Located close to the Bedfordshire border, it’s easy to see why this attractive village is so popular with locals and visitors alike. Join us as we take a deeper look into this pretty pocket of Hertfordshire…
1. Historic village charm
Markyate, with its bounty of historic charm, is centralised along its main High Street and houses many local businesses, shops and local amenities, including a pharmacy, a beauty salon, post office, four curry houses including The Pavilion (which is a bit of a local institution) and a fish and chip shop that was served the village since the 1960s.
This tranquil, unspoiled village is also home to a popular village bakery, Pruden’s, which was founded in 1928 by Bill Pruden and is now run by his two grandsons Andrew and Jonathan.
2. Friendly, local pubs
Lying on the Roman road between St Albans and Dunstable, Markyate was once a major coaching stop on the highway from London to Birmingham, and at one point boasted having over forty inns and public houses along its main road.
Today, two traditional pubs remain in the village, The Plume of Features and The Swan.
They were recently joined by The Local, a micropub which opened on High Street in 2016. Serving local ales as well as wines, ciders and soft drinks, it describes itself as “a pub like they used to be”.
3. Markyate Cell
Undoubtedly Markyate’s most infamous (and stunning) landmark is Markyate Cell, home to Lady Katherine Ferrers, the notorious 17th century female highwayman known as The Wicked Lady. It is unquestionably one of the finest and most lavish abodes in the county.
Rumour has it that The Wicked Lady died aged just 26 outside Markyate Cell after being shot when a robbery went wrong and allegedly she haunts the house and surrounding area to this day.
4. Beautiful countryside and the River Ver
For nature lovers, Markyate not only offers fantastic walks but is also set on the boundary of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Locals and visitors alike can explore the bewitching rolling countryside of this river valley on their doorstep. For 450,000 years, the River Ver has flowed through Markyate, Flamstead, Redbourn, St Albans and Park Street to where it joins with the River Colne near Bricket Wood.
Along the way the trail shares the path with the Chiltern Way, the Hertfordshire Way and Ver-Colne Valley Walk, making Markyate a walker’s paradise.
5. Luton Hoo
This ultimate five-star country resort is set in over 1,000 acres of stunning parkland and is steeped in history and elegance.
The Luton Hoo boasts a luxury spa, championship golf course, fine dining and elegant rooms that have hosted Queen Elizabeth II. The Afternoon Tea offering is also very special indeed.
6. Redbournbury Mill
Just a few miles downstream, the beautifully located Redbournbury Mill is well worth a visit – showcasing 1,000 years of milling history and is the last working mill on the river Ver.
Run by volunteers, the mill shop and bakery have reopened on Saturday mornings, you certainly won’t find bread more freshly prepared elsewhere!
7. Woodside Animal Farm
Markyate is within easy reach of Whipsnade Zoological Park and within walking distance is Woodside Animal Farm. This popular local farm offers tractor rides, animal encounters, mini funfair rides, crazy golf (and there’s a farm shop and café to keep the parents entertained to!).
8. Fantastic schools
School appeal is always a crucial factor when locating to a new area. The local Markyate Village School and Nursery is incredibly popular, but it is the nearby Beechwood Park School, founded in 1964 and set in the handsome Beechwood Park Estate, which has a fascinating historical tale to tell.
Historically a Nunnery, the land was later handed to Ralph de Tony by William the Conqueror, has been mentioned in the Domesday book and was also frequented by Henry VII and Edward VI.
During WWII the grounds were used to land damaged or obsolete planes, before becoming Beechwood School in 1964. Today it’s the largest Co-ed Prep in the area with just shy of 550 pupils aged 3 – 13.
9. Strong transport links
Markyate is just a 15-minute drive from Harpenden, Luton and St Albans, making this little village fantastically connected! The area has strong transport links, being close to the M1 and Luton train stations. London Luton airport is also just five miles away.
10. Charming Property
Markyate’s period charm isn’t just located in the high street, with period homes aplenty found throughout the village. Those looking for a more contemporary home won’t be disappointed either, with plenty of modern properties located between the High Street and the Markyate bypass. According to the latest stats from Rightmove, the average sale price for a property in Markyate over the last year stood at £425,418.
Watch the official Ashtons Video Area Guide on Markyate here.
If you would like to find out more about Markyate and any of the homes currently on the market in the area, please contact our team today.