Guy Robinson
Senior Director, Head of Residential Agency
Nestled on the banks of the Thames in the shadow of the world’s largest and oldest occupied castle, Windsor is a vibrant town with an equally thriving housing market. Homebuyers are drawn to Windsor’s unique mix of old-world appeal and modern convenience.
The royal home for over 900 years and residence of Queen Elizabeth II, Windsor is rich in history and boasts numerous listed homes and designated conservation areas. Furthermore, its setting just 20 miles from central London makes property in Windsor an excellent choice for city commuters.
Although Windsor Castle has made the town famous, there are plenty of other reasons why buyers favour homes in Windsor and its surrounding villages. Top schools, well-preserved historic homes, a thriving shopping and restaurant scene, open green spaces and the beauty of the surrounding Royal Berkshire countryside, easy access to Heathrow airport and world-class attractions – all this and more keeps Windsor homes top of the list.
Upmarket options for discriminating buyers
From beautifully restored period flats in the centre of town, to executive housing developments on the outskirts, Windsor buyers will find a range of options.
Park Street features stately Georgian homes, while the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Frances Road, Kings Road and Adelaide Square boasts large detached and semi-detached Victorian houses with intricate ironwork and cosy historic cottages on tree-lined roads. Just outside the town, traditional country homes with family gardens are more common.
According to data from the Your Move England & Wales House Price Index, which monitors average house prices and transaction numbers, the South East saw stagnant house price growth 0.5%. It is clear that property values are balancing out from the unusually fast growth we saw in 2014/15, adjusting to the recent cooling London market. But as property prices remain much lower than in the commuter heartlands of south-west London, buyer demand remains steady. The tourist economy keeps visitor numbers high, and there are more overseas buyers for the top end of the market – a trend which we expect to grow as many view Windsor in line with London as a safe haven.
Big city attractions in a town setting
Homes in Windsor offer residents the best of both worlds. Property owners can enjoy the space and rich community atmosphere of town living without giving up the benefits of nearby London.
Commuters can travel from Windsor & Eton Central station to London Paddington in around 45 minutes, or from Windsor & Eton Riverside station to London Waterloo in 55 minutes, both with regular services every 20 minutes or less, putting the city well within easy reach. Crossrail, the new high-speed rail service, is due to begin running in 2019 and will make the area even more accessible to London city. Heathrow is just 20 minutes by car, ideal for holidays and international business meetings.
Some of the nation’s finest schools can be found in Windsor and the surrounding areas, including St. George’s School, Upton House, Holyport College (an Eton College sponsored ‘free school’), Bishopsgate and St. John's Beaumont in Old Windsor, Papplewick and St. Mary’s, St George’s Girls’ School all in Ascot, Lambrook Prep School in nearby Winkfield, and of course, the famous Eton College. Two international schools in the form of ACS and TASIS are both close by and represent a huge benefit for global buyers.
The draw of a world-class education has made Windsor extremely popular with young families who desire the safety of a more suburban setting while maintaining a close connection to the arts, culture and vibrancy of London.
Family fun
There are many local attractions for young families and couples to enjoy besides an obvious visit to the castle. The Theatre Royal in the centre of Windsor hosts everything from Christmas pantomimes to comedy legends, while Legoland continues to draw in families from across the country. Virginia Water Lake, Savill Garden and Windsor Great Park offer idyllic backdrops for walks and picnics.
As well as an array of retail outlets, restaurants and bars in Windsor, a walk over the footbridge will take you to quaint and charming Eton for an extra slice of history. The village of Bray, just five-and-a-half miles away and famed for its gastronomical prowess, offers award-winning restaurants decorated with Michelin stars including the Waterside Inn, the Fat Duck and the Hinds Head, in addition to The Crown and Caldesi in Campagna.
There are scores of popular sporting and recreational facilities in the district, including a number of golf clubs such as Sunningdale, Wentworth, The Berkshire and Swinley Forest. You can enjoy polo at the Guards Polo Club and Royal Country of Berkshire Polo Club, as well and horse racing at Royal Ascot and Royal Windsor Racecourse. It is also possible to ride in Windsor Great Park and the neighbouring countryside.
Eton Excelsior Rowing Club, Henley and Dorney Lake all offer water pursuits such as rowing, while residents and tourists alike can revel in boating activities on scenic expanses of the River Thames.
Our pick of the best Windsor homes
- Kings Walden is a historic Windsor residence with 10 bedrooms, set just 1.1m from the High Street. Set within private landscaped gardens, IT enjoys wonderful views over Crown land.
- Clarence House is a Grade II listed Georgian house with planning permission, set in one of Windsor’s prime locations close to Windsor town centre with its extensive range of shops, bars and restaurants, Windsor Castle and the Long Walk.