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Spotlight on Flackwell Heath – our estate agent’s view

Monday, June 19, 2017

Spotlight on Flackwell Heath – our estate agent’s view. With a population of around 6000, Flackwell Heath is a desirable village nestled on top of a ridge in the Chiltern Hills between High Wycombe, Marlow and Beaconsfield. It enjoys superb views on three sides yet is just south of Junction 3 of the M40, with good access to the M25, and central London. Chiltern Trains to London Marylebone from High Wycombe or Beaconsfield have a journey time of just over 20 minutes.

Most of Flackwell Heath’s housing stock dates from post-war. Until the late 1800s there were four separate communities interspersed with fields and cherry orchards, with the cherry industry providing the roots for a future where community spirit remains strong.

Although not the largest orchard in its day, Flackwell Heath was generally regarded as the pick of the Chiltern cherry villages. Two main events marked the cherry season - Cherry Sunday, in April, attracted crowds of visitors to admire the trees and drink local ales. Then, in July, there was the Cherry Fair, an occasion for celebration, denounced for Sabbath-breaking. The Cherry Fair lapsed, but was revived in 2005 as the village carnival and fete, held every July. The cherry history is still reflected in the name of a pub, the Carrington school emblem and in road names throughout the village.

There is only one listed building, a former farmhouse dating from the 17th century. Other significant features of the village include the water tower and the war memorial. Since July 2005 there has been a new landmark in the village, a wind turbine, on the playing field of Carrington Junior School. The turbine generates around a third of the school's energy.

Families are attracted to the village by the highly regarded infant and junior schools which are in catchment for much sought after grammar schools such as John Hampden School for boys and Wycombe High and Beaconsfield High for girls. There’s a strong community feel to Flackwell Heath which particularly appeals to families.

At the heart of the village is a recreation ground and community centre used for pantomimes, village events such as the annual picnic in July and as a polling station for general elections. Every Remembrance Sunday sees a parade hosted by the Royal British Legion, attended by service men and women, Scouts and Guides and the Girl's Brigade. Hundreds of residents assemble for the laying of wreaths. Flackwell Heath boasts a prestigious golf course; a mature undulating parkland course with stunning views across the Wye Valley and Chiltern Hills.

Other sports and leisure facilities in or near the village include Oaks Health and Fitness Club, a recreation ground and sports clubs such as tennis, rugby, football, badminton and bowls. In High Wycombe leisure options include the redeveloped Wycombe Sports Centre and the Eden Centre with its shops, restaurants, cinema and bowling complex while the David Lloyd Gym is in nearby Wooburn Green. Further local attractions include the spectacular scenery of the surrounding Chilterns for walking and cycling and the River Thames at Marlow and Bourne End for boat hire and sailing.

For the amazing views from its garden, The Stag pub is hard to beat but for “yummy paella” La Bodega is Tripadvisor’s highest rated restaurant in Flackwell Heath with The Three Horseshoes a close second, the “perfect friendly village pub” and known for its wonderful Sunday lunch.

Within the village there are doctors/dentists surgeries, hairdressers and a range of local shops such as a Sainsburys Local, Costa, newsagents, and a chemist. A wider range of restaurants and shops can be found within the nearby towns of High Wycombe, Marlow and Beaconsfield.

Property in Flackwell Heath ranges from Victorian houses to contemporary homes, from starter homes through to executive detached houses. House prices are relatively high due to proximity to London, good primary schools and grammar school catchment, including John Hampden for boys and Wycombe High for girls, which are both just 3 miles away. In short, Flackwell Heath has all the benefits of semi-rural village life with the convenience of facilities in nearby towns. To see a selection of properties to buy or to let in this delightful village visit www.frostweb.co.uk or contact the Flackwell Heath office.