The picturesque village of Downham in Lancashire keeps its modern upgrades out of sight to maintain its historic charm. Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time.

More info As you enter the picturesque village of Downham in Lancashire, the first thing that strikes you is the untouched views of the sprawling countryside. Next, you might spot that the charming stone cottages lining the winding lane lack modern features such as TV aerials, power lines, or satellite dishes. There are no road signs or markings here, and indeed this quaint village appears to be frozen in time from centuries ago.

This is due to it being one of the few villages in the UK that has remained under the ownership of the same ancestral family for the past 500 years . Often acclaimed as Lancashire's most beautiful village, Downham regularly welcomes visitors who love to stroll around its pretty lanes alongside a babbling brook and enjoy the local ice cream shop or the village pub. The Asshetons have owned the hamlet for half a millenium, including the ancestral home of Downham Hall and the stunning 3,000 acres of rolling countryside that surrounds it, reports the Manchester Evening News .

They have worked hard to keep the village as well preserved and true to its roots as possible. The Asshetons own all the properties in Downham, so have been able to ensure that modern developments are kept out of sight and the area ma.