Why live there: Walton is consistently overshadowed by its more glitzy Surrey neighbours, which Alan Gout, a director of Michael Everett estate agents, believes is largely down to its lack of a station. The station is at Tadworth, a mere mile away. This small difference makes Tadworth more attractive to commuters but Walton is much prettier and very undervalued.
“It is a lot more rural, more of a typical English village with a green and a pond,” he says. The village has a couple of shops, and a small supermarket is due to open next year. There are three pubs, restaurants and a primary school that’s rated “outstanding” by government watchdog Ofsted. Seniors have a choice of high-performing schools in nearby Reigate, Dorking and Banstead.
Walton sits at the peak of the North Downs, so walkers, cyclists and horse riding fans will be in their element. Walton Heath Golf Club has hosted the Ryder Cup. Gatwick Airport is only 15 minutes away but there is no aircraft noise and just a rumble of traffic noise from the M25 in winter when the trees are bare of leaves.
Property in the village dates back to the 16th century, but much of it was built to service the golf club. A two- to three-bedroom Victorian workers’ cottage would cost from around £300,000, while for £1 million you could buy a four-bedroom detached family home from the same period. You can have the manor house with 10 bedrooms and 10 acres for £10 million.
By prime Surrey prices Walton looks like something of a bargain. “Walton is very undervalued compared with places like Elmbridge,” says Gout. “It is 10 miles away and half the price. Elmbridge has some better shops and its own stations, but I don’t think it’s a problem for Walton residents to walk a mile home to such good value property.”
- WALTON-ON-THE-HILL, SURREY
- Annual season ticket: £2,224 (from Tadworth Station)
- Journey time: 47 minutes to London Bridge
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