Nasty is a tiny hamlet in Hertfordshire, situated near Ware and often overlooked on maps and in conversation. With just a handful of properties and minimal facilities, this curiously-named settlement raises eyebrows whenever mentioned. Despite its unfortunate name, Nasty isn’t actually nasty at all – it’s a rural, quiet pocket of Hertfordshire countryside that offers seclusion and tranquility. However, its extremely limited amenities and isolated nature mean it’s certainly not for everyone. The hamlet sits within the civil parish of Little Munden, meaning residents essentially live in deep countryside with very few immediate services.
Is Nasty safe?
Nasty benefits from extremely low crime rates, which isn’t surprising given its remote location and tiny population. The hamlet itself rarely registers on crime statistics maps, with most recorded incidents being minor and infrequent. The nearest crime hotspots tend to be around Mentley Lane, but even these are minimal compared to more populated areas.
The isolation of Nasty actually contributes significantly to its safety profile. With few passing strangers and a small community where residents know each other, there’s a natural surveillance element that helps keep trouble at bay. Local residents report feeling secure walking around at any time, though the lack of street lighting can make evening strolls challenging in winter months.
The rural policing team occasionally makes appearances, but they’re rarely needed for anything serious. As one local put it during a parish council meeting last year, “The most dangerous thing in Nasty is probably falling into a cowpat on a dark night.”
Is Nasty a nice place to live for families?
Nasty presents a mixed proposition for families. On one hand, it offers incredible freedom for children to experience rural life, with fields, woods and country lanes replacing the traditional urban playground. Children growing up here develop a strong connection to nature and enjoy a childhood reminiscent of bygone eras. However, the flip side is the extreme isolation and lack of facilities specifically geared toward younger residents.
Schools and Education
Nasty’s diminutive size means it has no schools of its own, forcing families to look further afield for education. The closest options include St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School, Roger De Clare First CofE School, and Little Munden Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School – all rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted. For secondary education, Ralph Sadleir School is the nearest option, though it currently ‘Requires Improvement’ according to inspectors.
The significant distance to these schools makes the morning school run an essential part of family life here. Public transport options are limited, so having at least one car is virtually mandatory for families. Competition for places at the better schools can be fierce, and Nasty’s location often puts residents at the edge of catchment areas, making school applications somewhat stressful for local parents.
Family Activities
Great Munden Recreational Garden provides some outdoor space, but it’s modest compared to the facilities available in larger settlements. Most families in Nasty end up creating their own entertainment, with garden activities, countryside walks, and home-based fun becoming the norm. Parents looking for organised activities, playgroups, or children’s classes will need to drive to Ware or further afield.
Is Nasty expensive?
Property in Nasty comes with a premium price tag, with an average property price of around £720,000 last year. This reflects the hamlet’s exclusive nature and the typically larger properties found here. Houses rarely come onto the market, creating a situation where demand often outstrips supply.
The property market here consists primarily of detached houses and converted farm buildings, with few smaller or more affordable options available. This effectively prices out first-time buyers and many young families. When properties do become available, they’re often snapped up quickly by those seeking rural seclusion with relatively easy access to London.
Rental opportunities in Nasty are extremely rare, with very few properties ever appearing on the rental market. Those that do command premium prices due to their scarcity and the desirable rural location.
For more affordable alternatives, nearby villages like Dane End or Thundridge offer slightly lower property prices while still providing a rural atmosphere. Those needing significantly more affordable options might consider Ware itself, where a wider range of property types creates more entry points to the market.
What transport links are there?
Transport is Nasty’s Achilles heel. Public transport is virtually non-existent, with no direct bus services serving the hamlet itself. Residents depend entirely on private vehicles, making car ownership essential rather than optional. The nearest train stations are in Ware or Hertford, both requiring a drive of several miles.
Road connections are reasonable, with the A10 providing access to Cambridge and London, though reaching major roads involves navigating narrow country lanes that can become challenging in poor weather. During winter months, these routes aren’t always prioritised for gritting, sometimes causing isolation during severe weather events.
Commuters to London face a significant journey, typically driving to Ware station before catching trains to Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale for the Victoria Line. Door-to-door commuting times of 90 minutes to central London are typical, making Nasty most suitable for those who work from home or commute infrequently.
What amenities are available in Nasty?
The blunt answer is: very few. Nasty has no shops, no post office, no pubs, and no restaurants. The only commercial presence appears to be veterinary services, reflecting the rural and agricultural nature of the area. For even the most basic shopping needs, residents must travel to nearby settlements.
The nearest grocery shopping options are in Ware or Hertford, meaning weekly supermarket trips become a necessary ritual. Some residents have embraced online grocery deliveries, though delivery drivers occasionally struggle to find addresses in this tiny hamlet.
Healthcare facilities are also absent from Nasty itself. Residents register with GP practices in surrounding towns and villages, with hospitals being even further afield in Stevenage or Harlow. This distance from medical facilities can be a concern for older residents or those with ongoing health conditions.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
If Nasty excels in one area, it’s the quality of its surrounding countryside. The hamlet is embraced by classic Hertfordshire landscapes of gentle hills, ancient woodlands, and agricultural fields. Great Munden Recreational Garden provides a modest but pleasant local green space, though it’s the wider countryside that offers the real appeal.
Footpaths and bridleways crisscross the area, providing excellent walking opportunities directly from residents’ doorsteps. The nearby River Rib valley offers particularly picturesque walks, especially in spring and autumn when the seasonal changes transform the landscape.
Wildlife enthusiasts appreciate the diverse habitats, with residents reporting regular sightings of deer, foxes, badgers, and numerous bird species. For those who value natural surroundings over urban conveniences, Nasty delivers in spades.
So, what’s the verdict?
Nasty represents a very particular lifestyle choice. It offers exceptional peace, privacy, and beautiful surroundings for those who prioritise rural seclusion over convenience. The hamlet suits self-sufficient individuals who enjoy country living, don’t mind driving everywhere, and appreciate being part of a tiny community.
However, the lack of amenities, isolation, high property prices, and transport limitations make it unsuitable for many. Families with teenagers might struggle with the lack of independence their children can have in such a car-dependent location. Similarly, older residents might eventually find the distance from services and healthcare challenging.
Nasty isn’t nasty – but it isn’t for everyone. Those seeking rural charm with more practicality might find the balance tips too far toward isolation here.
What are the alternatives?
For those attracted to Nasty’s rural charm but concerned about its limitations, several alternatives exist. Nearby Dane End offers a similar countryside feel but with slightly more amenities, including a village hall and somewhat more frequent bus services. Westmill and Benington provide quaint village settings with the advantage of having pubs and some community facilities.
Those requiring better transport links might consider Ware itself, which maintains a pleasant market town character while offering direct train services to London, a high street with shops and restaurants, and comprehensive facilities. Hertford similarly provides urban convenience while retaining character and charm.
For rural living with better amenities, villages like Much Hadham or Watton-at-Stone strike a more balanced compromise, offering some local services while maintaining a countryside setting – though property prices remain high throughout this desirable part of Hertfordshire.
