Guildford
Unofficially the ‘capital’ of the county of Surrey, Guildford benefits both from its leafy location on the edge of greater London and its relative proximity to the city via the excellence of its road and rail links.
Although often referred to as a city, Guildford remains a town, despite many attempts to apply for city status. Its significant population enjoy the mix of excellent environment, historic streets and buildings and there are a wide-ranging choice of properties to purchase, from wonderful flats to historic homes with breathing space.
What a Property Buying Agent Can Purchase
£1m buys: A -five-bedroom detached house on a fairly new estate or a three-bedroom detached house in the more sought-after areas.
£2m buys: A four-bedroom detached house, or a six-bedroom detached period house in a nearby village.
£3m buys: A six-bedroom detached house, in grounds.
Best Hotels in Guildford
The Guilford Harbour Hotel (harbourhotels.co.uk) enjoys a wonderful town centre position and is another excellent hotel from this burgeoning group, offering super cool interiors and fine dining. Wotton House (https://www.phcompany.com) is an excellent country estate hotel which has been modernised and refurbished and offers superb accommodation. The Asperion Hillside (http://asperionhotels.com/hillside) is an award-winning four star guest house with the emphasis on a friendly welcome in deluxe, boutique surroundings.
Best Restaurants in Guildford
Head to La Casita (www.lacasitarestaurant.org) for wonderful, authentic Spanish tapas dishes served in a lovely setting. Blue Sardinia (www.bluesardinia.co.uk) is a family-run restaurant, offering traditional Sardinian cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant at the Mandolay Hotel (www.guildford.com) justifiably offers two AA rosettes for its fine cuisine, accompanied by exceptional service.
Best Schools in Guildford
The Royal Grammar School (www.rgs-guildford.co.uk) offers independent schooling for boys aged 11 to 18 and has a fine reputation in Surrey and beyond. Lanesborough School (www.lanesborough.surrey.sch.uk) is an independent school for boys aged 3 to 13 and is well regarded for its focus on academic achievement. Tormead School (www.tormeadschool.org.uk) is an independent school for girls aged 4 to 18 and proudly boasts of the academic achievements of its pupils, whilst operating in a caring environment.
Buying Agent Fact
Charles Dodgson, better known as Lewis Carroll, wrote Through The Looking Glass whilst living in the town. A sculpture of Alice and the looking glass is sited in the town’s castle grounds.
How to Get to Guildford from Central London
Train: 40 mins to Waterloo
Car: 1 hour to central London