What’s special

An historic market town with a vibrant and varied High Street, independent antique and craft shops, and clothing boutiques. “Reigate has a south-west London feel to it, with plenty of young mummies and their children frequenting restaurants and cafés,” says Savills’ David Semple.

Nature

Castle Grounds for picnics, walking and riding in the enveloping Surrey Hills, British Military Fitness boot camps held at Priory Park, Gatton Park – landscaped by Capability Brown – and Reigate Fort, built to protect London.

Connections

Train runs from 33 minutes to Victoria and London Bridge from Reigate and neighbouring Redhill, and easy access to the Gatwick Express. Second-class annual season ticket: £2,748.

Schools

Reigate, Reigate Grammar, Reigate Priory, Reigate St Mary’s, Micklefield, and state boarding school Royal Alexandra & Albert.

Property prices

With house price growth hitting 42% from 2005 to 2105, Lucian Cook, Savills’ head of residential research, tips the East Surrey borough of Reigate and Banstead as a hotspot. Semple adds that a good mix of character terraces and large detached houses from £500,000 to £3 million provides a good deal of choice. “People out of London with £1 million to spend are searching in villages outside of town,” he observes. Average Reigate price is £595,155, according to Zoopla.

Hot tips

“Be adventurous and look to the villages outside Reigate, as values have gone up in town.” David Semple, Savills

“The quintessential three B villages – Betchworth, Buckland and Brockham – offer ‘proper’ houses, from 15^th-century cottages and large piles, up to serious estates.” Tim Harriss, Knight Frank