The historic Essex town with Britain's 'most extraordinary home' and many independent businesses

Here in Essex we are blessed with many great places to live - and one historic town that dates back to Roman times is often named one of the best places to live. Last year, Muddy Stilettos wrote a glowing piece about Great Dunmow, one of our county's historic market towns.

As well as being home to 250 Grade I and II listed buildings - the website praised Great Dunmow for being packed with indie shops, pubs and restaurants. It also highlighted the weekly market in the Angel Lane car park each Tuesday where residents go to stock up on good quality fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, cheese and more.

If you're eating out, Muddy Stilettos recommended The Spotted Dog, a small, stylish restaurant with an à la carte menu and The Green Man at Lindsell with a stunning beer garden. It also noted the tapas at The Flitch House and pub grub at The Angel & Harp.

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For those hoping to move to the area, house prices will set you back a fair amount. RightMove said: "House prices in Great Dunmow have an overall average of £495,871 over the last year.

"The majority of properties sold in Great Dunmow during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £651,426. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £439,915, with terraced properties fetching £362,754.

"Overall, the historical sold prices in Great Dunmow over the last year were similar to the previous year and 1% up on the 2021 peak of £489,214."

The site also mentions Talliston House & Gardens, saying: "Once an ex-council house, it’s been transformed into what the site describes as ‘Britain’s Most Extraordinary Home’ (and it really is!)."

Featured on Airbnb, from early December, Talliston House & Gardens is transformed with decorations, candles and more. The venue explains: "Enter an enchanted world of light, music, colour and sound as you tour each of the thirteen rooms of Talliston and then take tea at a fully decorated candlelit table in the Victorian Watchtower."

With plenty of activities whether the weather has you indoors or outdoors, a visit to Great Dunmow might be just the thing for your next day off - or your newest home.