Riverside Cambridgeshire village with one of Britain’s oldest inhabited houses

The village has previously been named as one of the best places to live in Cambridgeshire

There are so many unique and pretty villages that make up the great county of Cambridgeshire. While the county is home to bigger cities such as Cambridge and Peterborough, there are some villages that offer people a more quiet and tranquil life.

Hemingford Grey, nestled just a few miles outside Huntingdon, is one of these quieter villages with a more peaceful life to offer. The village is one of the lesser-known villages in the county.

It was previously named as one of the best places to live in the county by Muddy Stilettos. For those living in Hemingford Grey, there are some scenic views as the River Great Ouse runs through it. The village lies on the river’s southern bank, offering views of a picturesque flood meadow on the northern bank. The river also runs alongside the historic St James Parish Church.

As well as its pretty views, Hemingford Grey is home to one of the oldest inhabited houses in Britain – The Manor. The house was built around 1130 by Payn Osmundsen, who was a tenant of Aubrey de Vere. Over time, the house grew in size, including when it doubled in size during the 1730s. Although it grew, this extension burnt down in 1798.

In 1939, the house was bought by author Lucy Boston who renovated it and tried to restore it back to its original state as much as possible. During her ownership, Lucy also added the cottage gardens to the manor.

They are filled with snow drops and winter flowering shrubs in winter and bearded irises and old roses in spring. People are able to visit and explore the gardens and take in the beauty of them.

The gardens are open daily from 11am until 5pm. The house is only open for guided tours and these must be arranged by appointment only.