Virginia Water

The Town

For those whose property search takes them to Surrey, this leafy commuter village in the north of the county is the most expensive place outside London to buy a house. Its name is shared with the lake in Windsor Great Park, which forms the western boundary of the village. Virginia Water is close to the M25, M3 and M4 motorways, and Heathrow is just seven miles away, to the north east.

Virginia Water is home to around 6,000 people, and property finders will confirm that most residents live on the Wentworth Estate. The village is also known as the home of the Wentworth Club, the first location of the Ryder Cup and the Headquarters of the PGA European Tour. Buying agents will be happy to confirm that the area is especially popular with millionaires of many nationalities.  

Travel

The railway station within the estate gives property finders and property buyers alike easy access to London Waterloo, as well as Clapham Junction, Feltham, Reading, Richmond, Staines, Twickenham, Vauxhall, and Weybridge. There is easy access to the M25 and M3 motorways and the A30 London Road.

The History

Originally, Virginia Water was probably only a stream, and the theory is that it was named in honour of Elizabeth I, the “Virgin Queen”. The first known written reference to Virginia was in a 1656 Egham parish register of burials. In 1746 the Duke of Cumberland, Ranger of the Park, began work to turn the stream into a lake. In 1856 the railway station opened, and a small amount of housing was built nearby.

The Wentworth Estate itself is built on land once owned by the brother of the Duke of Wellington, land which, in the 18th century, consisted of Wentworths, a large house, and a small estate. Master builder W.G. Tarrant worked with Harry Colt, architect of golf courses, to develop the estate; ask your buying agent about Tarrant’s design credentials, which also involved St George’s Hill in Weybridge.

Leisure and Events

The Wentworth Club is central to much of village life; Virginia Water also has its own football club and Ascot is nearby, as is Sunningdale golf course. The Virginia Water lake will delight property buyers who take pleasure in walking, running, or simply enjoying attractions like the Ornamental Cascade waterfall. The carved animals on the totem pole, a hundred feet high, fascinates children and adults alike. Cyclists and rollerbladers will also enjoy the area, which makes an ideal location for dog walking. Many of the paths around the lake are easily accessible to those with mobility issues.

Savill Garden in Windsor Great Park was created in the 1930s, and offers a stunning location to watch the seasons turn. There are 35 acres of gardens in total, including the New Zealand Garden, Summer and Autumn Woods, and the Glades. Take a break from your property search to enjoy one of the guided tours of the garden, including the recently added Royal Heritage Tour.

Your property finder will be happy to show you the High Street, which is relatively quiet. Local traders include bakers and boutiques, intimate coffee shops, and a small number of national chains and specialist stores. 

Education

There are two infant schools and one junior school in the locality. The nearest secondary schools are in Chertsey, Ascot and Egham; however, your buying agent will be happy to confirm that St John’s Wood is also in close proximity to two of the most highly regarded private schools in the country, Eton for boys and Heathfield for girls.

Celebrity Connections

Property buyers keen to know what celebrities have links with the area will be delighted to hear some of the many famous names who have been associated with the area. This includes singers Sir Elton John and Sir Cliff Richard, actress Diana Dors, television personality Sir Bruce Forsyth and golfer Sir Nick Faldo.

Foodies’ Corner

Italian cuisine is particularly popular in the area, including the charming café at the lake itself. You can also enjoy a meal at one of the local gastropubs, with or without a tankard of real ale to wash it down. Several local restaurants offer British seasonal fare, or enjoy a Chinese and Indian meal to help fuel your property search. Local businesses on the high street include a patisserie and a food hall on the high street.

Fun Fact

The Roman ruins at Virginia Water were imported from the Roman City of Lepis Magna in Libya in the early nineteenth century.