planning permission for the development in Oxfordshire was granted in 2021 but work never started. 

The plot was later marketed for £7.5million with the permission attached and has been sold — with Texas Hold ’Em singer Beyoncé, 44, and 99 Problems rapper Jay-Z, 56, believed to be the purchasers. 

The listing stated the property is “totally unique”, adding “The site for the new house is at the head of a long drive that meanders through beautiful countryside to a magical woodland lake. 

“The start of the drive is on the edge of a sought-after village and is within striking distance of Soho Farmhouse. 

“Permission has been granted to create a large contemporary dwelling that part-cantilevers over its own lake, has incredible room volumes throughout, will be exceptionally light and have stunning views over the countryside. 

“The position and the permission are unrivalled.” 

Beyoncé, Jay-Z and their children live in California but have made several trips to the area. 

Stars Jeremy Clarkson, Claudia Winkleman and David and Victoria Beckham live nearby. 

But locals have concerns about an influx of A-listers. One 71-year-old, who has lived there for more than 60 years, said: “My grandson will think this is wonderful that they are coming here. I think it will change the village.” 

Incursion follows Israeli defence minister’s order for military to ‘act forcefully’ against the Palestinian town.

Israeli forces have carried out mass arrests and forced dozens of families from their homes in the town of Qabatiya in the occupied West Bank, on the second day of a sweeping military operation ordered by Israel’s defence minister.

Israeli forces sealed off entrances to Qabatiya while rounding up and interrogating dozens of residents on Saturday, local sources told Al Jazeera. They converted several homes into military interrogation centres, displacing their occupants, according to the Palestinian Wafa news agency.

Israel’s Army Radio reported that the town is subject to a “full curfew”.

The crackdown follows an order by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ​to “act forcefully … against the village of Qabatiya”, where he claims a Palestinian alleged of carrying out a stabbing and car-ramming attack in northern Israel hails from.

In a statement on Friday, Israel’s military said it had deployed troops from multiple divisions, along with border police and members of the Shin Bet security service, into Qabatiya. It said forces had raided the attack suspect’s home and were preparing to demolish it.

Rights groups have long condemned Israel’s practice of demolishing the family homes of Palestinians accused of attacks against Israelis, describing it as an illegal form of collective punishment.

Israel’s military claimed its forces would “scan additional locations in the village” and “work to arrest wanted individuals and locate weapons”.

“There is a sense of fear among people in town,” one resident told Al Jazeera. “There are Israeli threats and Israeli incitement.”

The Israeli military raids on Saturday also extended elsewhere in the occupied West Bank, including to several villages surrounding Ramallah and Hebron, Wafa reported. Israeli forces assaulted and arrested eight people from the towns of Dura, Abda and Imreish near Hebron, according to the news agency.

Israeli military incursions and attacks across the occupied West Bank have been a near-daily occurrence during Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.

Since October 7, 2023, Israeli authorities have arrested nearly 21,000 Palestinians. As of December 1, some 9,300 Palestinian prisoners were in Israeli jails, more than a third of them detained without charges.

Palestinian prisoners have been tortured, sexually abused and even killed in custody.

WHAM! star George Michael has raked in almost £75million from beyond the grave — and is set to bank even more, accounts show.

The singer’s firm, Nobby’s Hobbies Holding Limited, has turned over £74.7million since he died aged 53 on Christmas Day 2016.

Royalties poured in after the band’s 1984 classic hit Last Christmas, which he wrote, was the festive No1 in both 2023 and 2024.

George’s estate earned £6.6million from the 2023 chart success alone.

Cash also came from the 2023 Netflix documentary Wham!.

The company’s latest accounts end in March 2024, meaning earnings from Christmas 2024 are yet to be included.

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We revealed earlier in the year how George Michael’s dilapidated £10m London mansion is showing signs of improvement after major renovation work.

A bitter row with neighbours over the chopping down of a number of historic trees hasn’t deterred the late star’s sister from updating the property.

George’s only living sibling, Yioda Panayiotou, was handed ownership of the property following the singer’s tragic death on Christmas Day 2016 at the age of 53. 

