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Havant gives commuters a wealth of lifestyle options

Posted 5 December 2016 by Ben Salisbury

Whether it's the beach, countryside or a thriving market town you like to live near too, Havant offers commuters a wealth of lifestyle options on its doorstep

Havant is near the coast between the cities of Chichester and Portsmouth perfect for commuters with London Waterloo and Victoria stations reached within a 90 minute direct journey from the town.

Most of the town centre is a conservation area which developed from a junction of ancient thoroughfares dating from Roman times.  In the 1086 Domesday Book, the town was recorded to have two mills, 10 swine and a population of 20 households.

Today Havant is a thriving market town, with an array of Georgian buildings and narrow footpaths known as the ‘Twittens’. The picturesque fishing village of Emsworth and the traditional seaside resort Hayling Island which is well-known for its unspoilt beaches and laidback charm are nearby.

The borough council is pushing ahead with a programme of house building in the area alongside improved infrastructure including new roads, schools and community amenities to meet the growing need for new homes.

The town centre is home to the Meridian shopping mall with 30 Stores fronting onto a pedestrian precinct in West Street, with an interesting blend of specialist retailers and high street names. Havant street market comes to the town centre on Tuesday and Saturday every week. The market offers a comprehensive range of produce stalls from clothes, fruit and vegetables, tools, artists' materials, continental cuisine, greetings cards and flowers. There is a Hampshire Farmers' Market in nearby Emsworth every month.

One of Havant’s most popular attractions for families is the award-winning Staunton Country Park featuring a huge greenhouse with exotic plants, a maze and animals at the Ornamental Farm. The 13-mile Staunton Way finishes at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park in the beautiful South Downs National Park.

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre offers a full programme of theatre, music, cinema, visual arts and workshops for all ages. It also has a museum, café / shop and craft displays. Havant Leisure Centre has swimming pools, a gym, sauna, steam room and a full range of keep fit activities. Havant also has access to extensive cycling and walking routes along the South coast, as well as many different water sports.

There is a good choice of primary schools including Barncroft Infant School, Bidbury Infant School, Bosmere Junior School and Front Lawn Junior School. Secondary schools include Havant College, located just to the north of the town centre which performs consistently well at AS/A-level. Independent schools serving the area include Kingscourt Primary School, West Hill Park School and Wykeham Park School.

A monthly season ticket to London Waterloo costs £511.20 from Havant (£5,324 annually) with the fastest journey time of 1hr 23 minutes. Trains to London Victoria take 1hr 51 minutes (£448.90 monthly, £4,676 annually);  Portsmouth & Southsea takes 15 minutes (£82.60 monthly, £860 annually); Chichester takes 11 minutes (£71.10 monthly, £740 annually); fastest trains to Southampton Central takes 39 minutes (£212.80 monthly, £2,216 annually).

London is 70 miles from Havant via the A3, taking around two hours by car. The A27 allows access to most of the South coast including Chichester, Brighton and Portsmouth. Southampton Airport is the closest international airport to Havant and is easily accessible by train. London Gatwick is 52 miles away via the A29, and Heathrow is 67 miles away via the M3.

Here’s a round-up of great new homes to buy in Havant:

Barton’s Rise (Linden Homes) – A selection of two-bedroom semi-detached homes and three-, four- and five-bedroom semi-detached and detached homes near the lively, growing town of Havant. Havant Train Station is just over a mile away providing regular direct services into London, Portsmouth and Southampton. Prices from £250,000. More details at www.lindenhomes.co.uk; 02392 800457

Barton's Rise (Linden Homes)

One Eight Zero (David Wilson Homes) - This development in Bedhampton Hill offers a superb choice of four- and five-bedroom family homes. The Ula style property has three receptions, five-bedrooms, two ensuite and uninterrupted views over Langstone Harbour. Prices from £999,999. For more information visit www.dwh.co.uk; 0844 5710385.

One Eight Zero (DW Homes)

The Oyster (Barratt) - Hayling Island is the location for this development of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes perfect for first-time buyers, young professionals and family buyers. Homes available include the three-bedroom Barwick and the larger four-bedroom Chesham. Prices from £275,000. For further details visit www.barratthomes.co.uk; 0844 5710385.

Oysters (Barratt Homes)

Apsley Lodge (Churchill Retirement Living) - Located in the town of Waterlooville, this development of 27 one- and two-bedroom apartments is ideally placed for the town centre shops and amenities. Surrounded by the Hampshire countryside Havant is within a short drive of the historic waterfront city of Portsmouth. Prices from £200,950. Find out more about Hayling Island from Churchill Retirement Living 

Apsley Lodge (Churchill)

Hayling Island (McCarthy & Stone) - Offering high-end, luxury living these apartments are carefully designed to cater to the needs of those entering retirement. The development features a range of both one and two bedroom apartments. Hayling Island is located just off the south coast with convenient access to Havant and Portsmouth. Prices on application. Find out more about Apsley Lodge from McCarthy & Stone 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Hayling Island (McCarthy & Stone)​​​​​
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