Stock can be found about six miles south of Chelmsford, and has been included in Muddy Stilettos’ Best Places to Live series.
It said that Stock’s “iconic windmill, posh spa hotel, award-winning florist and gourmet pubs” are just some of the reasons this Essex village was recognised.
But there are many other reasons Stock has been highlighted as one of the best places to live.
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Why Stock has been named one of Essex and UK’s best places to live
Muddy Stilettos said: “With its exclusive village vibe, Stock is pretty special.
“Yes, it’s got all the essentials – a primary school and some seriously hot property – but it’s the extras that make it swoon-worthy: think gorgeous gastro pubs and even a fabulous brick windmill.
“Add in the bonus of being close to Chelmsford, Ingatestone and Billericay for transport, shops and schools, and you’ve got the best of both worlds.”
Stock was also labelled “prime commuter territory”, being around 30 minutes to London Liverpool Street by rail from nearby Chelmsford or Billericay.
It’s also only a 10-minute drive to Chelmsford or 25 mins by car to Colchester.
What are house prices like in Stock in Essex?
Looking to move to Stock? Well, as shared by Rightmove, average house prices there are not cheap, but are still down on the previous year.
It said: “House prices in Stock have an overall average of £853,250 over the last year.
“The majority of properties sold in Stock during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £1,005,714.
“Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £501,667, with terraced properties fetching £493,333.
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“Overall, the historical sold prices in Stock over the last year were 18% down on the previous year and 13% down on the 2018 peak of £985,626.”
Places to eat and visit in Stock
As part of picking out Stock as one of the best places to live, Muddy Stilettos has also shared some of the best places to eat, drink, and visit in this quaint village.
If you are looking for things to do, there is the Stock Windmill, a five-storey Grade II listed mill.
First built in the early 19th century, it has been restored and is available to visit.
There is also the award-winning countryside retreat Greenwoods Hotel & Spa, which is said to feature “elegant dining and historic charm”.
The hotel is set within “beautiful landscaped gardens and housed in a stunning 17th-century manor house”.
If you are looking for spots to shop at, Muddy Stilettos recommends visiting nearby Chelmsford or Billericay for “major retail therapy”.
However, locally there is the Stock Village Shop and the multi-award-winning Stock Florist, as well as Stockbrook Farm Shop up the road.
Stock also has some great places to eat and drink at too, such as Cristi’s Bar, local pub The Hoop, and The Bear Inn.
There is also The Bakers Arms and indie bistro, Dandelion and Burdock.
Muddy Stilettos also highlighted nearby Downham Hall, which has an à la carte menu to “salivate over” and, if you head to Brentwood, Malina Patisserie.