There was outrage when Yioda’s design team asked the local council to remove a number of trees and prune others at the front and rear of the property, which is in a conservation area. 

One residents association was furious that the works were also going to occur during the peak nesting season, which runs from March to July. 

WE DO like to be beside the seaside and you can be in the UK’s most-booked holiday home.

Located in Bude in Cornwall, you’ll find one of the most popular holiday homes in the entire country – and once you get a glimpse of the inside you’ll know why.

The holiday home called No 1 sits right by the beach and even has its own beach access.

Holidaycottages.co.uk analysed data from across total booking numbers, website views and the percentage of five-star reviews, and No 1 came out on top.

The home features two light and airy bedrooms with wood panelling and king size beds, one of which can be split into two single beds.

One of the bedrooms also has an en suite with a shower.

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There is an open plan living area, with a kitchen and dining space including two leather sofas and a Smart TV.

In the kitchen there are all the appliances and more that you would want for a stay, as well as a breakfast bar that seats four people.

The lounge area boasts amazing views of the beach too.

As for outside space, there are two spots to choose from.

At the front of the apartment there is an outside terrace with views of the sea and at the back of the apartment there is a private patio with a shower.

And for a touch of luxury, there is even a private sauna.

One recent guest, Marion, said: “Watching and listening to the waves a stone’s throw from an amazing apartment was a grand way to spend the week, the view is spectacular and yes, we did venture into sea!”

No 1 sleeps up to four people and a three night stay in January costs from £781, which is £65 per person, per night.

The house also overlooks Crooklets Beach, which is a popular spot among surfers and has a cafe as well as a kids’ play area.

If you wanted to, there are also huts for hire and showers for rinsing off the salty water and sand.

One recent visitor said: “Lovely beach with a mix of pebbles at top and then into sand so lots of fun for the children.

“Great rock pools and rocks to climb around.”

Another visitor said: “The beach was lovely and quiet.

“Parking very close by and a cafe and also a restaurant serving pub-style food and pizza.

“At the beach there is also a coastal path along the cliffs above and a World War II pillbox built into the cliffs.”

Alternatively, neighbouring Crooklets Beach is Summerleaze Beach – another popular spot as there is plenty of space for families to spread out and lifeguards are present.

Between the two beaches you will find Bude Sea Pool, which is ideal for swimming in when the sea is too rough.

In the town, you can explore a number of independent shops and boutiques, as well as cosy restaurants and pubs.

If you fancy a bite to eat then head to Rosie’s Kitchen, which serves smoothies, milkshakes, coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For example, you could opt for Rosie’s Breakfast with butcher’s sausage, smoked bacon, fried egg, black pudding, field mushroom, hash brown, half-roasted tomato, baked beans and bread for £12.

From 12pm onwards you could even have some bubble and squeak, with two fried eggs and chimichurri for £14.

A beer will set you back £5 and a small glass of wine £4.90.

And golf fans can even head to Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club.

If you are looking for something more historical to do, then head to The Castle Bude, which was built nearly 200 years ago in 1830 and is home to a museum, art gallery and a cafe.

It is also free to visit the castle.

For more inspiration on trips to Cornwall, one Sun reporter visited the county and said that it rivalled New Zealand with pirate towns and fairytale islands.

Plus, the fairytale town dubbed ‘Cornwall on the East Coast’ with a pretty fishing harbour and no loud arcades.

HAS party season left you craving some one-on-one time?

Book a dreamy couples’ getaway.

The Challoners, East Sussex

Deputy Editor Gayle Schoales, husband Nick and their Jack Russell Dixie cosied up in an idyllic rural retreat.

THE PAD

It’s hard to imagine a more romantic setting than The Challoners: two timber-clad cabins in a lush walled garden festooned with fairy lights, buried deep in the rolling fields of the East Sussex Weald.

Beautifully decorated and stocked with everything you could think of (from torch to telescope), this adults-only, dog-friendly bolt-hole is brimming with rustic-chic charm.

The shepherd’s hut sleeping quarters – with roll-top bath and luxe bedlinen – is more boutique hotel than glamping spot, while the second hut has a fully equipped kitchen, the comfiest of corner sofas and separate shower room.

