The quaint village of Piccotts End is only separated from the north-western edge of Hemel Hempstead by a handful of fields, but feels an entire world away from the town's busy urban sprawl.
Situated in Dacorum, we found out more about this picturesque village...
Piccotts End is often mistaken for a hamlet, but is actually a village close to Hemel Old Town. It became a village when its church - All Saints - was designated in 1907. The church remained a place of worship until the 1970s.
Situated in a peaceful spot on the River Gade, a Hemel postcode of HP1 is the only thing this quiet village has in common with the neighbouring town.
Close to the border with Piccotts End, you can find the remains of a Roman villa in Gadebridge Park.
History
The charming and beautiful village of Piccotts End is famed for its impressive Pre-Reformation wall paintings.
The paintings date back to the early 16th century, and were found on the walls of the Grade I listed cottage at 132 Piccotts End in 1953.
A report produced by the Oxford Dendrochronology Laboratory dates the cottages at Piccotts End to the second half of 1527.
The paintings - which are by unknown artists - depict an array of Biblical images, such as the baptism of Jesus and the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ in front of the cross.
Also depicted are St Peter, St Catherine of Alexandria with her wheel and sword and St Margaret of Antioch emerging from the belly of the dragon.
It is thought that pilgrims travelling from Ashridge visited the paintings.
They were also featured in the BBC2 series 'The Face of Britain', which was hosted by Simon Schama.
In another of Piccotts End's claims to fame - in 1825, what is believed to have been the country's first 'cottage hospital' was founded on the site by Sir Astley Paston Cooper, renowned surgeon to George IV.
Known as the West Hertford Infirmary, the hospital opened on January 1, 1827.
The cottage is not often open to the public, but the paintings are available to view when the cottage opens as part of the annual Heritage Open Days event.
Property
Piccotts End is home to multiple beautiful properties, ranging from medieval cottages to Georgian villas.
According to Rightmove, properties in Piccotts End had an overall average price of £447,188 over the last year.
Currently on the market is a semi-detached three-bedroom, double-fronted period cottage for £600,000.
Transport links
The village is less than three miles away from Hemel Hempstead station, which has regular services to London Euston - taking around half an hour.
Drivers are also ideally situated for commuting north to Luton or south to Watford on the M1, and the M25 is about seven miles away.
Buses connect the village to Hemel Hempstead, where Ricky Garvais' Netflix comedy 'After Life' was filmed in Hemel Old Town.
Schools
Piccotts End pupils tend to travel to nearby Hemel Hempstead as there is no school in the village.
Jupiter Primary School is 'good', according to Ofsted rankings.
Secondary schools are mixed, though John F Kennedy Catholic School and The Astley Cooper School are both rated ‘good’.
Hemel is also home to a handful of independent schools, including Abbot’s Hill, Lockers Park and Westbrook Hay.
Pubs and amenities
The Marchmont Arms is a stylish premium pub, bar, and restaurant, centrally located in the heart of Piccotts End.
Offering country pub food and a range of wines, real ales and lagers, the pub also offers a 'Brunch with Santa' package to celebrate the festive season.
The pub was previously Marchmont House, and is described as a "beautiful, converted stately home bursting with character".
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