Delightful new homes attracting buyers to leafy Dorking
Posted 13 February 2017 by
Keith OsborneThe historic market town of Dorking is just 20 miles from the capital enjoying fast rail links to London via a choice of three stations Dorking, Dorking West and Dorking Deepdene giving commuters a choice of stations depending on which side of the town they live.
Dorking is located in one of the most beautiful areas in the country bordering the North Downs and set in the Surrey Hills, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It’s surrounded by a string of popular villages including Betchworth, Mickleham and Newdigate.
A monthly season ticket to London Waterloo costs £246.20 from Dorking (£2,564 annually) with the fastest journey time of 51 minutes; Dorking West 1hr 19 minutes; Dorking Deepdene 1hr 16 minutes. Trains to London Victoria from Dorking take 55 minutes (£305.30 monthly, £3,180 annually); Gatwick Airport from Dorking Deepdene takes 24 minutes (£150.60 monthly, £1,568 annually); Fast trains to Guildford take 16 minutes (£146 monthly, £1,520 annually).
Dorking is located on the A24, just a few miles south of the junction with the M25 making easy journeys into London or towards the south coast. Gatwick is around 15 miles away and Heathrow airports 30 miles.
Dorking grew when it was a staging post on the Brighton Road in the 18th century with several coaching inns being established. Wheat and cattle markets were held in the High Street where the famous Dorking fowl were also sold. The ‘Dorking’ is the coat of arms of the District Council and a statue of the Dorking Cockerel stands proud on a roundabout at the entrance to the town.
St Martin's Walk shopping centre adjacent to the town’s main car park has a number of well-known chain stores. More specialist shops and banks are found in the High Street and South Street complemented by a small open-air shopping centre with cafés and farmers’ market. West Street, home to individual antique shops and antique centres, is the oldest street boasting buildings dating back to the 16th century. Supermarkets include Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.
Dorking hosts a number of festivals including an annual Arts Alive Festival with music, literature and visual arts. The Dorking Halls offer a range of facilities including a cinema and theatre. There is also a museum and a library in the town. Dorking Sports Centre offers a range of classes and a swimming pool. The Deepdene Trail is a walking trail, starting just 15 minutes from the town centre and station. Riding is popular on the many bridleways that connect the parklands, commons and woodlands. Cycling is also permitted on bridleways and there are designated cycle paths linking town and countryside. Box Hill has been a popular day trip destination for over a century and is now mostly owned and managed by the National Trust.
There’s an impressive choice of around 30 pubs many serving food and hosting comedy nights, jazz sessions and live music. Many of the restaurants and cafés in Dorking are independently owned. Denbies Wine Estate, England’s largest vineyard is situated on the outskirts of Dorking in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
Dorking has a good range of state primary and secondary schools. St Pauls and St Martin’s C of E Primary Schools and Ashcombe School for secondary level are popular choices. Independent schools include Belmont Prep, Box Hill School and Hurtwood House which all offer day and boarding places. East Surrey College for further education is located in the town.
Here’s a round-up of great new homes to buy in Dorking:
Little Logmore (Millwood Designer Homes) - Located on the edge of Dorking, this development is surrounded by the picturesque Surrey Hills and comprises five three-bedroom terraced homes and two three-bedroom semi-detached homes. Each property offers open-plan living and dining areas with bi-fold doors opening into stylish garden rooms. The homes include access to car parking facilities, either a private garage or car barn. Prices from £570,000. Find out more about Millwood Designer Homes |  |
Swallowhurst (Linden Homes) – This range of five- and six-bedroom homes have large gardens and are designed and built to a premium and fully inclusive specification. Set in 33 acres of established woodland, Swallowhurst is within a mile and a half of the village of Cranleigh and within driving distance of Dorking. Prices from £1.35m. Find out more about Swallowhurst from Linden Homes |  |
Westvale Park (Crest Nicholson) - A traditional collection of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses together with two-bedroom apartments, perfectly positioned in Horley yet close to Dorking. Help to Buy is available on selected plots. Prices from £239,960. Find out more about Westvale Park from Crest Nicholson |  |
Dunkeld Place (Huggins, Edwards & Sharp) - A small and exclusive development of just four, four- and five-bedroom executive homes in a stunning elevated location with views over the rooftops to the beautiful Surrey Hills with Dorking just a short stroll away. Prices from £799,950. For more details go to www.hugginsedwards.co.uk; 01372 374806 |  |
VISTA (Jackson-Stops & Staff) – One- and two-bedroom apartments, many with views across the Surrey Hills, are available at this development just moments from Dorking and Dorking Deepdene railway stations. Arranged over five floors features include CCTV and audio entry phone system; pre-wired for broadband plus Sky and Virgin; secure cycle storage and allocated parking to selected plots. Prices from £225,000. More details at www.jackson-stops.co.uk; 01306 887560 |  |