Tarporley was third in a television programme devoted to finding the most fantastic villages in the country.

Reporter NAOMI DUNNING investigates the reasons for the success

TARPORLEY has featured in the six-part prime-time series for Five called The Property List.

In each hour-long show the programme counts down 10 dream locations on a theme. Tarporley made it to third place in the most fantastic village programme, narrowly missing the top spot taken by Chalfont St Giles, in Buckinghamshire.

Presenter Melissa Porter introduced viewers to the village on June 12, saying it was perfect for those who are a little bit nervous about making the move to the countryside because of its “brilliant shopping opportunities” with “plenty of places to splash your cash”.

The programme concentrated on Tarporley’s thriving commercial centre with its wide range of independent shops.

Charles Hardy, owner of The Fire Station Chocolate Shop, said: “It’s the strong sense of community spirit that makes Tarporley such a wonderful village. Tarporley is the sort of village that has retained all the positive qualities of times gone by. People take the time to get to know each other, talk with each other as they pass on the street and look after each other.”

Salar Elwell, store manager of Orvis sporting traditions on High Street, said the lifestyle of the village makes it a fantastic place to be.

She said: “It is all about distinctive country living, and that is what we provide in this shop. It is all about the lifestyle, you have the equestrian centres, the polo, Oulton Park, and plenty of places for walkers to go right on your doorstep.”

Estate agent Robert Reed, of Wright Manley, said the village came out on top because of the properties available and its location.

He said: “We always find houses which sell best are the ones within walking distance of amenities, and Tarporley has plenty of them. All the houses here are individual, one-off houses; not that many of them are “estate houses”. When you get to the top end of the market people like to buy that individuality.

“The village is semi-rural at best, you have Chester Manchester, Liverpool and Warrington which are really close by, and of course the airports are in easy reach, even Birmingham is not too far away.

“There are also the schools, Tarporley High is a really good forward- looking school, as is the primary school, and you have the independent ones not too far away.”

Richard Thomas, owner of Tarporley Health Store, said: “Tarporley is one of those villages that has remained how a village should be. It has got everything here within easy walking distance. There are some lovely places to eat, you can just go to the Swan for coffee or to Christiano’s for a proper meal. It is just a great place to spend a day, a weekend or a week, and an even better place to live.”