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Expanding Eastbourne is becoming a popular hotspot for commuters

Posted 1 August 2016

Eastbourne is a large town on the East Sussex coast around 70 miles from London, popular as a tourist destination but also a growing residential hotspot with a 90 minute commute to London…

Eastbourne is often given the accolade of the sunniest town in the UK and offers some wonderful sea views, beaches and surrounding countryside. Eastbourne marks the start of the 100 mile South Downs Way for walking, cycling and horse riding and the South Downs National Park.

The railway to London and Brighton arrived during the 19th century which triggered an expansion of Eastbourne and the construction of the elegant terraced stucco fronted terraces associated with the town. Beachy Head and the Seven Sisters are local dramatic cliffs.

The Arndale Centre provides a mix of high street names and independent, specialist stores. The Little Chelsea district is full of antiques, art galleries, gift shops and boutiques in its quaint Victorian shopping streets and the Enterprise Centre has a selection of eateries. There is a wide choice of markets from Eastbourne Borough Market every week to farmers markets at East Dean. Sovereign Harbour, Meads, Old Town and Langney Shopping Centre with a planned extension are other retail destinations. There are plenty of bars and pubs located in the town centre and along the waterfront.

There are several theatres in Eastbourne, hosting a variety of productions including comedy, music and drama; choose from The Congress, the Winter Garden, the Hippodrome and Devonshire Park Theatre. The latter is also home to the town's tennis club that hosts a pre-Wimbledon tournament that attracts some of the sport's biggest names. The Sovereign Centre is the town's primary leisure facility, boasting a pool, gym and sports hall.

Since opening in 1993, Sovereign Harbour has risen to prominence not only as one of the major attractions of Eastbourne, but also as one of the south coast’s premier marinas as well as a retail zone and numerous housing developments, where both permanent residents and holidaymakers own properties. Hundreds of yachts are moored in the harbour and there is easy access to the English Channel, attracting sailing, motor boat cruising and other water sports and activities. It holds the prestigious Five Gold Anchors Award from the Yacht Harbour Association. There is a good selection of shops, restaurants, bars and waterfront cafés.

There are a number of good primary schools including St Andrew’s School, Bishop Bell C of E School, Bede's Preparatory School and the Cavendish School, a co-ed primary and secondary. The Lindfield School for statemented secondary students has an outstanding Ofsted report. Eastbourne College is a leading independent boarding and day school for 13-18 year olds. The University of Brighton also runs an Eastbourne campus, so there are higher education opportunities available in the town on certain courses.

A monthly season ticket to London costs £432.40 from Eastbourne (£4,504 annually) with the fastest journey time between Eastbourne and London Victoria in 90 minutes. Trains to Brighton take 33 minutes (£212.80 monthly, £2,216 annually); Gatwick 49 minutes (£245.40 monthly, £2,556 annually); East Croydon 65 minutes (£275.80 monthly, £2,872 annually).

London Gatwick is just an hour by car or rail; Stansted and Heathrow are about two hours’ drive. Eastbourne is around 18 miles east of Brighton and approximately 20 miles west of Hastings, with the A27 connecting all three locations.

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

Meadows View (Bovis Homes in Eastbourne) – This development of two-bedroom apartments and two- and three-bedroom homes are nestled near the centre of Eastbourne with easy access to schools and shopping. London is under 90 minutes away by rail and Brighton is 30 minutes by road, making Meadows View the perfect location for city and coastal living. Prices from £219,995. View more about Meadows View from Bovis HomesMeadows View (Bovis Homes)
Mill Valley (Persimmon Homes) - A collection of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom homes just five miles north east of Eastbourne perfect for families or those looking to downsize and first-time buyers. Eastbourne plus has a direct train line to London Victoria and excellent road links to Brighton, Gatwick and London. Prices from £249,950. Find out more about Mill Valley from Persimmon HomesMill Valley (Persimmon Homes)

Burfield Valley (Charles Church) - A beautiful development of two-, three- and four-bedroom family homes in Hailsham nine miles from Eastbourne. Each home is constructed and finished with a high specification and a range of modern comforts located within walking distance to the historic town of Hailsham. Prices on application. View more about Burfield Valley from Charles Church 

Burfield Valley (Charles Church)

Port Moresby Place (Taylor Engley) – A collection of eight luxuriously contemporary four-bedroom 2,300 sq ft westerly facing semi-detached houses at Sovereign Harbour North. Each home is finished to a high specification enjoying direct waterside views and a secure double garage. Priced at £760,000. For more details go to www. taylor-engley.co.uk; 01323 722222

Port Moresby Place (Taylor Engley)

Marine Road (King & Chasemore) - A select new development of three- and four-bedroom townhouses constructed to a high specification located just a few minutes’ walk from Eastbourne's picturesque seafront and a short walk from Eastbourne town centre. Four bedroom homes priced at £350,000.

​​​​​​Marine Road (King & Chasemore)
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