Amersham Bucks

[HuntyGirl]

DH and I are looking for a new house in this area. I work in London so will be good for the commute.

Through my research, I see that there is Old Amersham and Amersham on the Hill/New Amersham. Old Amersham is more expensive but New Amersham is more convenient for travel into London etc. We are therefore looking at New Amersham for commutability.

My question is, is Amersham broken down further into smaller areas other than these two? Or is it literally only these two distinct areas? I would be grateful for any guidance on areas to avoid or what is better generally from those who know/have experience. Thanks!

There are catchments for the more sought after primary schools, if that is a factor,

Prep school is most likely for us but would be good to know the most sought after primary schools just in case?

So in general the main split is just between Old and New? And then school catchments is a consideration?

If you intend to enter for 11+ state grammar test prep school may mot be the best route unless they prep for it specifically,

We are looking at The Beacon and Heatherton. From what I understand, they do prep specifically for 11+ and their destination schools are a high percentage of the surrounding grammars?

Old Amersham and New Amersham are quite different to each other.

Like all places there are areas within the towns ie the hill, the town centre etc. There are also the nicer roads and the less desirable, but you get that everywhere surely.

@Lindy2 I agree you get that everywhere. I was just trying to understand whether there was anywhere to avoid in New Amersham but from the responses thus far, it doesn't seem so

@TizerorFizz - I noticed you on another Amersham thread and thought you may be able to assist?

@staycaysandvacays I will try.
@HuntyGirl
Old Amersham is the old town of Amersham. It has many timbered buildings, very pleasant shops and the older church. It’s more expensive because it’s very attractive. Been there today for lunch!

Amersham on the Hill is Metroland. It’s the end of the Metropolitan line and also has the Chiltern Line for quick access into London. Essentially it grew because of the railway. It has some hidden modernist houses near the station.

There are lots of desirable roads in Amersham on the Hill. If you look around Heatherton House and The Beacon, every road is desirable. Go towards Chesham Bois and it’s very pleasant. You might also consider Little Chalfont but the ribbon development between the two isn’t as nice. Nor the area around Raans Road. Houses around the Dr Challoners Grammar are pleasant and handy for the station and the prep schools.

Popular primary schools were always Chestnut Lane and Elangeni. Chesham Bois and St Mary’s, Old Amersham were always popular too. Little Chalfont was always sought after but no school is poor. Ones with a mixed past are now great. I think the Beacon offers more than Heatherton, in my view, but if you live near these schools you accept that position. The Beacon goes to y8. The equivalent prep is Godstowe at High Wycombe for girls. Offers more than Heatherton but you won’t like the drive!

Plenty of dc get to the grammars from the state schools. You would get DCGS, DCGS or Chesham Grammar but do check the catchments. The sought after secondary is The Amersham School. Private secondaries are not in abundance! Most girls would go to Pipers Corner or Wycombe Abbey. Boys? Not much available.

TizerorFizz great answer! Sums it up perfectly. There's also some very nice property in Little Chalfont, you're one stop nearer on the tube and also in the Challoners' catchment.

I'd look at Berkhamsted and MTS for private boys secondaries. Both have their merits versus each other.

Berkhamsted is co Ed at 6th form. You are right. It’s the only choice for boys.

Thank you @TizerorFizz that's so helpful! All noted and will discuss further with the estate agent. We're looking for a 3 bed semi for around £650-£680k. So definitely won't be Old Amersham.

There is an Amersham Hospital but it seems to have a very limited offering. Is it essentially an outpatient's hospital? (If you know!)

@HuntyGirl Various clinics and a few wards. No A&E. I think that’s at High Wycombe.

Some of the areas I’ve mentioned won’t have semis. However if you look in the roads near the leisure centre, you will find some. Other roads off Stanley Avenue have semis too.

Nearest a and e is Wexham park (Slough) or Stoke Mandeville. Amersham is more outpatients clinics.

Lincoln Park near Amersham school might have semis in that price bracket, up the hill towards the town centre would be more and need work,

Thanks @TizerorFizz and @LIZS - so would be going to Stoke Mandeville for maternity services I imagine?

We saw this house recently and liked it - www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/86386536 . It seems to be cheaper than a lot of other things on the market (not that there's much at the minute anyway. Hoping it picks up in the new year). We were wondering if this was a nice enough road/area? Or there was something to be wary of?

I think maternity used to be at High Wycombe. Not sure now! I’m a bit nearer to Stoke Mandeville so went there.

The house you linked to is near Chestnut Lane, so desirable.

That is fairly typical of the area. 15-20 minute walk to station. However kids there would usually attend Woodside or Chestnut Lane school.

Thanks both ☺️ @TizerorFizz @LIZS

We also are interested in these (pending internal photos of the third) - www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/140253047 / www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/86454045 / www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/139738967

We are concerned that these may be overpriced? If so, we may view and offer lower but based on what you've said they seem to be well located.

Thanks so much for all your help! It's been quite difficult as we know no one in the area but it seems to be a great place for us to move to as I work near the end of the Met Line and my husband will be able to get a job in north London. Also, great schools and good mix of things to do and close to the countryside. This has really helped us to collect our thoughts x

Both Station Road and Stanley Hill are busy roads. You need a decent garden to compensate for limited front outdoor space and noise.

We were wondering if this was a nice enough road/area? Or there was something to be wary of?

It's fine but arguably not the nicest part of Amersham. Property around Plantation Road is more of a mixed bag - by Amersham standards that is, it's all perfectly pleasant.

I prefer the area around Highland Road/Batchelors Way which is more traditional Met style but the prices reflect that.

if you want to get a feel for the area have a look at
https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/buckinghamshire/amersham/

Thanks ☺️ have already seen this but it's really helpful!

That’s the obvious attractions of the Amersham area.

I feel your money won’t get you into the best areas. Good enough areas have great schools and there’s actually no need to pay.

@HuntyGirl The Mortens Wood house is St George’s Infants and Woodside Junior. I imagine the same for Stanley Hill. Station Road is probably St Mary’s in Old Amersham.