What is Grayshott, Hasselmere, South Farnham and Virgina Water like ?

[Hampstar]

Hi,

DH and I are looking to move to Surrey.

Not important -

-cheapest area, as we can afford something more towards the lower end of market in each of those locations.

• Schools - no kids and plan to move overseas in a few years.

• Work - DH is self -employed, so none of those areas will impact on his work.

Important

• Super fast Broadband - fibre.
• would like to be not too far from some shops / good pub and restaurants and cinema
• relatively affluent, only because I'm starting a business when I move and of course want people who can afford to spend!

Don't want an area where there is too much traffic which is why I wouldn't move to Guildford.

Virgina Water - the Windsor country park is a very big draw for me and the main reason for wanting to live in Virgina Water. I love going there. Doesn't seem to be much in the way of shops? I guess I'd need to shop at Windsor / Woking? It's not far Frimley Park Hospital which I like.

Haven't been to Grayshott & Hasselmere, yet but people tell me it is lovely. Not sure what there is in the way of supermarkets, pubs, restaurants and general shops.

Likewise, haven't really had a proper look around Farnham but know it's a market town.

So I'm keen to hear your experinces of living in these areas. Do you find you have lots of things to do? Where do you do your shopping? I don't want to go somewhere and just be sitting in a pretty area, bored.

I can speak for the first 3 places - but not Virginia Water!

Haslemere and Farnham both fairly affluent, but it depends on what kind of business you're starting. Its wall to wall with interior designers, for instance.

Grayshott has a large selection of old people living there, so several opticians, hairdressers etc etc, but also private prep school. Couple of take aways - local pub which suits some, but not others...

Restaurants - Farnham is your best bet. Haslemere has a couple of pubs and restaurants (Pizza Express/ Ask etc)

Cinema - monthly (I think) in Haslemere, and Farnham has The Maltings which regularly shows films. If you want the latest blockbusters, its Aldershot or Guildford.

Traffic can be slow in Farnham at rush hour, but it moves. Neither Grayshott or Haslemere big enough for a rush hour.

South Farnham v expensive due to very good state schools - bear that in mind for buying or renting.

What kind of business will you set up? What does your DH do?

As for broadband, I think it depends on the proximity of the property to the nearest exchange - or maybe telecomms cupboard?

PM me if you want more specific info.

South Farnham is affluent but the house prices are ridiculous because of the train but also because of the schools. No point paying for a catchment area you don't need. Also, full of kids!

I live in Farnham, though not South, and am very happy here. I also love Godalming if that's helpful?

This is very helpful. I think we can rule out South Farnham, I don't want to pay extra for schools I will never use. Farnham seems the most attractive option so far.

I think you should look at Godalming - also not cheap, but lovely and it has nice cafès and boutiquey shops.