Monmouthshire villages are Wales’ property hotspots

A report, compiled by estate agents Savills and analysts Property Database, lists Shirenewton and St Arvans in the 200 top spots, where average prices are over £370,000.

The first 43 locations, which puts Knightsbridge and Belgravia, London as the most expensive in the country all pass the £1million pound mark.

Shirenewton and St Arvans rank at 64 and 65 for those outside of London and the south east, having the highest average house price in Wales of £384,217 and £370,826 respectively, showing that the recovery is being felt across the country.

Whilst the average house in Shirenewton sells for six figures there are several exceeding the million pound mark on the market, including the gated Kirrin House, currently on the market for £1,350,000 and Lower Pink Farm, which at £1,250,000 comes with 22 acres of land.

Shirenewton resident, Beverley Moore, was not surprised the village features on the list.

Mrs Moore, of Tan House Court, said: “It is a vibrant village where there is a lot going on.

“I think the name Shirenewton adds a certain number of noughts to it.

“There are some lovely properties here but with that comes various difficulties for younger people who grew up here and want to return but can’t afford to and also for those older residents who have lived here all their lives and want to downsize.”

Mrs Moore, who has lived in the village since the 60s said it is a desirable place to live and close to the Severn Bridge and nearest town of Chepstow.

The analysis suggests that many areas of Britain are experiencing a house price boom, which is helping to drive the country’s emergence from recession and encouraging forecasts of strong economic growth.

Other areas to make it into the top 200 locations in Monmouthshire are Llangybi Fawr, near Usk at £343,367, Llanover, near Abergavenny at £347,188, Llantilio Crossenny at £307,544, Llanbadoc at £340,785, Trellech United at £325,603 and Newport, Gwent at £299,909.