The idyllic Essex village with an odd name and its own moat linked to royalty

Essex is sometimes viewed as a very commercial county, full of nightclubs and bars. This is not the case in this adorable Essex village, where residents live a calm and peaceful life. Pleshey is a picturesque village located in the heart of Essex, near Chelmsford. Rich in history, this charming village offers a serene atmosphere among nature.

The village is an idyllic and quiet residential area suitable for families, working professionals, and even students. Its calm environment, with scenic landscapes, offers a peaceful and relaxing lifestyle. The community is close-knit and friendly, creating a sense of belonging and safety among residents. Pleshey is more than just a tranquil escape - it has some amazing history, too. The Normans built a motte-and-bailey castle in the late 11th century, and the moat is still one of the largest of its kind in Great Britain.

The remains of this imposing motte and bailey castle, built in the 12th century, dominate the picturesque village of Pleshey. The village was also once owned by royalty, as William the Conqueror gave Pleshey to Geoffrey de Mandeville in the 1000s - who then converted it into a strong military force.

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Today, Pleshey is a rather desirable place to live, with stunning views and lovely country walks available. The average cost to buy a home in Pleshey is around £600,000, while renting a two-bedroom house costs approximately £1,000 monthly, according to CollectmyKeys.

These costs reflect the demand for this picturesque location and the quality of lifestyle it offers. Pleshey has a pub, and some other small stores, but is not commercialised whatsoever, making it the perfect peaceful retreat for city workers.

Despite not having a train station, Pleshey offers some pretty decent public transportation, primarily buses, connecting it to larger towns like Chelmsford. From there, you can travel into London and larger cities, making Pleshey the perfect escape from busy city life.

Although Pleshey has a rural charm, it might not suit those who thrive in bustling city life. It’s relatively remote, with limited entertainment and shopping options. The average cost of living is also higher than in other parts of Essex, a downside for those looking for a budget-friendly place to live.

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