Consisting of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the Baltics are bound to have a wide variety of regions to attract people with all different tastes. Whether you prefer a beach view and easy access to shops or a more rural setting to enjoy the ‘quiet life’, one of these three countries is bound to offer your take on the ideal.

Estonia: Estonian people view the buildings as being an important link to the past; however there are few which remain in their original state, unaltered. Traditional timbered houses are long and low, and they boast a large, pitched, thatched roof. Farm buildings are built around a main yard area and have wooden fencing (usually branches woven together). Low standing stone walls are more popular in the coastal areas. Windmills used to be very popular in Estonia however these days only a few remain, and mainly for tourist purposes.

Tallinn is Estonia’s capital and perhaps one of the top destinations for people moving to the country. It is the official European Capital of Culture 2011 and is on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to its outstandingly well preserved medieval city.

Latvia: A compact country, the beautiful 500 kilometres of sandy beaches in Latvia are within easy reach of most towns and cities. Latvia is a very clean country, with clean air and clean water, meaning nature is happy to be there. Flocks of stalks certainly approve of the natural habitat that Latvia provides them.

Latvian architecture has certainly gone through the periods, with the first Romanesque church built in 1186. The Gothic period during the 13th to 16th centuries saw tall churches built, in a bit to  get closer to God, and from the 17th to 19th century, large manor houses were built, along with castles and communal dwellings. These houses and dwellings were lavished with extravagance and that extravagance can still be seen today.

Lithuania: Like any country, Lithuania’s architecture has been shaped by the influences it has experienced throughout history. The country has undergone European influences, dabbled in Gothic and Baroque styles, and the architecture left standing today reflects that. The 20th century bought with it more modern architecture which has also been influenced by French and Finnish designs.

So with all three countries offering a fantastic array of history and culture, yet still being at the height of modernity, where will you choose to settle? Perhaps a road trip to explore all three is needed.