Charming riverside village Mary Berry calls home named 'one of the most beautiful towns' in the country

Mary moved to Henley-on-Thames for its walkability

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Solen Le Net

By Solen Le Net


Published: 27/03/2024

- 21:13

Updated: 28/03/2024

- 08:08

The national treasure leads a quiet life in one of Britain's most beautiful villages

Mary Berry has received countless accolades for her services to broadcasting, culinary arts and charity throughout her career.

With a life spanning almost nine decades, the 89-year-old departed from the Great British Baking Show in 2016 after it moved from BBC to Channel 4.


She was subsequently appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire at Windsor Castle in 2021, claiming to be “proud and honoured” during the royal engagement.

“My aim is to pass on the skill that I love so much because everybody has to cook every day,” the baking enthusiast said after receiving a damehood.

Henley-on-Thames

Henley-on-Thames is a quiet area

PA

During the royal engagement, she also said: “Whether it’s a student or whatever it is, you’ve got to feed yourself so why not learn to do it well and enjoy it.”

This was around the time Mary was settling into her new lifeline in the coveted village of Henley-upon-Thames after downsizing homes with her husband Paul.

Located just 30 miles from central London, the town is a short drive from popular British destinations like Windsor, Reading and Oxford.

The baking enthusiast says she moved to the area for its outstanding beauty and excellent walking trails.

Henley-on-Thames is nestled among the Chilterns Hills and is renowned among trekking fans for its four circular routes. Visitors from around the country visit the area to enjoy peaceful walks in the green open fields.

The TV star reportedly secured a £2.6million four-bedroom Grade II-listed home with an indoor pool, tennis court and orangery.

Although Mary keeps her private life under wraps, she recently offered viewers a rare glimpse of her contemporary kitchen, which featured blue tiles and white furnishings.

The coveted Oxfordshire town has become a desirable destination for many reasons, with visitors travelling from around the country to enjoy its scenery.

According to the region’s official website: “Henley-on-Thames is one of the most beautiful towns in England, previously voted by The Times and The Telegraph as one of the best places to live in the English countryside.”

Highlights include Mill Meadows Park, which received the Green Flag Award for its excellent maintenance and wildlife.

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Henley-on-ThamesHenley-on-Thames is a beautiful town in England PA

“Henley’s riverside locations, surrounded by a Chiltern landscape of wooded hills and green fields, lends itself to relaxation, long lunches and quirky shopping,” adds the website Visit Henley.

“There’s a pub where Charles I drank, a Chantry house, a butcher that smokes his own meat and independent shops offering the personal touch.”

While there are countless perks to living in the area, house costs are not one of them. Rightmove data indicates that the average house price in the area averages around £790,515.

The Oxfordshire town was also the home of Pirates of the Caribbean actor Orlando Bloom, who eventually left the area to move to the US.

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