Old Hall Green is a small hamlet located in rural Hertfordshire, primarily known for being home to St Edmund’s College, one of the oldest Catholic schools in England. The area offers quintessential English countryside living with a distinctly tranquil atmosphere that sets it apart from nearby towns. Local opinion suggests it’s a place for those seeking peace and quiet rather than amenities and excitement.
This article examines whether Old Hall Green truly delivers as a place to call home. Spoiler alert: it’s extraordinarily quiet and safe, but comes with significant limitations regarding amenities and transport that potential residents should carefully consider before making the move.
Is Old Hall Green safe?
Old Hall Green enjoys an exceptional safety record that would make most urban dwellers green with envy. The hamlet’s crime statistics sit dramatically below regional averages, with overall crime rates being substantially lower than surrounding areas.
Most recorded incidents tend to be concentrated around St Edmund’s College campus, which skews the local statistics somewhat. Outside of the educational establishment, crime is remarkably rare. The few reported burglaries have been clustered around Beggarman’s Lane, though these remain isolated incidents rather than a pattern of concern.
Locals frequently leave doors unlocked without second thought – a practice that would be unthinkable in most modern communities. As one local resident told the Hertfordshire Mercury last year, “I’ve lived here for fifteen years and can count on one hand the number of times I’ve heard police sirens.”
Is Old Hall Green a nice place to live for families?
Old Hall Green presents an interesting proposition for families considering relocation. The area offers country living with clean air and open spaces, but comes with particular considerations regarding schools and activities.
Schools and Education
The elephant in the room is St Edmund’s College itself – a prestigious independent Catholic school that dominates the landscape but isn’t accessible to all due to its fee-paying nature. For state education, families must look beyond Old Hall Green’s boundaries.
The nearest state primary schools are found in surrounding villages, with St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School and Roger De Clare First CofE School both rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted. For secondary education, Ralph Sadleir School is the closest option, though its ‘Requires Improvement’ rating may concern some parents.
Competition for places at the better-performing schools can be fierce, with catchment area restrictions often making it difficult for Old Hall Green residents to secure spots. Many local families find themselves driving considerable distances for school runs.
Family Activities
Old Hall Green itself offers limited structured activities for children. There are no public playgrounds within the hamlet proper, though the surrounding countryside provides natural play opportunities for the adventurous.
Most families find themselves travelling to nearby Ware or Buntingford for organised children’s activities. The annual summer fair at St Edmund’s occasionally opens to the public and provides rare community engagement opportunity.
Is Old Hall Green expensive?
Property in Old Hall Green commands premium prices, with an overall average of £740,000 over the last year – significantly higher than many surrounding villages. This reflects the area’s exclusive nature and limited housing stock rather than an abundance of amenities.
The housing market here is exceptionally thin, with very few properties changing hands annually. When homes do become available, they’re typically larger detached properties with substantial gardens, explaining the high average price. The handful of cottages near the college tend to be the most affordable options, though “affordable” is relative in this market.
The rental market is practically non-existent, with availability far below regional averages. Those seeking rental accommodation would be better served looking to nearby Puckeridge or Standon, where options are more plentiful and typically 15-20% cheaper than equivalent properties in more developed areas.
For better value, prospective residents might consider Braughing or Buntingford, both offering more amenities while maintaining a rural character at lower price points.
What transport links are there?
Transport is undoubtedly Old Hall Green’s Achilles’ heel. The hamlet has no railway station, with the nearest rail connections found at Ware (approximately 7 miles away) providing services to London Liverpool Street.
Bus services are limited at best. The 331 route passes through occasionally, connecting to Hertford and Royston, but with a frequency that makes car ownership virtually essential for residents. During school terms, the college generates some additional traffic, but this does little to improve public transport options for residents.
Road connections are reasonable, with the A10 providing a direct route to Cambridge and London. However, winter weather can occasionally make local lanes challenging, and residents report that sat-navs frequently misdirect delivery drivers around the area’s network of unmarked country roads.
What amenities are available in Old Hall Green?
Bluntly put, Old Hall Green offers almost no amenities within its boundaries. There are no shops, no post office, no pubs, and no restaurants in the immediate vicinity. St Edmund’s College dominates the landscape but operates as a self-contained community rather than providing facilities for local residents.
For even the most basic shopping needs, residents must travel to nearby villages. Puckeridge, about two miles away, offers a small convenience store, while proper supermarket shopping requires a journey to Ware or Buntingford.
Healthcare facilities are similarly absent, with residents registered at medical practices in surrounding towns. The nearest GP surgeries are in Puckeridge and Standon, while hospital services require travel to Stevenage or Cambridge.
The complete lack of amenities means Old Hall Green suits those who embrace true rural living and plan their lives around weekly trips to more developed areas.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
The countryside surrounding Old Hall Green provides its greatest asset. The hamlet sits amidst gently rolling Hertfordshire farmland, offering picturesque views and abundant walking opportunities.
The Ermine Street trail, following the ancient Roman road, passes nearby and provides an excellent walking route toward Buntingford or Ware. The River Rib valley offers pleasant waterside walks, particularly beautiful in spring when wildflowers carpet the meadows.
Standon Lordship, just a short distance away, hosts the annual Standon Calling music festival, bringing a brief burst of activity to the otherwise tranquil area each summer.
For more formal parkland, residents typically visit Ware’s Priory Gardens or venture further to Hatfield House’s extensive grounds.
So, what’s the verdict?
Old Hall Green offers an exceptionally peaceful slice of rural Hertfordshire living, but with significant compromises. The near-total absence of amenities and limited transport options mean it’s suited only to those committed to country living who don’t mind regular driving for essentials.
Safety and tranquility represent the hamlet’s strongest selling points, along with the attractive surrounding countryside. However, families should carefully consider the educational options, with school runs likely to become a significant part of daily life.
Property prices reflect the area’s exclusivity rather than its facilities, making it a premium choice that won’t suit everyone’s budget or lifestyle needs. Those requiring regular access to shops, services, or public transport would find daily life challenging.
What are the alternatives?
Puckeridge and Standon, just a couple of miles away, offer more amenities while maintaining a village feel. These connected villages feature shops, pubs, a primary school, and slightly better transport links, making daily life more convenient while property prices remain lower than Old Hall Green.
Buntingford, a small market town to the north, provides a more comprehensive range of amenities including supermarkets, restaurants, and better school options, while still offering easy access to countryside.
For those seeking better transport connections, Ware combines market town facilities with direct rail links to London, though at the cost of a more urban environment and higher property prices in many neighborhoods.
