Property in Farnham – A property finder’s guide
Property in Farnham is an increasingly popular choice for homebuyers looking for historic charm and excellent connectivity in a pretty Surrey market town.
Farnham is located 35 miles southwest of London at one of Surrey’s most westerly points, very close to the Surrey-Hampshire border.
The town is well-positioned to make the very best of both Surrey and Hampshire; Guildford is just 11 miles away, and Winchester in Hampshire is around 28 miles away.
When looking for property in Farnham, there are a number of key residential pockets to consider that differ in property style and age. Here we highlight the reasons for choosing to live in Farnham and the places to look for a property to buy.
Living in Farnham
Farnham is a historic town sitting on the River Wey, nestled in the rolling Surrey Hills. Much smaller than nearby Guildford, the town is well known for its Georgian streets and historic buildings.
Like Guildford, Farnham also has its very own castle overlooking the town and the wide-open spaces of Farnham Park.
This historic 300-acre medieval deer park now serves as a public green space with woodlands, walking trails, and a golf course.
The castle itself dates back to the 12th century, having been built in 1138 AD, and while it was historically occupied by the Bishops of Winchester, it was also visited on occasion by Queen Victoria.
Shopping and dining
Whilst evidence of Farnham’s magnificent history is all around, today it offers a wealth of independent shops and more well-known UK chains.
In addition, there is a wonderful variety of old characterful pubs as well as modern gastropubs, plus many quaint cafés and excellent restaurants.
Farnham’s Lion and Lamb Yard is a cobbled courtyard and the focus of boutique shops, a wine yard, and interesting cafés.
There is also the award-winning Farnham Farmers Market, which is held monthly, and the annual Farnham Food Festival, which takes place on the town’s iconic Castle Street.
On West Street, there are plenty of shops, including Elphicks, a department store that has been there for 140 years.
Arts, crafts, and culture
A thriving arts and crafts scene awaits at the Farnham Maltings, which offers a programme of performances, events and workshops. Farnham also has World Craft Town status and is home to many artists.
For lovers of antiques and vintage items, there is Bourne Mill Antiques, and also the Packhouse just outside Farnham. Brightwells is a new development with shops and a cinema, centred around a courtyard with smart new apartments above.
Schools and connectivity
There are several excellent schools in Farnham, in particular, the homes within the catchment for South Farnham Primary School are sought after by families. Senior schools include Weydon School and All Hallows RC.
Farnham is particularly popular with commuters as homes are largely within walking distance of Farnham train station.
There are regular services to Waterloo in around an hour and excellent road connections to the M3 motorway and the A3 main road.
Where to look for property in Farnham
Farnham boasts many desirable residential locations, all of which offer different styles of architecture.
A good place to start looking for property in Farnham is right in the centre of town, with its streets of Georgian townhouses and half-timbered Queen Anne cottages.
These can be found on Castle Street or Church Lane. Nearby, a wealth of attractive Victorian terraces can be found and right next to Farnham Park.
Further out there are an array of family houses on roads such as Firgrove Hill, Frensham Road, Lower Bourne, and Waverley Lane, where larger period houses can be found as well as detached properties with sizeable grounds.
The Sands and Great Austin’s area of South Farnham has some of the town’s most sought-after homes, especially those properties within the catchment area for South Farnham Primary School.
Additionally, the Compton Way and Crooksbury areas provide some substantial family houses with good gardens.
Villages near Farnham
Immediately on the fringes of Farnham, all within 5 miles, are sought-after villages such as Crondall, Bentley, Tilford, Churt, and Frensham, where there is a wide range of properties for sale including characterful cottages, attractive Victorian properties, and larger family homes set within wooded private roads plus spectacular country houses offering substantial acreage.
These various locations are also within close proximity to some of Surrey’s top schools, including Edgeborough, Frensham Heights, More House, St Edmunds, Amesbury, The Royal School, Aldro, Charterhouse, Prior’s Field, Royal Grammar School and Guildford High School.
Frensham
Frensham offers residents an array of properties from spectacular country houses with substantial grounds set within the most picturesque of settings to characterful cottages located in an idyllic village location, complete with a local shop, pub, church, and recreation ground.
The area is particularly renowned for Frensham Great Pond and Frensham Little Pond, both of which are situated within Frensham Common, a 922-acre expanse of protected heathland and woodland that is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Frensham Great Pond is a popular recreational spot, home to two sandy bathing areas that are often referred to as Surrey’s “inland beaches”.
Originally created in the 13th century to provide fish for the Bishop of Winchester’s estate, the pond now attracts visitors for activities such as sailing, angling, and seasonal open water swimming.
A small café operates near the main car park, providing refreshments for visitors enjoying the natural surroundings.
In recent years, well-being and mental health-focused wild swimming sessions have also been organised at the northern end of the pond, promoting the therapeutic benefits of outdoor immersion in nature, cold water, and community connection.
Frensham Little Pond, located nearby, is managed by the National Trust and is surrounded by serene heathland and trails ideal for walking, birdwatching, and picnicking.
This tranquil area is an important wildlife sanctuary, offering habitat to rare birds, insects, and flora native to Surrey’s heathlands.
Tilford
The pretty village of Tilford is located along the River Wey, which attracts many visitors during the summer.
The village green provides a quintessentially English focal point, hosting cricket matches throughout the summer. Spectators and passers-by can also enjoy a refreshment at the ever-popular Barley Mow pub.
Properties in this area often include substantial acreage and classic country houses on picturesque plots, large and characterful Victorian homes, and more modern design-led family homes, many of which are to be found on private roads set within attractive woodland.
Local highlights also include the Hankley Common Golf Club, a private members’ club.
This spectacular heathland course forms part of Thursley, Hankley and Frensham Commons, which are designated areas of Conservation and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.
Not only are these vast areas the ideal setting for all manner of leisure pursuits, but they have also been the location for some famous scenes in the most recent James Bond films.
Elstead
Elstead is by stunning countryside and lies between the larger towns of Godalming and Farnham. The shops, cottages, and houses that form Elstead span both the north and south sides of the River Wey.
A beautiful location for outdoor enthusiasts, Elstead is near many country walks and hiking routes.
Most notable are Puttenham Common with its fantastic views, Thursley Nature Reserve with its beautiful woodland, and Hankley Common and Frensham Common, all of which are around a five-minute drive.
Bourne Woods is another stunning area and has been used for notable films, including Gladiator, War Horse, and Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Help to find a property in Farnham
Considered one of the best places to live in Surrey, it is little wonder that property in Farnham is so highly sought-after.
If you’re considering a move to Farnham and are currently trying to establish which area in or around the town will best suit your lifestyle and requirements, our local experts could be the ideal source of knowledge to help you settle on a location to focus your home search.
As experienced property finders, the Surrey team are well placed to assist with your search for a property in Farnham. Contact us to discuss your plans to move and to learn more about our services without obligation.
