Virginia Water Property and Prime Living in Sunningdale and Ascot
Virginia Water property has long been synonymous with privacy, architectural quality, and a refined way of life. For many relocating buyers, the appeal extends naturally to neighbouring Sunningdale and Ascot.
Together, the trio are often considered among the most sought-after residential pockets in the South East. This corner of Surrey and Berkshire offers an enviable balance of peaceful, tree-lined surroundings and gated estates.
The area is complemented by country clubs and a rich sporting heritage encompassing world-class golf, equestrian facilities, polo, and tennis clubs, and all within easy reach of Heathrow, London, and internationally respected schools.
For those seeking a home that offers both discretion and connectivity, Virginia Water property and homes in Sunningdale and Ascot continue to be enduring favourites.
This guide explores what makes these locations consistently desirable places to live, with insights into their character, amenities, and the types of properties you can expect to find here.
Virginia Water property: Exclusive living in the UK
The Wentworth Estate
Virginia Water’s development accelerated in the 1920s, when master builder W. G. Tarrant began creating a series of Arts and Crafts–influenced homes on what would become the renowned Wentworth Estate in Surrey.
Working alongside golf course architect Harry Colt, he helped establish the architectural character and leafy, spacious layout that still defines much of the Wentworth Estate today.
Although many of the original houses have since been rebuilt or sensitively extended, the area retains a strong sense of its early heritage.
Wentworth Estate is home to substantial private residences set within generous plots and framed by mature woodland. Many properties feature contemporary additions such as leisure suites, cinema rooms, and landscaped grounds, reflecting the expectations of modern prime buyers.
The Wentworth Estate remains one of the most recognisable and sought-after private residential communities in Surrey.
Beyond the Wentworth Estate
Virginia Water property ranges from handsome period houses and generously proportioned family homes to high-quality contemporary properties.
Developments such as St Ann’s Park provide secure, managed settings with private leisure amenities, while many standalone homes benefit from larger plots and established gardens.
Living in Virginia Water
The natural surroundings play a major role in everyday life here. Virginia Water Lake, The Savill Garden and the wider Windsor Great Park provide circular walking routes, woodland paths, historic features and tranquil views across approximately 5,000 acres of Crown Estate–managed parkland, once part of a royal hunting ground.
It is an environment where time outdoors comes naturally, complemented by the convenience of a centrally located train station offering easy access to London. Within the village, cafés, boutiques, and local shops add to its composed, quietly sophisticated atmosphere.
Sunningdale: Refined village life
Just moments from Virginia Water, Sunningdale offers a complementary lifestyle defined by elegant village living, outstanding golf, and a calm, cultivated atmosphere.
Sunningdale has a distinctly relaxed feel. Its main streets are lined with independent cafés, boutiques, and day-to-day amenities, including a well-regarded Waitrose near the train station.
Residents also benefit from easy access to nearby Ascot High Street, which offers a wider range of shops, services, and supermarkets.
The village is personal and manageable in scale yet supported by everything needed for a comfortable daily life. For fine dining, several local hotels nearby offer high-quality restaurants and idyllic settings.
Sunningdale is home to the internationally respected Sunningdale Golf Club, with its Old and New Courses set among heather and pine. The club is widely regarded for its heritage and natural beauty.
The nearby Coworth Park estate adds further appeal, offering a luxury hotel, equestrian centre, and fine dining.
Sunningdale property landscape
Sunningdale’s residences are known for their sophisticated, understated refinement. Period homes sit alongside contemporary houses, while leafy avenues lead towards open countryside and peaceful woodland edges.
Deep gardens and attractive frontages give many homes an open, spacious feel. Gated developments provide additional privacy, and places such as Ladies’ Walk and approaches to Coworth Park are often favoured for their position and setting.
The residential mix in Sunningdale extends beyond family homes; the village also caters very well to older residents and retirees.
For example, luxury retirement villages such as Audley Sunningdale Park with apartments and cottages set in landscaped grounds, and schemes by McCarthy Stone offering one- and two-bed retirement apartments with communal gardens and lounges, provide high-end options for those seeking low-maintenance, secure homes in a village setting.
Buyers beginning their search for Virginia Water property often widen it to include Sunningdale due to its village charm, excellent amenities, and proximity to leading schools.
Sunninghill: A quiet, characterful neighbourhood
Between Sunningdale and Ascot lies Sunninghill, a village with a gentle, residential feel.
Its housing mix is notably varied: Victorian cottages and period properties sit alongside more recent modern family homes, many arranged in small, discreet clusters tucked away from the main roads.
Tree-lined streets, landscaped green spaces, and a relaxed pace provide an appealing, almost secluded atmosphere.
Sunninghill High Street brings everyday convenience, with a parade of independent shops, cafés, and local services that make it easy to enjoy village life without travelling far.
Ascot: Heritage, space and international recognition
While Ascot is globally recognised for its racecourse, it offers historic appeal and residential areas that offer space and serenity.
