Fenland is a term applied loosely to a large area of Eastern England from the South of the Wolds in Lincolnshire, to parts of Norfolk and across into North Cambridgeshire. Fenland, the area covered by Fenland District Council is more tightly defined, covering Chatteris (25 miles or so from Cambridge) in the South, Wisbech, the ‘Capital of the Fens’ and undergoing a huge regeneration programme focusing on the Marina area in the North and Whittlesey (five or so miles from Peterborough) in the West. Although still very rural, with wide open space and a sky so large that it stretches down to meet the land, it is within really easy commuting distance from Peterborough and Norwich (A47), Birmingham (A14) and London (M11, A1 and even A10 – though close by Huntingdon Station – Kings Cross 50 minutes might be easier!) So why is it so cheap?

I ponder this repeatedly as although flat, the landscape is interesting and the skies are amazing. The schools are mainly above average and the health care (sadly I can vouch for this) exceeds many places expectations. Job opportunities abound in the new businesses and by commuting to the places previously mentioned. It is an area which is changing into the modern world but which still retains its old communities with silver bands, local amateur theatre, active churches and local societies abounding. Wildlife and birds are among the most interesting, I think, in Britain and Welney WWT is just on the eastern boundaries. Crime is comparatively low and the straight roads make driving straightforward although perhaps too fast on occasions! Although Fenland is below sea level, flooding since the floods of 1947, is almost unheard of as water management is a priority and water is pumped away as a matter of course. Getting rid of water from Fenland and from the flood plains of the Midlands, is something we in Fenland do very well and efficiently and it also leaves us with a network of navigable waterways that have been opened up in the last few years with more to come. What do you get for your money?

Past properties in Fenland have included a smallholding at Marshland St James which is near Wisbech, marginally into Norfolk (and for the historians among you, near where King James allegedly lost his jewels so you might even find them!), was on the market for £270,000. It comprised three or four bedrooms with a huge range of outbuildings including a pole barn and 1.6 acres leading down to a 40’drain (you’d call these rivers I think!). £322.500 would have bought you a smallholding in the Fenland village of Wisbech St Mary, closer to Peterborough than Marshland but still very rural with a strong community spirit. This was a spacious Victorian House with four good sized bedrooms and a range of outbuildings including stables and two multi purpose barns with 6.5 acres and an apple pear orchard. Flat Fenland might be but when you are catching ponies, managing grass land or planting a vegetable garden, there are distinct advantages. There was even part of a lake with the property. Similar properties are at Rural Scene www.ruralscene.co.uk A glance through the local papers show local Estate Agents offering land and smallholdings in the region of £300,000 - £350,000 There's a detached house in very rural surroundings in Wimblington for £140,000. Starter homes range from around £90,000 for those ‘in need of renovation’ to around £130,000 for a very adequate two/three bed in a reasonable location.

So come and find Fenland! It could well be the answer to your dreams.