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Both huts have underfloor heating to keep you toasty in colder months, plus there’s a firepit in the garden for stargazing.

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You’re in 1066 country – where the Battle of Hastings was fought – so there’s no shortage of history around these parts, and 14th-century Bodiam Castle, three miles away, is well worth a visit.

Climb the battlements and spot medieval graffiti before posing by the moat for the perfect Insta shot.

Adult entry costs £12 (Nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/bodiam-castle).

Eleven miles away, the pretty market town of Tenterden has a tree-lined high street full of independent shops and tea rooms – pick up hand-crafted toffee-cream vodka for £26 in the kitsch Mr Taylor’s Drinks Emporium, and quirky art and beauty bits from local creatives in Ethel Loves Me (Ethelloves.me).

Fancy a ramble?

You’re spoiled for choice, but the stunning Bedgebury National Pinetum And Forest, seven miles away, is hard to beat.

Entry is free (Forestryengland.uk/bedgebury).

REFUEL

Country pub of dreams the Salehurst Halt is a leisurely 25-minute stroll across the fields, with a buzzy atmosphere, live music on weekends and top-notch seasonal grub.

We loved the corn and manchego hash browns, £8, and The Double Buck burger with two venison patties, brie, blackberry hoisin and caramelised onion, £19 (Salehursthalt.co.uk).

Sunday lunch at The Abbey Hotel in the nearby town of Battle is a local institution – and for good reason.

Our thyme-roasted beef with all the trimmings was the stuff of legend, £21, while a Dixie-approved doggy roast is £5 (Abbeyhotelbattle.co.uk).

Afterwards, take a 30-minute drive to Rye’s medieval cobbled lanes to browse the boutiques and customise your dream hot chocolate at Knoops.

The 70% cocoa blend with orange, cinnamon and whipped cream will blow your mind, £6.50 (Knoops.com).

DON’T MISS

Chug your way back in time on the Kent And East Sussex Railway’s lovingly restored steam train, which runs between Tenterden and Bodiam.

Adult tickets cost £29.50 (Kesr.org.uk).

BOOK IT

Stays for two at pet-friendly The Challoners, Robertsbridge, cost from £119 per night (Cottages.com).

The Terrace Rooms & Wine, Ventnor

Assistant Editor Claire Frost and her partner Steve found a foodies’ delight on the Isle of Wight.

THE PAD

Husband and wife team Tom and Ashley have created a sea-view haven that might be even better in the off-season, thanks to its cosy lounge where you can curl up with a book and house pooch Ronnie.

The six individually designed bedrooms all feature a wine fridge and a decor of soft greens, dusty pinks and wood panelling, plus super-king Hypnos beds and La-Eva toiletries.

Every evening, sommelier Tom leads a super-interesting tasting where you can learn about some of the 900-plus bottles lining the walls of the wine room.

Later, sip your fave, along with a cheese and meat platter, £12, in front of the fire.

Come morning, breakfast is a four-course (and super-pretty) affair including poached fruit topped with yoghurt and home-made salted coconut granola, and local MasterChef-worthy egg, bacon, tomato and mushroom.

EXPLORE

With the shingle beach just across the road, you can stroll along the coast on a 20-minute amble to the cute village of Bonchurch and pop into tiny Bonchurch Pottery for a unique mug, £14.95.

Or hire an ebike from Route Fifty 7 through The Terrace for £25 a day, and speed your way up and down the isle’s hills, stopping at the awe-inspiring 22-acre Botanic Gardens.

Entry costs £13.50 (Botanic.co.uk).

Later, reward yourself with a Winter Warmer session at Slo-mo, 30 minutes’ drive away at Tapnell Farm.

Sweat it out in the wood-fired Nordic sauna, before a bracing dip in the lake.

Recover (and warm up again!) in the hot tubs and “floating” sauna.

Hour sessions cost £15 (Slomo.me/slomo-tapnell-winter-warmer).

REFUEL

Pop into London House bakery for pillowy chocolate and strawberry muffins, plus to-die-for sausage rolls, both £3.50.