Independent shops, cafés, and restaurants support daily life, while Windsor Great Park offers extensive walking, cycling, and riding routes within a beautiful natural landscape.
Swinley Forest, an extensive Crown Estate woodland of over 2,600 acres close to Ascot, provides outstanding trails for walking, running, riding, and mountain biking.
The Look Out Discovery Centre sits at the edge of the forest and serves as a family-friendly gateway to its network of trails, with woodland play areas and nature paths suited to all ages.
Equestrian culture is a well-established feature of Ascot’s identity. The racecourse is an internationally recognised landmark, and the surrounding bridleways, nearby Guards Polo Club, and local tennis facilities all contribute to a distinctive, active lifestyle for residents.
Where to live in Ascot
Ascot’s homes range from significant period houses with architectural interest to contemporary country residences equipped with leisure suites and landscaped gardens. Many properties benefit from wide, tree-lined roads and expansive plots.
The borders of Windsor Great Park, or neighbourhoods close to the racecourse, are widely considered among the most desirable parts of Ascot. Ascot is frequently considered by those initially searching for Virginia Water property due to its scale, privacy, and elegant homes.
Elite leisure and country clubs
The region is notable for its concentration of prestigious leisure facilities.
- Wentworth Golf Club in Virginia Water is internationally recognised, offering three championship courses and a beautifully appointed clubhouse. It remains a central sporting and social hub for elite members.
- Sunningdale Golf Club is admired for its Old and New Courses, regarded as among the UK’s finest heathland layouts.
- Queenwood Golf Club, near Ottershaw, offers a rare level of exclusivity, with an invitation-only membership and a course renowned for its exceptional conditioning and privacy.
- Royal Ascot Golf Club, close to the racecourse, offers a respected local course with a welcoming membership and strong community presence.
- Foxhills Country Club, a short drive from Sunningdale, provides extensive leisure amenities, including golf, tennis, spa facilities, and family-friendly activities.
- Royal Ascot Tennis Club is a well-established club close to Ascot station, offering flood-lit courts, coaching, and a friendly programme for both adult and junior players.
- Broomhall Park Tennis Courts, located on Broomhall Lane, Sunningdale, are parish-run courts providing accessible, good-quality tennis facilities with coaching and pay-and-play options.
- Ascot Racecourse is a landmark venue with a prominent place in the British social calendar.
- Smith’s Lawn in Windsor Great Park is home to the Guards Polo Club and hosts an active polo season that attracts an international audience.
Together, these clubs offer residents a lifestyle centred on sport, wellness, dining, and social connection within minutes of home.
Education and schools serving the area
Families relocating to the region benefit from a highly-regarded concentration of independent and international schools.
- St George’s Ascot: A respected girls’ school known for strong academic programmes and excellent pastoral support within a warm, community-oriented environment.
- St Mary’s Ascot: One of the UK’s leading girls’ boarding schools, recognised for academic strength, values-led education and a close-knit community.
- Heathfield: A well-regarded girls’ school offering a supportive atmosphere, strong creative programmes, and recognised equestrian links.
- Papplewick: A highly respected preparatory school for boys, known for its strong academic record and success in placing pupils at leading senior schools.
- Eton College: An internationally recognised school with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and leadership development.
International schools
- ACS International School Egham: Offers the International Baccalaureate and a supportive international community, making it well-suited to globally mobile families.
- TASIS The American School in England: Provides an American curriculum with AP options, extensive extracurricular activities, and a diverse international student body.
Whether choosing Virginia Water property, a home in Sunningdale, or a residence in Ascot, families benefit from efficient connections to these schools and a wide choice of educational pathways.
Connectivity
The collective connectivity of these three locations is one of the area’s key advantages for relocators from London and overseas.
The M3, M4, and M25 are all readily accessible, offering efficient routes into central London, the Thames Valley, and national travel networks.
Heathrow Airport is within easy reach, supporting international travel for those with global commitments.
Rail services from Virginia Water, Sunningdale, and Ascot provide direct links to London Waterloo. Travel by car or chauffeur into the West End and City is equally practical.
Finding your ideal Ascot, Sunnindale, or Virginia Water property
Each of these locations offers its own interpretation of luxury living. For many buyers, the decision comes down to nuances in atmosphere, architecture, and preferred pace of life.
Virginia Water appeals to those seeking privacy, substantial homes, and wooded surroundings, while Sunningdale provides elegant village life and world-class golf. Ascot offers heritage, space, and a distinctive equestrian culture.
Whether your search is for Virginia Water property or extends into Sunningdale and Ascot, navigating these exclusive markets benefits from specialist insight.
Many of the most desirable homes are discreetly marketed, and understanding the subtleties of each road, estate, and micro-location is highly valuable. Garrington provides confidential, tailored guidance to help clients identify and secure homes that align with their lifestyle and long-term needs.
If you are considering a move to the area, we would be delighted to support your search and provide clear, expert advice on the opportunities available.
Please get in touch.
