HOME to historical country houses, enticing gardens and thriving markets, South Oxfordshire’s new status as Britain’s happiest rural community is “unsurprising”.

That was the reaction from John Cotton, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, after hearing that residents’ quality of life trumped 121 others nationwide.

The 48-year old, who has lived in the district since 1995, said: “I moved from a busy part of London to Watlington, which was very quiet and tranquil at that time.

“It’s a fantastic place, there’s lots of things to do.

“There is countryside to visit and towns and places nearby like Blenheim Palace. There is an awful lot going on so it doesn’t surprise me.

“One of my favourite places is Wittenham Clumps. On a Monday evening I run a Beavers group and when the sun is shining I take them up there. It’s the most fun place, with the views over South Oxfordshire.

“Our towns are great as well, like Wallingford. We have the best of both worlds, if you want a little bit of urban living or out-and-out country.”

He now lives in Burcot with his wife and four children, along with thousands of other South Oxfordshire families who were rated the happiest rural residents in the country.

The good news was revealed in a survey last week by Halifax bank, which suggested the area’s proximity to London mixed with the rural lifestyle made it a winner.

Residents in South Oxfordshire – which encompasses the towns of Wallingford, Thame, Henley, and Didcot – considered themselves to have a high level of life satisfaction and few anxieties.

It was an improvement on their state of mind last year when the district came in 10th.

John Houston, who lives in Blewbury with his wife and five children, agreed with Mr Cotton.

The 45-year-old, who manages South Moreton Boxing Club, said: “We have got the best of both worlds – we are a short distance from London so we have all that on our doorstep, but also beautiful countryside.

“My favourite places are Wittenham Clumps and White Horse Hill.”

Robert Jacobs is horticultural manager at Waterperry Gardens, one of South Oxfordshire’s most popular attractions.

The 53-year-old, who lived on the Waterperry estate for 12 years, said: “It’s fantastic countryside, from the White Horse all the way up to Waterperry.

“You’ve got the really beautiful countryside but it’s also easily accessible – it’s really handy wherever you want to go.

“You feel like you’re part of the centre of the world, it just makes you feel really good.

“The trouble with country life is that you can feel isolated, but you don’t get that in South Oxfordshire.”

More than 80 per cent of residents described themselves employed, with just three per cent considering themselves to be in poor health.

The district also came out top for average full-time weekly income, which cashed in at £912 – the highest of all areas surveyed.