Key facts
OS grid ref: East Dean SU275265
West Dean SU257273
What3words: East Dean: ///hazy.trailers.ejects
West Dean: /// confirms.intruding.whispers
Postcode: SP11
Post town: Romsey
Unitary Authority: Hampshire
Parliamentary Constituency: Romsey and Southampton North
The Deans
The quintessential English villages of East and West Dean are perfect for those looking for a blend of a peaceful, yet connected, way of life.
The neighbouring Deans sit in lush countryside on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border, around eight miles southeast of Salisbury and 10 miles from Romsey.
Both East and West Dean have retained their rural charm, with a mix of period properties, traditional cottages, and modern homes.
As a bonus, the Dean railway station in West Dean links the villages with Salisbury, Romsey, Southampton and beyond.
History
The two villages are mentioned in the Domesday Book as the two manors of Duene among the holdings of Waleran the Hunter, and eventually went on to become two separate parishes.
Walking and cycling
The villages are in the Test Valley, and the River Dun – a tributary of the Test – flows through the area, and is a haven for wildlife and a great spot for picnics. Bentley Wood, a large area of ancient woodland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, lies just to the north of the villages, offering miles of trails for walking, cycling and horseriding.