Blog
Spotlight on Ashford – our estate agent’s view
Friday, March 10, 2017
Like many London suburbs, Ashford has a low unemployment rate with many jobs at nearby Heathrow Airport and BP International whose head office is in Sunbury. The Borough of Spelthorne, is mainly designated Green Belt and Ashford is surrounded by reservoirs, the by-product of gravel extraction and now forming part of the water supply network for Greater London. They also provide open spaces for wildlife, sheep rearing and leisure activities - Staines Reservoir is a bird sanctuary and Queen Mary Sailing Club offers sailing and windsurfing all year round on 700 acres of open water for water sports enthusiasts.
Other local sport and leisure facilities include Ashford Manor Golf Club - an 18 hole parkland course with tree lined fairways and well bunkered approaches to the greens. Clockhouse Lane Park has public tennis courts, a basketball court, football pitches and a play area whilst Bedfont Lakes Park offers 180 acres of open space for dog walking and outdoor leisure pursuits. To the south, fields still alternate with woodland, stretching over what used to be Ashford Common, a large area of common land, historically favoured by King George III for military displays. Shortwood Common between Ashford and Staines is still grazed by cattle and contains a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The King's Fairway, a local pub, serves traditional British food and real ales while The Kings Head is a community pub renowned for its contribution to local charities, live entertainment and substantial food menu. Tripadvisor rates Italian restaurant, Volare and Kouchin which is proud to have won the prestigious ‘Best South Asian Restaurant in the London Suburbs‘ Asian Curry Award for its stylish presentation and delicately flavoured dishes. The town centre also offers an array of local shops, primary and secondary schools, pubs and takeaway/restaurants.
Visitors to the area can enjoy a number of attractions, the most famous being nearby Thorpe Park, one of the UK's premier theme parks known for its extreme rides and rollercoasters. Kempton Park is popular for a day at the races with events throughout the year. Facilities include bars and restaurants, and outdoor markets, Family Days and live music events are also held here. From Walton-on-Thames you can enjoy a boat trip on the River Thames. This is an idyllic way to see the picturesque River Thames on a summer’s day, passing riverside gardens and delightful houses.
Ashford’s excellent road, rail and air transport links along with the wealth of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors make it a hugely popular commuter suburb of London. Yet property remains surprisingly affordable for both families and first time buyers. To see the wide range of properties we have available for sale or to let in and around Ashford, from newly converted apartments to Edwardian cottages and family homes, visit www.frostweb.co.uk or contact the Ashford office.
