With its rich history, independent temperament and pastoral landscapes, Somerset is the perfect base for those in the market for a gentler pace of life. There are also plenty of city pleasures nearby, thanks to bustling Bath, as well as some outstanding architectural offerings. For those seeking country pursuits, the verdant Blackdown Hills and tranquil Quantock Hills, both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are just waiting to be explored. The question is, will you choose a smart townhouse, a cosy cottage or a modernist marvel to settle down in?

For those hankering for city life but with a green backdrop, Bath is the place to be. The city is famous for its honey-coloured limestone and neo-classical Georgian architecture, hot springs beloved by the Romans and a thriving shopping and cultural life. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best cities to live in the UK – and has something to offer for both families and young professionals. A direct train will see you alight in London Paddington in about an hour and a half.

The city is full of characterful Georgian homes that have been lovingly preserved: Lansdown Place West, for instance, is an apartment in a Grade II-listed townhouse near the city’s prestigious Lansdown Crescent, which has been thoughtfully and elegantly brought up to date. Sash windows, oak flooring and period mouldings have all been saved and restored.

Richmond Place, also Grade II-listed, is a real find: beyond the Georgian facade of this two-bedroom, three-storey home are light, contemporary interiors with underfloor heating and handcrafted cabinetry. The garden, with its flowering perennials and ornamental grasses, is beautifully landscaped and the city centre is a 15-minute stroll away.

The historic town of Frome is now Somerset’s worst-kept secret – it was lauded as the best place to live in Britain by The Sunday Times in 2018 and we couldn’t agree more. The town is bubbling with creative energy and is beloved for its community spirit, small galleries and workshops, and frequent market days when artisans and local food producers offer their wares. What’s more, it has a wily, independent streak – and participation in the life of its Medieval streets is always welcome. There are plenty of historical homes dating back to the 17th century that are real lookers – past sales have included Monmouth House, an august Georgian townhouse whose owners introduced modern colours and contemporary details, while showing the greatest respect for original features such as sash windows, oak floorings and fireplaces.

For those seeking a small town that punches above its weight, Bruton has a generous sprinkle of fine art galleries, shops such as lifestyle store Caro or Lunaria for plants and blooms, and top-notch places to eat, such as At The Chapel, ideal for whiling away leisurely afternoons. The Somerset outpost of art gallery Hauser & Wirth is set within the Grade II-listed buildings at nearby Durslade Farm, while the attractions of the charming The Newt in Somerset are a mere 10-minute drive away.

Previous sales have included Gilcombe, an expansive five-bedroom house with a connecting barn and panoramic views of the bucolic Brue Valley in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Its gardens were landscaped by Urquhart & Hunt, renowned for their work on Babington House Spa and Hauser & Wirth. More modern homes are also available, such as this apartment on the upper floors of a converted 1940s grain mill, beautifully reconfigured by architect Paul Fineberg.

Architect Edwin Lutyens and William Morris left their mark on the small but beautiful village of Mells. It makes for a quiet base to explore the surrounding countryside and provides a gateway to several walking and cycling routes, such as the 20 miles of the picturesque Colliers Way, a former railway line that leads to Frome. The Talbot is a much-loved village pub, and Mells has its own football and cricket clubs for those wishing to get involved in village life. The sumptuous Babington House is nearby for a weekend of pampering – four-poster beds, roll-top baths, open fires and treats from Cowshed are found throughout. In Mells, two thatched cottages have been sensitively united by Mark Wray Architects to form the spacious yet cosy Glebe Cottage. Another interpretation of the local rural vernacular comes courtesy of Box 9 Design, who renovated a nearby stone stable block to create a voluminous home with split levels and glazed walls. There’s even an outdoor pool. Transport links are good too – Frome is a seven-minute drive away, which easily connects to London Paddington.