Many Britons are flocking in droves to regenerating seaside towns where – in some towns at least – affordable homes are in abundance. Or they’re splashing out on luxury locations like Brixham in Devon. But not everyone. But for retirees and the newly housed in Coton-in-the-Elms, this can’t be further from the truth. The Derbyshire village has been calculated to be the furthest point from the sea in the UK.

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It has luxury hotels, country clubs, shooting grounds, a vineyard, tea rooms, Llama treks, a cinema and other essentials for a first-class retirement. It also boasts affordable housing with an average house price of £280,000. But the downside is its nearest coast is Fosdyke Wash in Lincolnshire, 70 miles away.

Back in 2003, one resident told the BBC she hadn’t been to the sea since 1988.

However, the distance from the sea doesn’t seem to be a problem for those who enjoy the village’s peaceful atmosphere or one of its dreamlike retirement villages.

Katie Searn, a 21-year-old barmaid at The Bull’s Head in Cotton-in-the-Elms told Express.co.uk: “I think it’s brilliant. Everyone’s really friendly, especially in the pub. There is no standoffish vibe and it’s like one big family.

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“A lot of our locals have moved from busier places like Birmingham. It’s also got some of the new houses bringing a lot of younger families as well as older ones.

“They come here for a holiday and realise how nice it is. We’ve found that a lot of people move from bigger areas to here.”

The village also has large, grassy open areas and forestry, making up for its lack of golden sands. Moreover, just six minutes from the village is the Rosliston Forestry Centre. The facility, which can be reached via a peaceful green walk from Cotton-in-the-Elms, offers accommodation in six stunning Forest Lodge.

It also offers all sorts of activities including Fishing, astronomy, den building, bird watching, orienteering, foraging and picnics.

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Ms Searn said: “Every year we do see people coming back. Whether you’re older or younger, there’s always something to do… hidden secrets… loads of lovely things to do.”

Stephen David, a resident of The Elms Retirement Village, wrote: “What’s not to like, 5 years here and hoping for many more in this lovely tranquil oasis of calm.”

Samantha Cronshaw wrote: “My grandparents lived here for over 15 years & I was lucky enough to spend most of my childhood here. One of my favourite places in the world.”

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