The village pub has long been the centre of a community bringing neighbours together to gossip, share stories and clink glasses. In the past century these very British institutions have changed dramatically, morphing from male havens to a place to spend time with the family. Ales and stouts are still there, but now the most glamorous village pubs also boast award-winning restaurants and stylish interiors. Not only do pubs benefit a village socially, but they also have economic benefits recent research by Newcastle Business School has shown that the launch of a rural pub will inject between 80,000 and 120,000 into the local community. We have selected four properties located close to some of the countrys favourite watering holes. Tatton, situated within the exclusive Eden Park development, is conveniently located within walking distance of the fashionable village of Alderley Edge in Cheshire. The six bedroom property includes separate staff quarters and an impressive subterranean spa with swimming pool, steam room, gymnasium and wine store. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the house is completely private whilst close to the village centre. The Botanist, an innovative gastropub, is situated in the village and hosts unique community events such as cocktail classes and live music gigs. Tatton is on the market for 3,195,000 with our Wilmslow office (tel.: 01625 540340). For more information please click here.  Court Cottage East is situated in Swinbrook in Oxfordshire, home to The Swan Inn, a pub owned by the estate of the late Duchess of Devonshire, who grew up in the village with her five sisters, the Mitford girls, who have inspired books and films. The pub was the location of Francois Hollande and David Camerons pub lunch last year and boasts a number of awards. Believed to date back to the 17^th century, Court Cottage East is an idyllic three-bedroom cottage, with the potential for extension. Constructed of local stone, the cottage benefits from a private walled garden overlooking the surrounding green fields. The property is on the market for 650,000 with our Burford office (tel:01993 822661). For more information please click here.  Keepers Cottage is situated in the centre of the sought after village of Aston Tirrold, in south Oxfordshire. The village is home to The Sweet Olive, a popular gastropub with impressive reviews. The menu changes seasonally and is complemented by a carefully selected wine list sourced from Frances finest vineyards. The beer garden is popular with local families during the summer. Grade-II listed Keepers Cottage dates back to the 17^th century and benefits from a range of period features, such as exposed oak frames and red brick fireplaces. The five-bedroom family home is surrounded by unspoilt green farmland, views of which can be enjoyed from the spacious reception rooms. The property is on the market for 1, 150, 000 with our Goring office (tel: 01491 871111). For more information please click here.  Originally a stable block, Field Barn is an attractive four-bedroom 19^th century home that was converted in 1953 and extended in the early 1970s. Covered in ivy and surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, the property benefits from all of the desirable characteristics which make up a family home, including an open plan kitchen/ dining room with Aga and garden room with doors leading onto the terrace. The home is situated in the heart of Micheldever, a pretty village just south of the Dever valley in Hampshire. The Half Moon & Spread Eagle, a local pub is only a 10 minute walk away. The establishment is the epitome of a traditional English pub, serving classic comfort food staples in an easy-going environment. The property is on the market for 965,000 with our Winchester office (tel: 01962 844299). For more information please click here.