Barton Wyatt’s top 10 reasons to move to Virginia Water.
A year ago Virginia Water, which includes millionaire’s paradise Wentworth, hit the headlines with the staggering news that: “Virginia Water is the first and only town in the country with an average house price of more than £1m.”
A year on, the figure has continued to rise. The average Virginia Water home now weighs in at a hefty £1,161,882, a 8.41% increase from a year ago, according the Zoopla’s latest figures.
So what makes this village so incredibly attractive to buyers and why do people continue to pay seven figures plus to live at this coveted address? Specialist local estate agent, Barton Wyatt, has compiled a top ten list of insights into this very special village.
- Wealth attracts wealth
It is true that wealth attracts wealth and this can certainly be said of Wentworth. The prestige of living in the same street as a top golfer, a king or a TV star is certainly something special. And there are no shortages of celebrities and captains of industry dotted around the Wentworth estate. This is not a middle class housing estate where the Joneses try to outdo the Smiths: in Wentworth all the residents are either wealthy or they are staff.
- The green green grass of home
Anyone that has had the pleasure of visiting the Wentworth Club to watch the European PGA tour and wandered the hallowed fairways will have been amazed by the leafiness and luxuriance of the estate. It is completely understandable why in 1923 WG Tarrant embarked on creating this unique estate. Despite the fact that many mansions have access directly onto the four golf courses on Wentworth, it is virtually impossible to see most of the houses from the greens. The abundance of vegetation and foliage between the spectators and the mansions ensures that their privacy remains entirely intact.
- The Wentworth Club
Members of this distinguished club are likely to feel rather privileged to be a part of something that is so spectacularly British and yet completely international at the same time. There are several historical codes of conduct which one must abide by: all basically around the use of mobile phones and appropriate clothing – jeans are not allowed, strict clothing codes for particular sports and some hats are permissive but absolutely never a baseball cap worn the wrong way round. Traditions like this are tolerated by the members as it creates an air of undeniably English peculiarity.
In addition to world class golf, the Wentworth Club offers tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, plentiful activities for mums and kids and of course an extremely delicious fine-dining experience comparable to Caprice and The Ivy, as they are all part of the same company.
- Shopper’s paradise
Shopping in Virginia Water offers everything a small parade of shops should do, taking care of all those routine daily needs. Meanwhile, a 10 minute drive takes you to up-market Ascot or the wonderful High Street of Windsor, which is packed with interesting boutiques, delicious delis and a plethora of great places to eat.
- Easy commute to London
Every commuter’s dream is to achieve a door-to-door journey in under an hour and many residents are able to do just this. Six trains depart daily between 6.45 and 7.45 am for the early birds, whisking commuters directly to London Waterloo with no changes and in as little as 42 minutes.
- Schools
A major driver for many people moving house is access to good schools and the abundance of schools in and around Virginia Water extends to a rather long list. The best option is talk to the local estate agents for advice; the Barton Wyatt sales team has years of experience in advising on schools in the area both for their own children and their clients’.
Regardless of whether families are looking for a small private school, a grammar or a distinguished public school, there are choices close by. It is worth mentioning that both TASIS and ACS are very close and popular with international parents who reside on the Wentworth Estate. These two schools take international pupils from all around the world and educate them predominantly to the American education system, which ensures easy entry for higher education globally.
- A haven of peace and tranquillity
Buyers moving to the area will love the peace and tranquillity that pervades the sleepy lanes of Virginia Water. The density of woodland and greenery brings with it an abundance of wildlife, birds and insects. They too will love living in the area where the air is clean and they can thrive in this rural retreat. The lake at Virginia Water, part of ‘the Royal Landscape’ was first damned in 1753 . Until the creation of the great reservoirs, it was the largest man-made body of water in the British Isles. This beautiful setting has lured many species of both fauna and flora to the area.
- Keeping busy
Moving to a new area is often daunting as people are leaving friends and family behind and forging new relationships. However moving to an area with lots of things to do makes this process much easier.
It is not just golf and the Wentworth Club that keep Virginia Water going, there are clubs for all sports. Angling, cricket, football, rowing, swimming, polo – the list is endless! For children there are Cubs, Guides and Scouts, not to mention the junior sports teams that run year-in year-out. Alternatively for bigger days out visit Windsor Castle, Legoland, Thorpe Park, Savill Gardens and many, many more attractions that are right on the doorstep.
- Space to breathe
Existing covenants on the Wentworth Estate have stopped developers buying up the wonderfully large plots and building lots of houses or ‘in-filling’. This has meant that privacy is still optimised on the Estate and each plot retains substantial grounds. It has also guaranteed that the Estate is still exclusive and kept prices high: the fewer the houses, the more desirable they are. Many have likened Wentworth to Beverley Hills –large spacious plots with majestic houses, long drives and discrete ironwork gates all part of the mystery.
10. Great community spirit
With its very own community association, the good folk of Virginia Water are able to be involved in their local area as much as they wish. Helping with the annual Christmas party and lighting of not one but two Christmas trees which is a firm favourite for villagers. Events like these turn a village into a community and if you want to get involved you will be welcomed with open arms!
For more information on the stock of wonderful houses that are available to rent or purchase from Barton Wyatt, contact the helpful team on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk
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