Heading the wish list of many lottery players is a cottage in the country. It may seem quite a simple desire but the rural idyll is part of the English psyche.

The country cottage holds a particular place in the hearts of many town dwellers; while most people who live in the countryside are less likely to want to live in a town or city.

It is an aspirational purchase, inspired by the dream of roses around the door, country walks and big kitchens with wood-burning Agas, or just the romance of living close to nature without having to get your hands dirty.

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Before the bottom dropped out of the property market, cottages became the ideal second homes for City workers to escape to at weekends, or to take a first dip into rural life. Then the recession stopped the market dead in its tracks, cottage prices took a big hit. But that has changed over the past few months and prices are close to their peak.

Cottages appeal to upsizers, downsizers, retirees, singletons, weekenders and young families, so there are plenty of would-be buyers around.

Jay Jayaram, negotiator with the Lewes office of Strutt & Parker, said country life has a lot to offer: “If you are moving to the country from Brighton prepare yourself for a pleasant shock – you might even start talking to your neighbours and taking part in community activities.

“I’ve dealt with many families who have made the move and apart from getting more for their money, they are getting more out of life.”

“The main reason people make the move to the country is to have more space, whether that be a larger garden or be surrounded by open countryside. Country properties come in all sizes and locations and vary from splendid isolation to busy villages, there is a great choice.

“Most people who have made the move from city to country have no regrets.”

But country living is not all a bed of roses, you need to do your homework and take advice. For a start shops, schools, banks, doctors and other amenities are likely to be further away; and public transport will be less frequent and less accessible, Buyers are often drawn to thatched properties because of their quintessential country look and they want to own a piece of the English countryside, but there are considerations they need to be aware of, apart from low beams, such as insurance and maintenance.