Reputedly the home to more first-class season ticket holders than anywhere in the country (and with a station parking waiting list to rival that of the Hurlingham Club) it won’t surprise you to learn that Haslemere is a mecca for commuters. Nevertheless there’s a lot more going for Haslemere than the fact you’ll be back home within the hour.
Image Courtesy of Ben Gamble, and shared under a Creative Commons License
Outstanding Natural Beauty
Tucked in the corner of Surrey on the borders of West Sussex and Hampshire, surrounded by the Surrey Hills and South Downs, this is proper countryside. It’s easy to forget that you’re less than an hour from London.
The incomparable Black Down is the highest point in the South Downs National Park and was a favourite haunt of one of Haslemere’s most famous former residents – Alfred Lord Tennyson. ‘You came, and looked and loved the view, long-known and loved by me, Green Sussex fading into blue, With one grey glimpse of sea.’
Photo by Alison Day via Flickr, used under Creative Commons License without amendment
Architectural Gems
The houses are predominantly Surrey style, tile hung gabled affairs, but head into the hills and surrounding villages for Georgian, Victorian, Tudor and even achingly cool modern piles. While fears about the property market abound in other areas of the country, the market in Haslemere and surrounds is understandably competitive; but rest assured we can help match you up with your dream home!
Keeping busy
While London can be reached in 52 minutes, you can also be paddling in the clear waters at West Wittering within the hour. It’s a mere half hour to Goodwood with its racing of both the equestrian and motored varieties and slightly less to the Cowdray Estate for your polo and golf fixes.
Surrounded as Haslemere is by beautiful countryside, walking and riding opportunities abound as well as a bounty of fantastic pubs. Try The Lickfold Inn for fine dining or the Noah’s Ark in Lurgashall for a glimpse of village life so perfect it could have been created by Disney.
Image thanks to the Noah's Ark
Well Stocked
As well as a Waitrose in the town centre there is a COOK in Wey Hill. This is no identikit high street – there is the ubiquitous Costa and Boots, of course, but also a wealth of independents. There are some fabulous clothes boutiques in Have to Have It, Noggs, Woodie & Morris, Hengelo and Anya. Caracoli on the main drag is a popular spot for a flat white and catch up with friends while Hemingways serves a mean carrot cake.
For local produce straight from the source, the Farmer’s Market runs on the first Sunday of each month.
Schools
You’re spoilt for choice on the school front in Haslemere. In the state sector try Grayswood Primary, Camelsdale, St Bartholomew’s and Woolmer Hill. Independent preps at Highfield and Brookham, Amesbury and St Ives are popular choices.
The Royal School takes both boys and girls from 6 weeks up to 18 while the Guildford big hitters, such as the Royal Grammar School and Guildford High are a 20 minute train journey away.
As you can probably tell, we’re passionate about this part of the world and would love to talk to you more about finding the perfect spot for you and your family.