Where to live outside the M25?

I am looking for an editorial job in the magazine industry and expect this will force me to work in London or at least the M25. In conjunction with this my bf from Canada is planning on moving here post haste to find work as a joiner. As you can imagine coming from Canada he is used to wide open spaces, mountains and woodland something quite scarce in central London. I hope someone can help suggest a location that doesn't involve more than a 45min commute into London for me and a place that has a balance of countryside and a town with character, not too far from amenities and a social life.