Surrey
Move to Surrey
Surrey is perhaps first thought of as home to the ‘Stockbroker Belt’. Whilst it is certainly true that many areas, especially those within the M25, are populated by gated mansions, Surrey also has many delightful rural and country areas. The Surrey Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) spans across the county from Haslemere to the Kent border. It is an area of open sandy heathland and beech woodlands and runs along the part of the North Downs known as the ‘Hoggs Back’ with far reaching views to either side. Much of the rest is mixed farmland, a patchwork of fields and hedgerows making it a very pleasant part of the world. The county town of Guildford is at its heart an old market town with a sloped and cobbled high street and nowadays a wide range of leisure and retail facilities. Smaller towns such as Dorking, Godalming, Leatherhead and Reigate are also well equipped but retain an attractive character. The picturesque nature of the landscape, coupled with good road and rail connections, make this a desirable and pricey place to live. Despite its established popularity, those moving from London will find their property pound goes further in most areas. Even a relatively modest London sale can fund something wonderful if you look carefully.
State schools across the age ranges score well and there is a very good selection of independents across the county.
Rail lines are into Waterloo and its location make the county handy for both Heathrow and Gatwick.
Top Surrey Villages:
Among the many worth consideration are Haslemere, Chiddingfold, Farnham, Churt, Dockenfield, Tilford, Windlesham, Cranleigh, Wonersh, Hascombe, Shere, Gomshall, Abinger Hammer, East Clandon, West Horsley, Godalming, Dunsfold, Peper Harrow, Shalford, Chiddingfold, Hindhead, Ripley, Leatherhead, Oxted, Lingfield, Bramley, Shamley Green, Ewhurst, Elstead, Rowledge, Chobham and Horsell
What part of Surrey is right for you?
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Surrey Homes. Surrey has a good quantity of timber framed medieval and late medieval homes, typified by a steep pitched clay tiled roof and some decorative tile hung elevations. These may be manor houses, large farmhouses or perhaps a pair of smaller cottages, combined long ago to now make one decent sized residence. There are some Victorian detached properties, both large and small, and it is the best place in the country to find houses designed by Lutyens and his followers. With tall chimneys, multiple gables and lovely details these make very desirable homes.
Its proximity to London has made Surrey a popular place to build and the 1930s saw an explosion in quality new housing which has only really paused during wartime. Fresh space is running out and larger contemporary homes tend to be built as replacements for existing housing.
For an imposing house that is something of a country estate you may pay around £6 to £8 million in rural Surrey. In the prime inner Surrey areas, pay this and more for an impressive family house. If this is your spend bracket, there will be many properties to choose from in this county.
Commute from Surrey: Stations for rural Surrey to Waterloo
Farnborough 38mims
Brookwood 35mins
Woking 27mins
Haslemere 52mins
Witley 55mins
Milford 50mins
Godalming 46mins
Farncombe 43mins
Guildford 37mins
Clandon 48mins
Horsley 45mins
Effingham Junction 40
Ockley 1hr7
Holmwood 1hr3
Dorking 53mins
Boxhill & Westhumble 51mins
Stations to London Victoria or London Bridge
East Grinstead 1hr
Dormans 55mins
Lingfield 53mins
Hurst Green 44/35mins
Oxted 40/32
In the eastern part of the county, Redhill has excellent fast links to London Bridge 37mins, Victoria 28mins and Thames Link service to Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras 53mins.
There are more Surrey stations within the M25 with good commuter trains into either Waterloo, London Bridge or Victoria.
Journey times shown are for fastest services available at useful times. Additional services may have longer journey times so please check.
Surrey Life: Something for the weekend ...
- Surrey has some smashing countryside and excellent bridlepaths. The North Downs Way will take you to spots such as Newlands Corner or Box Hill for some spectacular views.
- For safe bike rides the ‘Downs Link’ is a cycle path following the route of a disused rail line between Guildford and Horsham.
- Surrey is an excellent place for golfers with more courses here than in any other county in England, and at a range of abilities.
- Boats can be taken on the peaceful Wey Navigation, or perhaps follow the tow path on foot for a while.
- There are stately homes such as Polsden Lacey or Loseley to visit
- For horticulturalists the RHS gardens at Wisley or Winkworth Arboretum.
- If one has not seen enough wildlife in the woodlands and open spaces the British Wildlife Centre at Lingfield has a fantastic collection of native species.
- For those seeking less pastural pursuits, the annual Dunsfold Airshow or a trip to Brooklands Motor Museum will be of interest.