What’s Special

“Perfectly positioned in the heart of Surrey, Guildford and surrounding villages present a fine balance of urban and rural living,” says Foxtons’ Greg Nickson. Highlights: Guildford Castle, The Britannia and King’s Head pubs, Coffee Culture, March Hare brasserie, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, and extensive redevelopment of the Tunsgate Quarter. “Owners of The Ivy will take over two levels, including an al fresco dining terrace looking towards the castle,” notes Daniel Burstow of Strutt & Parker.

Nature

Queen Elizabeth Park with Esporta Health Club, Loseley Park, Polesden Lacey, Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey Sports Park, Pewley Down and Chantry Wood. Prime Purchase’s Paul Frost says the swathe between Guildford and Godalming, including Hascombe where you can walk through Rhododendron woodland, is popular. “In terms of outdoor activities, you’ll find Lycra left, right and centre”.

Connections

“There are plans to move the old bus station and redevelop the train station,” explains David Williams of Grantley Guildford. “Trains depart every 15 minutes to Waterloo, with the fastest run 37 minutes,” claims Savills’ Clive Moon. A new, proposed link road onto the A3 should speed up traffic – currently it’s a 25-minute run to Heathrow. Second-class annual season ticket: £3,496.

Schools

Royal Grammar School, St Catherine’s, Charterhouse, Guildford High School, St Peter’s Catholic School, George Abbot, Duke of Kent, Belmont Preparatory School, University of Surrey and University of Law.

Property prices

A one-bed flat starts at £290,000, while two-bedroom flats cost £400,000-plus, Nickson points out. Knight Frank’s Tim Harriss says: “Expect to pay from £500,000 for a four-bed house on the edge of town. I recently sold the most expensive house at £4.5 million in the centre.” His colleague Laura Hackney reports on two new schemes – six apartments and eight townhouses by Metes Homes from £695,000, and Linden Homes’ Swallowhurst, with two remaining five-bed houses from £1.35 million. Current average value of Guildford property is £583,930, according to Zoopla.

Hot tips

“Semi-rural Shalford’s close to town, while further out you find Wonersh and Shamley Green in the middle Surrey Hills. My favourite villages are more isolated Albury and Peaslake on top of the Downs where you get stunning views.” David Williams, Grantley Guildford

“Guildford station can get busy in the mornings, so consider travelling from nearby Witley or Milford to up your chances of getting a seat.” David Carter, online agency House

“There’s a large planning battle at Dunsfold Aerodrome. I’d caution prospective buyers to be wary of buying close by, unless the price is right.” Charlie Warner, Heaton & Partners

“Parts of Merrow to the east offer good quality and excellent access to good schools.” Clive Moon, Savills