A NEW Forest town has been named as the best place to live in the Hampshire countryside.

Muddy Stilettos, the online guide to living in the countryside, has been ranking towns and cities up and down the UK.

Readers voted for the best locations to live – and identified eight of them in our county.

Lymington took the top spot.

“From quaint coastal towns to breathtaking New Forest scenery, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are a no-brainer for city dwellers looking for a rural escape,” says the Muddy Stilettos’ report.

“It’s not all chocolate-box villages and Victorian holiday homes, though; the area is full of smart eateries, chic indie boutiques and family-friendly attractions, with cities like Winchester being prime commuter territory.”

The full list is as follows:

1. Lymington

Muddy Stilettos said: “Perched between the forest and the sea, Lymington is the best of both worlds when it comes to countryside living.”

2. Hartley Wintney

Muddy Stilettos said: “The ultimate quintessential country village, Hartley Wintney offers a cricket green, chocolate-box houses, good road links and thatched duck houses.”

3. Winchester

Muddy Stilettos said: “Within commuting distance of London and home to excellent schools and foodie hotspots, Winchester is stylish and sought-after in equal measure.”

4. Petersfield

Muddy Stilettos said: “This thriving, family-friendly market town in the heart of a national park has fantastic schools, ancient heathland and a true community vibe.”

5. Southsea

Muddy Stilettos said: “Packed with period property, great schools, a beach on the doorstep and Brighton vibes - life in Southsea's looking good.”

6. Stockbridge

Muddy Stilettos said: “Mix a mega-foodie high street with indie boutiques and a focus on local produce, and you have mini town Stockbridge on the banks of the Test River.”

7. Cowes

Muddy Stilettos said: “Cowes and its sister East Cowes are popular Isle of Wight destinations in the summer, but they're much more than a holiday destination.”

8. Seaview

Muddy Stilettos said: “Homes are selling fast in this Edwardian resort with its panoramic sea views, sandy beaches and a fantastic food scene.”

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