The Hertfordshire village of Tewin sits between Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage and Hertford, within reasonable commuting distance of London.
An affluent area - the average home costs just under a million pounds - its population is older, healthier, better educated and more likely to be employed than the county or national average.
According to Gary Roberts-Mason from Ashtons, Welwyn Garden City, Tewin is “a highly desirable location for buyers looking for idyllic village lifestyle, yet within easy reach of local towns and superb transport links into London.”
He adds: “In current uncertain times Tewin still remains extremely desirable, with high demand and low stock levels helping to support current price levels throughout the market.
“In recent months we have experienced increased levels of transactions and activity at the upper end of the market, which has suffered over the last couple of years with increased stamp duty rates and a general lack of confidence.
“With Hertfordshire seeming to be bucking the trend in the current economic climate the road ahead still remains uncertain but for now the green shoots of spring are clearly on the horizon.”
History
Tewin dates back to Anglo-Saxon times and has been recorded in the Domesday Book as ‘Tewinge’ and ‘Theinge’ and in the 16th century as ‘Tewing’ and ‘Twying’.
Tewin’s name is derivative of the Old English words for the Norse god Tyr and meadow (Ing). It became known as ‘Tewin’ in the 18th century.
There are several historic buildings in the village, including St Peter’s Church dating back to 1086AD, 17th century cottages, and a pub thought to have been built in the 1500s.
St Peter’s Church cemetery is the burial site of the first wife and two of the sons of Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, the famous aircraft designer who lived locally.
Amenities
Lower Green is at the heart of Tewin, with the village hall, The Rose and Crown pub, the primary school and the community-run shop and post office in the immediate vicinity.
The Plume of Feathers pub and the Country Bumpkin tearoom are also close by.
Nine years ago the people of Tewin reopened the village shop as Tewin Stores, which continues to be run by volunteers and a part-time manager.
Linda Crawford, vice-chair of the shop management committee, says the shop has become “the centre of the village”, providing everything from groceries and vegetables - some coming from the allotments - to a cafe and part-time post office.
Linda says: “Some bread is cooked in house with croissants, pain au chocolates, rolls and other savoury items and we stock locally sourced sausages, bacon and gluten free homemade cakes and pies.”
Newspapers from the shop are delivered by a pensioner and there’s also a friendly café on site.
Linda adds: “Every month something happens in the shop to enjoy; Saturday lunches, afternoon teas, cheese and wines, craft afternoons and, this month, pancakes.
“We also take on any young person wishing to gain their Duke of Edinburgh award.
“Being a community shop we look after the community and have helped many people in the village. Tewin has always welcomed newcomers wishing to enjoy the friendly village that it is.”
Transport
Although the village lacks a railway station, it is only a short car or taxi ride to Welwyn North, Hertford North or Welwyn Garden City stations, from which regular trains services run to London.
There are also public bus services to Stevenage, Hertford and Welwyn Garden City.
Schools
Tewin Cowper Church of England Primary School, Cannons Meadow, was rated ‘good’ by Ofsted last year. Secondary school pupils travel to Stevenage, Hertford or Welwyn Garden City.
Food and drink
The Rose and Crown pub, in Upper Green Road, is described as a rustic village tavern with cosy oak-beamed bar serving classic English pub grub and beer.
The Plume of Feathers, also in Upper Green Road, is a beautiful pub with flagstone floors, wooden beams, roaring fires in winter and glorious views overlooking the garden. They offer real ale, specials, much talked about pies and gluten-free options.
Award-winning Tewin Bury Farm Hotel is a great place to stay, with friendly staff serving lovely breakfasts. It has a good reputation for food, provides robes and slippers for overnight guests and often hosts weddings and business meetings.
Menus include afternoon tea, a la carte meals, traditional Sunday roasts and daytime bites.
The restaurant uses fresh seasonal locally sourced produce wherever possible, such as vegetables and herbs grown on site and trout, which is farmed and caught in the grounds of Tewin Bury Farm. The bar serves cocktails and all beverages are Fair Trade accredited.
Sport and leisure
On Upper Green in the village, tennis, cricket and football take place. The group has an active community, including local sports clubs and social events, arranged by village groups, one of which is the long-established Tewin Players.
Tewin Cricket Club is thriving and had its pavilion, in Upper Green, refurbished recently. On a summer afternoon, members can be seen enjoying cricket on the lawn.
The village is set on rural landscape and retains features and character of the ancient countryside, making it attractive to wildlife. Certain areas are managed by volunteers on behalf of the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, including Tewin Orchard and Hopkyns Wood nature reserve.
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