Strutt & miParker appointed selling agents of new Millgate homes located in top rural area for quality of life
Achieving that perfect work-life balance is the ultimate goal for many and where you live plays a big part in this quest. One area which stands out as offering the best quality of life of any rural area in Great Britain is the borough of Waverley in Surrey which topped the 2013 Halifax Rural Areas Quality of Life survey.
Taking its name from Waverley Abbey which was reputedly the first Cistercian abbey in England, this heavily wooded borough in south east England contains an area of outstanding natural beauty, Blackheath Common and is bordered by the North Downs.
Waverley residents are fit and healthy in the main, with an average male life expectancy of 80.6 years and 96.7% of the population reporting general good health. Many are comparatively wealthy, enjoying high weekly average earnings of £888 and an employment rate of 79.9% – both substantially above the UK average of £609 per week and 70.2% respectively.
Looking to house prices, often an indication of the affluence of an area, homes in Waverley are worth 5.6 times local annual gross earnings, some way below the average house price to earnings ratio for all rural areas of 6.0.
Martin Ellis, housing economist at Halifax, said:
“While Waverley is not the top area in any one indicator, its strength is that it performs strongly across the board. The average resident has a high weekly income, enjoys above average health and life expectancy and low crime rates. But while they also benefit from a big home with central heating, living there does not come with a hefty price tag, with house prices relative to earnings below the average for rural areas.”
Within this ‘super borough’ the market town of Farnham stands out not only as the largest settlement but also due to its rich history, strong transport links, first class amenities and desirable homes. Birthplace of British cricket legend Graham Thorpe and home club of a junior Jonny Wilkinson, Farnham enjoys a sporting heritage with facilities for rugby, football, cricket, hockey, swimming and golf all on hand.
Located just 42 miles south west of London with direct rail links to the capital and Farnborough airport merely 15 minutes’ drive, Farnham is home to some 38,000 residents and is a popular commuter town. It is also the location of award-winning developer, Millgate’s new collection of stunning detached country homes which will be marketed by local agent, Strutt & Parker.
Roger Wade, Partner of the Farnham branch comments on the much anticipated homes,
“This new development occupies a private sylvan setting within the village of Lower Bourne just south of Farnham, only a few minutes’ walk from local shops, a highly sought after school, doctors surgery, green and tennis courts. There is a very strong demand for quality new build houses in this area but tight planning guidelines have kept new development to a minimum.
“In 2010 we sold a similar scheme of 3 houses for Millgate also in The Bourne and they all sold exceptionally well. Buyers really appreciated the design, quality and workmanship that went into each individual house. Their attention to detail is second to none.”
All three stunning homes are set over three floors with five bedrooms and four bathrooms. The living space has been created to give a wonderfully versatile layout to suit family needs with the kitchen and bathrooms fitted with top-end luxury appliances that will be admired by all. State-of-the-art 21st century technology blended with traditional handcrafted refinement sets these homes apart from other homes in the area.
With a guide price from £1,800,000 for more information please contact Roger Mead at Strutt & Parker on 01252 821102.