Moving to Ashford, Surrey

[MiddleClassProblem]

ANY INFO WELCOME including nearby areas to look at.

Does anybody know what it's like? Recommend good schools, places to eat? Where to walk the dogs?

We have a 20 month old so looking for nursery upwards. DH works in Osterley so it's a great location for us, currently commuting from Berkshire and it's not fun (2hrs tonight thanks to M4 traffic). I grew up in Richmond and lived in Teddington in my early 20s but don't know areas further out very well.

[MiddleClassProblem]

Late night bump

[NormHonal]

You might have more luck if you title the thread "Ashford, Middlesex". It's not really in Surrey despite what the estate agents say .

Not been near the area for some time (lived nearby for a while) but would suggest looking at Egham and Old Windsor for starters, and some parts of Staines. Chertsey perhaps?

[MiddleClassProblem]

Lol I know it is Surrey on every thing I look at though, buses, trains. It is officially Surrey but I know regarded as Middlesex (lived in teddington, put Middlesex on my address despite it not accurate)

[MiddleClassProblem]

We want to move back to London and feel old Windsor/egham might be far out. Will look at Staines too.

[NormHonal]

Personally I wouldn't choose Ashford. Would rather not say more as it will be too identifying. I would choose Staines or Sunbury over Ashford.

[MiddleClassProblem]

Is sunbury nice? I can't tell if there is much there. Also not sure where sunbury ends and feltham begins if that area is ok as you get much more for your money there but is that because it is too feltham?

[dietcokeandwine]

Both Ashford and Sunbury are pretty mixed (rather like Feltham) and parts of them are grim...shopping areas tired and grotty and a bit depressing (though some nice roads / houses too). Staines, Shepperton, Chertsey would all be better options imo.

[MiddleClassProblem]

Thanks guys, will have a look. Looked at West Molesey too but it felt a bit like a through way to East Molesey. Walton is nice but the houses mostly seem to be in housing estate rabbit warrens with very limited parking

[BagelGoesWalking]

Have you looked at Hersham and/or Byfleet? Don't know if they would be too far away for you... Between much more expensive areas like Esher, Weybridge and Cobham but far less snobby!

Good schools and transport links in both areas. Of course, prices have gone up in recent years but parts of Byfleet, in particular, are still good value.

[MiddleClassProblem]

Will look at Byfleet. We looked at Hersham before moving out here and loved it but not much seems to be popping up in that area at the mo.

[specialsubject]

The east-er parts of west molesey are a far better bet than ashford. You get nicer river, a bit less traffic and open space. Walkable to hampton court too .

Commute will be hellish as the whole area is solid, but at least it will be shorter.

[MiddleClassProblem]

DH works early hours to avoid m4 traffic and thinks he will keep them on with the move. I do prefer the northern, river side (smaller gardens though) but visiting both west Molesey and Ashford, the former seemed more run down. The closer to East Molesey the prices double.

[specialsubject]

ah yes. The west-er bits are, shall we say, not as desirable.

[MiddleClassProblem]

If I had the money to live in East Molesey I would be looking around Kingston Gate tbh

[Theorchard]

Thames Ditton?
Are you renting or buying?
Twickenham?

[MiddleClassProblem]

Buying. Can't afford Twickers but occasionall something pops up in Whitton but in sewage smell areas, winning! Can't afford Thanes Ditton either.

[situatedknowledge]

There is lots of new building in Sunbury not cheap though. I have a friend who lives in Hanworth park. We tease her about it being Feltham but it is really nice - lots of house for your money. Very leafy. Schools might be tricky though?

[MiddleClassProblem]

I can afford Hanworth park and schools are horrendous!

[MiddleClassProblem]

Sorry I meant aren't! The schools are not horrendous!

Fail

[Theorchard]

How long a commute is your dh prepared to do, and can you give us some idea of beds/budget?

[MiddleClassProblem]

3 bed, pref the the smallest room you can get a double bed in, even if you just have to clamber on from the bottom or one side £425k and I'd say max 40 mins to Osterley with no traffic (which is what we are now but has to drive as train is pricy so other transport options good to Syon lane or for me into London to see peeps).

[MiddleClassProblem]

Also decent garden as we have 2 dogs and a toddler to share the space

[Theorchard]

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-60808874.html
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-55635157.html
Great schools, lots of families, national trust land, fast trains from Leatherhead and effingham to London.
42min to Osterley, no traffic.
www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-61405304.html
Also fetcham for all the same reasons.
Guildford and cobham both good for eating out.
Your dh would have to drive to work, but London is easy on the train.

[Theorchard]

I know these are a bit over your budget, but I bet you could make an offer, the market has slowed since brexit vote.

[Popscene21]

What about Osterley itself? The park is lovely. Or isleworth? I guess St Margarets would be too pricey?