I Didn’t Realise I Had Walked Into a Story
There are days when you set out with no expectations, and somehow you come home with a memory you’ll keep forever.
Today was one of those days.
I found myself wandering through the tiny Surrey village of Shere, not really knowing much about it. I noticed people stopping every few steps to take photographs. I heard American accents drifting through the streets, cameras clicking, smiles everywhere. At first I wondered what all the excitement was about.
Then I looked around.
Centuries-old Tudor houses lean gently towards one another as if they’ve been sharing secrets for hundreds of years. Flowers spill from windows. The village feels untouched by time, peaceful in a way that is becoming increasingly rare.
I found a little café and ordered a slice of lemon meringue cake. Sitting there with a cup of coffee, watching the world wander past, I realised something that made me smile.
This was one of those places that feels like a film.
Many people visit Shere because it evokes the cosy English village atmosphere seen in films such as The Holiday. While the famous cottage from the film was actually built as a set, it’s easy to understand why people connect the village with that same warm, romantic feeling. Walking through its streets, you almost expect Cameron Diaz or Kate Winslet to appear around the next corner.
What I loved most wasn’t the connection to Hollywood, though.
It was the little discoveries.
Curiosity shops filled with treasures collected over decades. Handmade soaps lined up like tiny works of art. Shelves of crystals catching the afternoon light. Antique pieces with stories you’ll never quite know. The kind of independent shops that remind us why small villages still matter.
Every doorway seemed to invite you in.
Every corner had something beautiful to notice.
In a world that moves so quickly, places like this gently ask us to slow down.
As many of you know, I’ve always been fascinated by curious objects, history and beautiful old things. Perhaps that’s why Shere spoke to me so deeply. It reminded me that beauty isn’t always found in grand places. Sometimes it’s tucked away down a quiet lane, hidden behind a Tudor doorway, waiting for someone to notice it.
If you ever find yourself in Surrey, take a detour to Shere.
Order the lemon meringue cake.
Browse the little shops.
Talk to the people.
Take your time.
You might just leave with more than a few photographs. You might leave feeling, as I did today, that for a little while you’d stepped into another world.
And perhaps that’s something we all need every now and then.
The Tea Rose xx
JUST FOR FUN- READ THIS !
Shere is one of the most expensive villages in Surrey because it combines several things that are quite rare in one place.
It’s incredibly picturesque.
The village is famous for its timber-framed cottages, historic church, little stream, village green and traditional pubs. It feels like stepping back in time, which makes it highly desirable.
It’s in the Surrey Hills.
Shere sits within the Surrey Hills National Landscape (formerly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The protected countryside limits large-scale development, so there are relatively few homes available.
It’s close to London.
Many professionals who work in London choose villages like Shere because they can enjoy a rural lifestyle while commuting. High demand from buyers with larger budgets pushes prices up.
There are very few homes for sale.
Shere is a small village where properties often stay within families or are owned for many years. When a cottage comes onto the market, competition can be intense.
It has a strong reputation.
Good schools, walking routes, cycling, local cafés, independent shops and traditional pubs all add to its appeal.
It’s famous from film and television.
Many people recognise Shere from The Holiday and other productions. While films aren’t the main reason for its prices, they have certainly increased its profile and tourism.
For these reasons, it’s not unusual to see:
* Character cottages selling for £700,000–£1 million+.
* Larger period homes selling for well over £2 million.
Still want to move there ?
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