Life after London – Thinking of moving to Farnham,Surrey?

Have you considered leaving London and are looking for suitable commuter towns just outside of the big smoke?

Have you wondered what a small Surrey town can offer and why you would even consider leaving London? We get it! London has alot to offer, it’s the metropolis, the cosmopolitan centre of our country after all BUT does it offer quick and easy access to the countryside or provide a good range of educational options for your children? Does your house have the charm and space that you want, or can you afford the next house that might ?  Well, if not and you’re contemplating a change, an upgrade in your and/or your family’s lifestyle, you don’t need too look far.

Just over forty miles south-west of the big city is the lovely town of Farnham.  Both the M3 and M25 are quickly accessible, as are the airports of Heathrow, Gatwick, Southampton and Farnborough. If you commute and must go into the city, you can get there by a direct train in just over 50 minutes.

Farnham has a range of beautiful properties for sale, ranging from old Georgian Town houses, Victorian, and Grade 1 and 2 Listed buildings.  If period charm is not your preference, then there are plenty of new builds available and becoming available. Those that have already made the leap of faith to Farnham are now living in their ‘dream’ or ‘forever’ homes.  Whether you’re first-time buyers, young professionals or simply an investor, there is every likelihood that you will realise greater value for your money in Farnham.

There are a number of excellent schools in Farnham. Highfield South Farnham and South Farnham infant schools were classified as ‘outstanding’ in their last Ofsted reports.  Weydon Secondary school, into which both these schools can feed, has been listed as best state school (without a 6th form) by the Sunday Times in the past.  In the north of Farnham, Folly Hill infants and All Hallows Secondary also attained ‘outstanding’ (Ofsted) status. If you prefer private education there are several options within the area, notably Edgeborough in Frensham, Frensham Heights in Rowledge and Barfield in Runfold. The practice of families renting property within a particular School catchment area for a number of years has seen them eventually settling in on a more permanent basis.

The town centre is a mix of Georgian buildings and modern developments with a range of restaurants from Thai to French, Italian to Spanish. There are a good number of popular pubs and bars in the town centre as well as bakeries such as Gails and Loaf.  Every fourth Sunday in the month offers a farmers’ market with fresh, locally sourced produce such as vegetables, cheeses, meat and fish as well as baked items.  Hand crafted items and locally produced gin feature too.

Part of the town centre is currently being regenerated with one to three bedroomed property opportunities as well as cafes, shops (M&S Food), and a cinema on the horizon. The existing range of supermarkets includes Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Lidl within a stone’s throw of each other.

If a ‘healthy’ outdoor life is important then you need not look far when in Farnham.  The 130-hectare mediaeval Deer Park, named after the town, is virtually within the centre.  With the historic castle positioned on its edge, the park contains a generous play area for young children , a four-mile loop some of which can be through an avenue of historic trees and much of which offers something for everyone in the family , all year round, especially dog walkers.  Staying with the walking theme, there isn’t far to venture into the beautiful countryside such as the North Downs, Surrey Hills, Tilford and Frensham Ponds.

On an even more energetic level, there are a good range of local gyms with David Lloyd, Nuffield, Functional Fitness featuring as well as a local authority run leisure centre.  Football, rugby, cricket and tennis clubs are available for the very young to more senior participants with a number of high-quality golf courses nearby.

Recently named World Craft City, the Surrey market town of Farnham is only the third region in Europe to be granted such status by the World Crafts Council. The town’s creative culture includes the Farnham Maltings (a hive of music, theatre, art and craft), The University of Creative Arts, the International Textiles Research Centre, the Crafts Study Centre, as well as galleries and potteries.

It is quite clear that Farnham is there to ‘keep giving’!  Giving value for money in comparison to London and proving a sound investment, quick and easy access to motorways, airports and London itself, as well as providing a huge variety of opportunities for individuals and families to flourish in a healthy and rewarding environment.  Walking in the beautiful and peaceful countryside can be a daily or weekly routine.  Sport, art and culture abound throughout the town.  Variety is truly the spice of life in Farnham and its people are very welcoming too.

Moving from London to Farnham could seem like a ‘no brainer’ to some.  If you are interested, we can help you at Bridges.  We are well positioned and experienced to help you make this important, life changing transition to a better life.  Don’t wait for a property to come up already sold on Rightmove, register with our Farnham office today!