I'm not that close to David (about 90 miles), but I do live about 1 mile from Colchester Castle, in the centre of England's oldest recorded town! Castle was built (started anyway) in 1076, on the site of a Roman Temple.

We also have 3 casinos about 25 miles away and plenty more in London (50 miles) - like David, this counts as countryside for us! Of course, we're only an island where no-one is more than about 80 miles from the sea (no doubt someone can give you the accurate figure here!) let alone some countryside!

Always happy to show anyone around!

Couple of pics here http://www.beenthere-donethat.org.uk/essex/colchester4.html

Regards. Jason