For dinner, make a beeline for Pan-Asian Smoking Lobster and its insanely good glazed yellowfin tuna, £15, char-siu Iberico pork, £14, and moreish peanut noodles, £6 (Smoking-lobster.co.uk).

Or try Stripped for a Med-inspired menu that includes a huge sharing platter, £54, piled high with chicken skewers, lamb kebabs and garlicky home-made Romanian sausages (Stripped-brasserie.co.uk).

The best thing? All are within easy walking distance of your room.

DON’T MISS

Stop by Harvey Browns farm shop en route to the ferry for delicious Briddlesford Farm cheese and Godshill Orchard chutneys (Harveybrowns.co.uk).

BOOK IT

Double rooms at The Terrace cost from £250 B&B, including wine tasting (Theterraceventnor.co.uk).

Ferry crossings with Wightlink from Portsmouth to Fishbourne cost from £81 per car (Wightlink.co.uk).

IF you’re dreaming of going somewhere picturesque and peaceful, there’s a certain stunning cottage calling your name.

Residing in one of Wales‘ beautiful peninsulas, the white-washed home – known as Bwthyn Trehilyn – is incredibly popular for holiday bookings.

This isn’t only because it boasts six bedrooms, scenic views and the perfect step away to disconnect from the hubbub of busy, daily life.

It just so happens to be owned by a famous TV star.

Comedian, actor and television presenter Griff Rhys Jones took ownership of the now-beautiful cottage when it was in a rather derelict state.

It was once part of a collection of stone properties that collectively formed a working Pembrokeshire farm.

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But now Bwthyn Trehilyn is enjoying a new lease of life as a holiday rental, thanks to becoming the fifth property renovated by Griff.

Under the Thatch, a company who curate collections of the most refined holiday homes in Wales, announced Bwthyn Trehilyn as the top-selling accommodation for 2025.

Visitors adored the charm of the building, as well as its thoughtfully updated interiors including its adjoining servants’ wing, a former mill, and a granary.

Interior designers did their best to keep some of the interior’s original character, incorporating vintage furniture relevant to the period and restoring wooden ceiling beams.

Though one of the main sells for travellers was its location, being only a short walk away from the Abermawr beach.

The beach features a private lake, ideal for watching a stunning rural sunset melt into the water or an evening of fishing.

It only took a stroll through the area back in 2004 for Griff to decide he just had to snap up the cottage and return it to its former beauty.

The most sought-after postcode in the UK has been revealed, with properties selling in this desirable town 15 times faster than the national average of 38 days

There are some charming areas nestled across the UK, but there’s one that has been crowned as the most desirable postcode. To such an extent that buyers looking to relocate to the destination must be quick, as homes sell almost immediately due to the high demand.

To reveal the UK’s most desirable postcodes, housing competition, security and crime rates, education quality, and employment opportunities were all analysed to create a desirability guide. The research, conducted by Origin, highlighted the top 10 postcodes that achieved balanced results across all evaluated factors.

This disclosed that the most sought-after postcode across England, Scotland and Wales was SP9 in Tidworth, Wiltshire. The quaint town, with its charming high street, is set within the sprawling countryside, with the Salisbury Plain and the River Bourne nearby, for that quintessential English allure.

One notable landmark includes St Mary’s Mortuary Chapel, which one visitor noted on TripAdvisor: “A lovely little church not far from Tedworth House. The building is beautiful, and you can look inside. I often take a look when walking in the area. There is a guest book you can sign, and it’s also really interesting to see where visitors have come from!”

There are plenty of sporting events and activities to enjoy in this small town, with the Tidworth Garrison Golf Club, Tidworth Polo Club and Saddle Club. It also boasts the 19th-century Tedworth House and a variety of shops catering to all necessities.

Moreover, it’s nestled among a stunning array of historical landmarks, such as Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral, Avebury Stone Circle, Old Sarum Castle and Sidbury Hill, further enhancing its appeal to potential buyers. Properties in this area typically spend an average of just a mere 2.5 days on the market before being snapped up, selling 15 times faster than the national average of 38 days.

