A “quintessential English village” in North Yorkshire has been revealed as one of the UK's best to invest in – but where is it?

Rufforth, near York which currently has an average house price of £419,000 was recommended as a place worth moving to by the Daily Mail.

The publisher commented on its property guide: “The property spotlight is firmly fixed on villages right now, both as desirable locations to live and as possible investment hotspots.

“But with property prices in the most desirable locations already sky high, we launched a hunt for the hidden gem villages where prices are currently low - but are tipped to be the next hotspot.”

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To curate the guide, property experts and estate agents across the country helped the Daily Mail to find the UK’s top 18 villages to invest in, especially where house prices are set to “continue to rise”.

The Daily Mail added: “Their investment potential is great, not only because they are seen as family-friendly retreats which buyers gravitate towards when leaving cities, but because - in some cases at least - they are likely to see sizeable expansion if the government’s house building programme succeeds.”

You can see all of the UK’s best villages to invest in here.

What did the Daily Mail say about Rufforth?

The publisher explained: “Just a few miles from York, Rufforth retains a quintessential English village feel while benefiting from city amenities nearby.

“The village is expected to rise in popularity among those looking for a rural lifestyle while having easy access to York, Leeds and other cities via the A64 and A1237.

“Property development is on the rise, with housing projects for families, professionals and retirees.

“A strong sense of community remains in the village, with local events, clubs and societies as well as amenities including a primary school, pub and local shops.”

Rufforth village has developed “from a line of cottages and smallholdings into the village it is today" including several cul-de-sacs that have been developed from former farmyards and paddocks, recalls the Rufforth with Knapton Parish Council website.

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It adds: “On the edge of the Airfield are Rufforth Playing Fields and Club House, with tennis courts, cricket, and football pitches, a small children’s play area is by the clubhouse.

"These fields are held in trust for the village. A public footpath, connecting Rufforth to Askham Bryan runs along the edge of the main runway it having been reinstated before the return of gliding.

“Rufforth now has a new village school, built in the 1970s by West Yorkshire CC, and in addition to the Church, Chapel, Village Institute, Community Hall, and Recreational ground it also has an Outreach Post Office, and the Old School has become a tearoom.”