Nestled between Hitchin and Stevenage in a gap in the Chiltern Hills, the village of St Ippolyts offers the charm of village life with the convenience of these nearby towns. We found out more about this pretty little place. 
St Ippolyts boasts many charming period properties in its village centre, including 17th century gabled houses and 16th century timber-framed homes. Grade II listed detached properties are also available, though, given the size of the village, its rare to find one of sale.
According to Rightmove, the overall average sale price of property in St Ippolyts over the last year was £690,071.
History
The name ‘Ippolyts’ originally came from St Hippolytus, to whom the village church was dedicated. He is believed to be a second century Christian theologian, but little is certain about his origins and life.
The church, which is still fully intact today, was built in 1087 on a green hillside overlooking the village. According to its records, the building was commissioned by Judith de Lens, the niece of William the Conqueror.
Transport
St Ippolyts is a short drive from Junction 8 of the A1(M) and the closest train station is located in Hitchin, which is just over two miles north of the village. Bus services connect the village to many larger towns and cities, including St Albans, Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City.
Schools
St Ippolyts Church of England Primary School, founded in 1847, has strong links with the local church and its community. It proudly believes in providing "the best possible education for each individual child, underpinned by Christian values". It was rated 'good' in its most recent Ofsted report in 2018.
Popular nearby secondary schools include Hitchin Girls' and Boys' schools, which received 'outstanding' ratings in their last Ofsted reports. They are both under three miles from the village centre.
Kingshott School, immediately north of the village, is a co-educational independent school for children between the ages of three and 13.
Pubs
For a rural village, St Ippolyts has a surprisingly large number of pubs within walking distance.
The Rusty Gun, with its hearty lunch and dinner menus is a must-visit while in the village, and The Bird in Hand and The Bull also have a strong following. They’re currently offering a mix of takeaway options, including cook at home boxes.
Other successful country pubs in the locality include The Farmhouse at Redcoats and Hermit of Redcoats. Both of these are found in the neighbouring village of Little Wymondley.
Sports and leisure
The welcoming Parish Hall on Waterdell Lane brings many people together from around the village and beyond. It plays host to a number of community groups including Cubs, Beavers, Brownies and Rainbows, while table tennis, zumba, yoga and dancing also take place in the hall.
The village also has active football and bowls clubs, both of which meet at Orchard Close.
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