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Local Information |
Our patch
Sweeping South from the thriving medieval market town of Bradford on Avon to Frome’s steeply winding streets and relaxed Arts and Crafts community.
West across the Mendips to the historic city of Wells, dominated by its stunning medieval cathedral. Further North to the world heritage Georgian city of Bath and East through the historic market town of Corsham, Lacock National Trust Village and picturesque Castle Combe to the edge of the Cotswolds.
Down towards the edge of Salisbury Plain to the South and East.
The area is one of the best in the country - hills, valleys and attractive waterways dotted with historic market towns and bustling village communities. It is rural without being remote and owes much to its history as an important centre for cloth weaving in the nineteenth century. This legacy has shaped much of the architecture whether it is impressive Georgian mansions or more modest weavers’ cottages all built from locally quarried Bath limestone.
Housing
Property for every budget ranging from modest limestone cottages and terraces in the towns and villages to stone-built farmhouses, Georgian townhouses, old rectories and barn conversions.
More modern developments on Greenfield sites on the edge of towns tend to be townhouses or detached family homes with manageable gardens. Former mill buildings have in the main been converted into residential accommodation, some of it specialist retirement apartments.
Solidly-built ex-local authority housing stock from the Thirties is now popular with key worker families who have spotted the potential to extend into large gardens to create more affordable family houses in locations where schooling and amenities are excellent.
The city of Bath particularly offers opportunities for the long-term investor, where decent student accommodation is always in demand.
Economy
Many professionals commute to service industries in Bristol, Swindon or London although the area has an increasing number of home workers. Tourism is a very important part of an area. Farming is still strong with many farms having diversified successfully into areas such as retail, tourism or created workshop, office or nursery accommodation in barns and outbuildings.
Schooling
There is a good range of state schools at both primary and secondary level and some outstanding nursery provision. Wells is particularly popular with families as a result of its excellent schooling whilst the schools in Bradford on Avon and Corsham regularly produce results well above the national average. Information about state schools in the area can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk www.bathnes.gov.uk or www.mendip.gov.uk
There is no shortage of renowed public schools in the area. Further information can be found at www.iscis-sw.co.uk.
Leisure facilities
Cinema, nightlife and sporting activities are easily accessible even by public transport. Golf courses are plentiful; there is fishing on the Avon and for those who appreciate good food the choice of establishments is vast.
The area has strong Arts and Crafts traditions with annual music and literature festivals being held in a number of towns, notably Bath, Frome and Bradford on Avon. The internationally acclaimed Trowbridge Folk Festival (The Village Pump) takes place each July at Farleigh Hungerford.
Many of the towns and even villages have a thriving social scene centred on sports activities, drama, singing, book clubs and quiz leagues as well as the more traditional rural pastimes.
Transport links
The area lies between the major M4 and A303 routes and has excellent road and rail links to London, South Wales and the South West. Bristol International Airport is easily accessible. Trains run frequently to London via Bath, Chippenham, Bradford on Avon and Westbury.
More detailed information packs can be obtained by contacting us by e-mail or telephone. We are happy to research specific areas for clients who are contemplating relocating to the area.