Merstham/Godstone/Bletchingley

[babypeach]

Hello

I wondered if people could share opinions/experiences of Merstham? We are currently looking at Bletchingley and Godstone and have seen a few properties in Merstham also.

We have visited all the areas and they all seem nice enough but would appreciate any tips etc on the feel of the areas or if anyone has experience of both primary and secondary schools.

We’re looking for a 3 bed with garage and have a budget of 600,000 absolutely max. Coming from a very grimy London borough with lots of crime so am aware that anywhere is likely to be an improvement but don’t want to be blind to faults!

Thanks very much in advance

I live I suspect in the grimy London Borough you are moving from and visit these places often.

Firstly, if commuting is on the radar please check the train links, they are just awful at the minute.

Merstham is a village of two halves, the old bit and new bit. Nice enough but overshadowed by Redhill/Reigate. Nice country side and walking though, love the Lake.

Bletchingley I don't really know other than the cafe, but Godstone is lovely and a bit bigger. Less motorway noise than Merstham too.

A friend moved and likes it but really notices the lack of diversity compared with where they were before. Especially in school. Not a reason not to move at all but she said it didn't occur to her until she moved and realised it wasn't there

Thankyou lefto! We drive to work and possibly on same line train wise (hence finding jobs that were driveable and wfh as it is just getting ridiculous getting trains anywhere!)

I am coming to see that Merstham is perceived to have the estates which are generally viewed as less nice and then the older bits. Predictably we are seeing much more in our price range in the less fancy bits ! Having said that where we live now is really not very nice in the town bit and I struggle to think it could be worse in these areas…

Godstone is a place that’s been on the cards for a while and Bletchingley seems to pop up now and then too so I thought I’d just do some digging and see what people who lived in or know the areas better than us think so your info is very helpful x

I used to live in nearby Reigate. Godstone and Bletchingley are both lovely - Godstone in particular. We used to go there a lot. Can't comment on schools though.

I'm nearby and it's all fine tbh, all nice areas. I personally find Merstham, Bletchingley and Godstone a bit quiet and 'in-betweeny' as they are all on the way to Caterham/Redhill/Reigate - but they are slightly under the budget of those larger areas so many people I think settle there and everywhere is only a short drive away.

The only public transport worth even attempting is trains, you need a car I'd say. Merstham is good for the London train - or Coulsdon South or Caterham or Redhill all fine - has been a bit rubbish in Covid but slowly coming back.

Many people use private schools in the area as there are lots but there are lots of state options - bit of a mixed bag but all fine or improving from what I hear.

Generally it's a really nice area to live in with easy access to London and lovely countryside. Diversity is definitely less developed than up the road even in Croydon/South London but improving slowly.

DD1 lives in Merstham on the Watercolour Estate. Loves it there and both boys are in good local primary. She commutes to Central London once a week for work.

I live in Godstone and it’s got a lovely community. The farm shop - Flower Farm holds events throughout the summer and there’s a lot of beautiful surrounding countryside. During lockdown I discovered loads of great walks and there’s also Divers Cove - a gorgeous wild swimming place with outdoor hot tubs. There’s a tennis club too. I love living here - downside is no train station and the bus links aren’t great either but I think think there are schools busses to the local secondary schools. There’s also a great Everyman cinema in Oxted.
I commute 3 days and so drive to Whyteleafe where you’ve got a choice of 2 train lines (Upper Warlingham or Whyteleafe) there’s places you can find free parking near both stations.

Thanks so much for everyone’s info it’s very much appreciated!

Xx

Sorry meant to ask skipppy1981 or anyone who has info about schools near Godstone in particular

I can see oxted school and de Stafford are coming up and most others seem to be independent or special schools…

Does anyone know where most secondary state puplils go?

Thanks !

Yep Oxted, De Stafford, and there are schools in Redhill which isn’t too far - St Bede’s is a church school in Redhill. I think there is also a new school recently opened in Merstham.

Thanks Skippy

From Godstone they tend to go to Oxted School or St Bedes in Redhill (church connection required) less so De Stafford in Caterham. Merstham is definitely in three parts - London Road/Quality Street/School hill/Nutfield Road, Watercolour and the estate centred around Portland Drive. Godstone village is very different to South Godstone,