Nearest and dearest

In the autumn, the idea of a weekend cottage, a big log fire, a long walk in a beech wood and bowls full of conkers and acorns seems so romantic. But the cottage becomes a curse when the price of the retreat is long, frustrating journeys through heavy Friday-night traffic.

The answer, as always, is proximity. The nearer your home - or second home - is to London, the more you enjoy both town and country. So, where are the pockets of rural charm under an hour from London? Within or just outside the M25 are delightful villages with rolling hills nearby. Cottages there command City prices but the big plus is that you use them frequently, and they are good investments for the future.

Do your homework

Rent in your chosen area as an experiment and time your commute. It makes a huge difference if you don't have to cross the capital. If it is quick and convenient for you, it will be easy to rent out to a fellow Londoner. Those who are thinking of leaving London may want to try renting outside the city limits as a trial run for the big move.

Remember, these are the areas with grammar schools. You can buy the property on what you will save on school fees.

Those who live in west London should try Buckinghamshire, around the triangle bordered by Chorleywood, Amersham and Berkhamsted. In the centre is the pretty town of Chesham, and south are the villages of Chalfont St Peter, Chalfont St Giles and Little Chalfont. All these places are within 20 miles of central London and easily accessible via the M25, M40 and the A413. They plunge you into the Chiltern Hills and the Chess Valley laced with little streams and big rivers. For estate agents, try George David in Chesham (01494 792552) and Peter Robson in Chorleywood (01923 282244).

Going north

North of St Albans, a pocket of villages stretches from Wheathampstead to Ayot St Laurence and up towards Lilley. At 25 miles from London, it is a little further afield but is well served by road and rail. Try Lane Fox in Harpenden (01582 764343) or Strutt & Parker in St Albans (01727 840285).

In Essex, the most sought-after villages are the Rodings, just to the east of the M11, and the medieval Stansted Mountfitchet. Prices there are steep: up to £500,000. Try the Saffron Walden branch of Cheffins (01799 523656), Foxton Hayes in Great Dunmow (01371 876868) and Intercounty estate agents in Bishop's Stortford (01279 757250).

The garden of England

For the best-value cottages, head to Kent via the A20, A21 and M25. The village of Eynsford, 18 miles from London, has a river, a church and an old castle. A two-up, two-down period property there costs about £250,000. Nearby Shoreham is also attractive, and towards Sevenoaks are Sundridge and Westerham, both delightful villages on the A25. Local estate agents include Lane Fox in Sevenoaks (01732 459900) and Ward Hunt in Eynsford (01322 862844).

Surrey may be a wealthy commuter zone, but the green belt to the south of the A25 between Dorking and Guildford hides many charming villages. Abinger Hammer, Shere and Gomshall spring to mind with old stone churches, cricket greens, fine pubs and annual fêtes. Try White & Sons in Dorking (01306 887654) and Lane Fox in Farnham (01252 821102).