Tidworth also boasts a low crime rate of 35.1 incidents per 1,000 residents and is home to top-notch local schools, with an impressive 89% achieving a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ rating. Additionally, the robust local job market is a magnet for professionals, especially those in the defence sector, with security hubs like Porton Down and Boscombe Down providing ample job prospects.

Top 10 most desirable postcodes:

1. SP9 – Tidworth, Wiltshire
2. GU46 – Yateley, Hampshire
3. G44 – Southside, South Glasgow
4. CA27 – St Bees, West Cumbria
5. LL78 – Isle of Anglesey, Wales
6. CF44 – Aberdare, Wales
7. SE2 – Abbey Wood, South East London
8. SW6 – Fulham, Greater London
9. S10 – Broomhill and Crookes, South Yorkshire
10. NE6 – Walker and Byker, Tyne and Wear

Victoria Brocklesby, COO at Origin, commented: “At its heart, a home is an investment in quality of life, and there are so many factors that contribute to making a property desirable, from the local community to the quality of the schools.

“Having helped homeowners elevate their properties for over 20 years, we also know that a beautiful home with a high-quality finish is equally as important to buyers. All the areas in the list boast a host of incredible properties, from idyllic country residences to ultra-modern luxury apartments, making them the perfect locations for those seeking their dream home.”

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

Rights groups say the demolition order, which will affect 100 Palestinian homes, is an attempt to ‘cage in’ Palestinians.

The Israeli military will demolish 25 residential buildings in the occupied West Bank’s Nur Shams refugee camp this week, according to local authorities.

Abdallah Kamil, the governor of the Tulkarem governorate where Nur Shams is located, told the AFP news agency on Monday that he was informed of the planned demolition by the Israeli Defence Ministry body COGAT.

Faisal Salama, the head of the popular committee for the Tulkarem camp, which is near Nur Shams, said the demolition order would affect 100 family homes.

Israel launched Operation Iron Wall in the occupied West Bank in January. It says the campaign is aimed at combating armed groups in refugee camps in the northern West Bank.

Human rights organisations have warned that Israel is using many similar tactics it used in its genocidal war against the Palestinian people in Gaza to seize and control territory across the occupied West Bank.

“This is part of a wider campaign that has persisted for about a year, targeting three refugee camps and demolishing or damaging a total of about 1,500 homes in the past year, and forcibly displacing 32,000 Palestinians,” said Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh, reporting from the West Bank’s Ramallah.

Palestinians and human rights organisations say such demolitions are an attempt to “cage in” Palestinians and alter the geography in the West Bank, she added.

On Monday, a dozen displaced Nur Shams residents held a demonstration in front of armoured Israeli military vehicles blocking their way back to the camp. They protested against the demolition orders and demanded the right to return to their homes.

The head of the Palestinian National Council, Rouhi Fattouh, said that the Israeli decision is part of “ethnic cleansing and continuous forced displacement”, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

‘Social death’

Omer Bartov, a professor of holocaust and genocide studies at Brown University, told Al Jazeera that Israel was “dehumanising” the Palestinian population in the occupied West Bank.

“[It is creating] a growing situation of social death, which is a term that was used to describe what happened to Jewish populations in Germany in the 1930s. That is, that your population, the Jewish population of Israel, increasingly has no contact with the people on the other side, and it exists as if they don’t exist,” he said.

“It dehumanises the population because you treat it as a population that has to be controlled, and it dehumanises the people doing it because they have to think of that population as being lesser than human.”

Aisha Dama, a camp resident whose four-floor family home, housing about 30 people, is among those to be demolished, told the AFP she felt alone against the military.

“On the day it happened, no one checked on us or asked about us,” she said.

“All my brothers’ houses are to be destroyed, all of them, and my brothers are already on the streets,” said Siham Hamayed, another camp resident.

Nur Shams, along with other refugee camps in the West Bank, was established after the 1948 Nakba, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were forcibly displaced from their homes in what is now Israel.

With time, the camps they established inside the West Bank became dense neighbourhoods. Residents pass on their refugee status from one generation to the next.