What’s not to love about Ashtead in Surrey? From the ancient oaks adorning Ashtead Common, to the 12th century church of St Giles, it really is a wonderful place to live. With traditional community at its heart, don’t be surprised if complete strangers say hello as you pass by. Ashtead is still considered a village, even though its boundaries have been extended in recent years, and the independent retailers that dominate the village high street as well as a M & S Foodhall, only add to its appeal. If you’re looking for somewhere to live that is only 18 miles to London, but has a homely charm, Ashtead could be for you.
Ashtead, meaning ‘Homestead among the ash trees’ dates back to the Iron Age, making it one of the oldest and most historic settlements in Surrey. Originally a farm, it later became a Roman settlement – a Roman villa was discovered and excavated on Ashtead Common in the 1920s. The site is now a scheduled monument due to being a rare type of corridor villa, it also has an associated site and bathhouse for making tiles.
Ashtead is, in a way, self-contained, with its array of highly regarded shops including bakers, butchers, fishmonger and organic greengrocers to meet your daily needs, and there is also a health clinic, doctors, dentist and library. Built for the community after the First World War, the Peace Memorial Hall is ‘Where Ashtead Meets’, and is the home of many local groups including Ashtead Horticultural Society and Ashtead Choral Society. Living in Ashtead is about enjoying the outdoors, going for long walks in the 400 acres of Ashtead Common with its tree-lined avenues and woodland on the north side of the village. Due to its ancient oak trees and community of breeding birds, it is a designated Area of Special Interest.
After a hearty walk you may be in need of some refreshment, and you won’t be disappointed by the local pubs, such as The Leg of Mutton and Cauliflower, where you can enjoy a glass of craft ale with some delicious food – and your dog can come too! CoffeeActive is also highly recommended by the locals and is a regular haunt of cyclists looking to refuel with their tasty bagels and naughty-but-nice irresistible cake.
If you think that Ashtead sounds like an idyllic setting, you would be right. Sports and social activities are well catered for including the popular Cricket and Bowls Club, Squash and Tennis Club and the F45 Training gym for fitness. Social events include the ever-popular Village Day in June organised by the Rotary Club of Ashtead, and the Ashtead Village Trades Evening & Christmas Event, along with a vibrant church community.
Just minutes down the road is Epsom, home to the famous Derby Festival and Epsom Downs Racecourse, as well as a variety of exhibitions. Nearby attractions and leisure facilities include Bocketts Farm in Leatherhead, The National Trust’s Polesdon Lacey, and the Leatherhead Leisure Centre at Fetcham Grove.
Ashtead also boasts a wide variety of restaurants and cafes for all tastes including three Indian restaurants, an Italian and Chinese, and three fish and chip shops, along with the ever-popular Fat Bob’s Pizza.
Having a superb school close to home is a priority for many looking to move to Ashtead, and we have a number of Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ schools to choose from, depending on the catchment area, such as St Giles C of E, Barnett Wood Lane Infants, The Greville Primary School, and St Andrews Catholic Schools. Local private schools include City of London Freemen’s School, Downsend School, and St John’s in Leatherhead to name but a few.
Ashtead is ideally located, with Epsom and Leatherhead close by and being only 18 miles south of London. The train station, offers services to Waterloo, Victoria and London Bridge as well as Guildford and Horsham, so ideal for those looking for an easy commute. The nearest airport is London Gatwick. For UK-wide travel, junction 9 of the M25 is very close by, connecting you to many major motorways and UK cities as a result.