One of the Wiltshire villages often mentioned by clients as a desirable search location is the National Trust’s Lacock. It’s hardly surprising. Unspoilt 13th century charm and fabulous period buildings surrounded by stunning countryside is a winning combination. Yet property is scarce. When a house not owned by the Trust comes up for sale it’s not unusual for it to be snapped up quickly, even in a depressed market.

One of the reasons for its popularity is its countless screen appearances in the Harry Potter epics, the BBC’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and more recently ‘Cranford’. In fact ‘Cranford’ is due to start filming there again in June. Doubtless several of the residents will once again be donning their wigs and frocks as extras and rubbing shoulders with the likes of Dame Judi Dench and Greg Wise.

But popularity comes at a price. I would have no problem securing my unruly locks under a bonnet for a few days at a time - but I’m not sure I’d be prepared for thousands of tourists peering over the garden wall whilst I’m pegging out my smalls. Clients who opt to live in tourist hotpots and especially those who fall in love with a place whilst on holiday need to think carefully about the pros and cons of making a move there full time.

Here’s my three point plan for clients making a move they won’t regret.

• For a start forget the fact that you ‘love the place’ and make sure you like the property and can access work, the shops, send your children to a good school and pursue your interests without having to spend the bulk of your day in a car or on public transport to do them. If you can’t, when the initial  sparkle rubs off as it surely will in the middle of Winter, you’ll be very unhappy and want to move again.
• Remember tourist places can be very different out of season so make sure you visit a place at different times of year to ensure that you know what to expect.
• Make sure the pros outweigh the cons before jumping in wholeheartedly. Of course if you’re running a retail business there may be very few cons. Try renting for a while if you’re really not sure you can cope with hoards of tourists.

 And don’t forget that if you live in a village like Lacock, you’ll never be without weekend guests. There’ll always be someone from your past who ‘just happens to be in the area’.