Winchester
Dominated by its iconic cathedral, one of the largest in Europe, Winchester is a delightful city which makes most of its beautiful natural environment and its status as the official capital of the county of Hampshire.
Nestled at the western end of the South Downs National Park, the city often finds itself in the top three of ‘best places to live in the UK’ guides – unsurprising, given its healthy mix of wonderful architecture, modern facilities and a strong economy.
What a Property Buying Agent Can Purchase
£1m buys: A five-bedroom new house or a four-bedroom detached, grade II listed property.
£2m buys: A six-bedroom detached house on the outskirts or a five-bedroom Victorian house, within walking distance of the city centre.
£3m buys: A none-bedroom detached Victorian house, within walking distance of the city centre.
Best Hotels in Winchester
Lainston House (https://www.exclusive.co.uk/lainston-house) is a beautiful 17th Century hotel, just on the outskirts of the city, with luxurious suites and award-winning dining. Hotel du Vin (https://www.hotelduvin.com/locations/winchester) offers all one would expect from this chain of smart, funky hotels. Marwell Hotel (http://www.marwellhotel.co.uk) is a family-run establishment which prides itself on its distinctive surroundings and exceptional service.
Best Restaurants in Winchester
Brasserie Blanc (https://brasserieblanc.com/restaurants/winchester) is a fabulous spot over two floors offering French classics worthy of the great man Raymond Blanc who owns the chain. The Chesil Rectory (https://www.chesilrectory.co.uk/) offers modern British cuisine in a remarkable medieval setting. Another famous foodie face lending his name to a great restaurant in the city is Rock Stein, whose eaterie boasts a fabulous array of fish and seafood and some modern classics (http://www.rickstein.com).
Best Schools in Winchester
Peter Symonds College (https://www.psc.ac.uk) is one of the few specialists sixth form colleges in the country which also offers boarding. The Pilgrims School (http://www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk) is am independent boys’ preparatory school with a first class academic and pastoral record. St Swithun’s (https://www.stswithuns.com) is an independent day, weekly and full boarding school for girls aged from nursery to sixth form.
Buying Agents Fact
Listen out for the bells chiming out at 8pm every day in Winchester because it’s time to go home! This custom dates back to medieval times and was originally used as a curfew bell for the residents of Winchester.
How to Get to Winchester from Central London
Train: 1 hour to London Waterloo
Car: 1½ hours to central London, using the M3