LOCATION
HOTspot Brentwood
5 REASONS WE LOVE… BRENTWOOD
1. Ease and speed of commuting 2. Retail therapy 3. Plenty of green space and woodland 4. Family friendly feel 5. Imagining we are in TOWIE!
The Only Way is Essex first hit our screens 11 years ago, putting Brentwood firmly on the map. While the show’s status has gradually declined, this suburban Essex town, surrounded by beautiful open spaces, just keeps on growing in popularity
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
OUT AND ABOUT
Brentwood is situated just 20 miles from London, and close to the M25, making it perfect commuting territory. With a population of around 55,000, the suburban town is home to a small shopping area and high street, beyond which are residential developments and open countryside. Excellent transport links and highperforming schools mean the area is popular with young professionals and families alike. Brentwood takes its name from "Burnt Wood", a clearing made in the forest by a fire. Remains of a 12th century chapel in the town centre bear testimony to its history as a stopping point for pilgrims travelling to Canterbury, and when Henry III granted a royal charter to hold markets, the town quickly developed into a place of commerce. The town’s rich and varied history is well preserved, from Warley Hospital’s asylum buildings – now luxury apartments – to the Essex Regiment’s army base (once an elephant training school!), the gymnasium of which is now home to a trampoline club and officer’s mess is now Marillac Hospital, a specialist centre for complex neurological conditions. Brentwood residents already benefit from excellent transport links, with journeys into the
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capital taking 38 minutes from Brentwood station to Liverpool Street, and only 28 minutes from Shenfield station. The imminent arrival of Crossrail will make things even easier, as passengers will be able to make use of the Elizabeth Line, travelling through central London without having to change trains. By road, Brentwood is located just a few miles from the M25, and close to the A12 connecting London to Chelmsford and Colchester. Stansted airport is conveniently only a 30-minute drive away. Brentwood is a safe, family friendly area, with great amenities; perfect for those seeking to escape rising London prices and gain space. There is a great range of property in the town to meet all tastes and budgets including attractive and convenient new build developments, striking 1920s styled homes close to the station and some beautiful period properties in the centre of town.
Essex is the perfect place for some retail therapy. Crown Street and the characterful old streets leading off Brentwood High Street are a must-do and The Baytree Shopping Centre forms a natural link to the convenient car park. Shenfield and Ingatestone high streets are also popular. However, if you are planning some serious shopping, you will want to head to Chelmsford or south to the famous Lakeside, both of which are only around 20 minutes by car. Slightly further away, Braintree Village shopping outlet is home to over 80 premium brands including Armani and Ralph Lauren. While TOWIE may have had us believe that life in Brentwood is one big party, the town lends itself to a more wholesome lifestyle. There is an abundance of green space for nature lovers, including Shenfield Common, Warley Country Park and King George’s Playing Fields. There is also plenty to engage children; Old MacDonald’s Farm on the edge of town is the ideal attraction. Julia Donaldson fans are also in for a treat with Thorndon Park, home to the famous Gruffalo Trail, and Weald Park, home of the Stick Man Play Trail, both local. For more formal fitness, The Brentwood Centre boasts its own gym, pool and squash court, while keen golfers
First Time Buyer October/November 2021
FTB 72-73 Hotspot-Brentwood October-November21.indd 72
13/09/2021 17:19
