Welcome to Dorking

Dorking

Hamptons offers you a warm welcome to Dorking

Congratulations, if you are house hunting in Dorking, you have already won. A home in this great area with all it offers, automatically makes you the envy of many. Now in order to make your transition as smooth and hassle free as possible Hamptons have put together this great guide which will help you choose the best schools, learn a little about planning and building control, read tips on where to shop, eat and lot’s more, all packed into one little guide with clickable links. Perhaps most importantly we have researched some of the leading local professionals and experts who can help you add value and personalise your soon to be new home. A big WELCOME and enjoy.

A little bit of history

The history of Dorking dates back to the medieval period and the town appears in the Domesday Book of 1086. Historically an agricultural and market town, its position on a number of long distance roads made it ideal for trade. As a result of this prosperity and with the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century, large estates sprung up around the town, but surrounding beauty spots such as Cotmandene and Box Hill were later donated for public use and are now protected.

While there is a good mix of property styles and ages, considering the local growth that occurred as a result of the direct rail line to London built in 1867 it will come as no surprise that many of Dorking’s properties are Victorian and Edwardian, helping to lend the town a traditional charm and character that sets it apart.

Why move to Dorking?

It is an ideal location for those families looking for a slower pace of life, but also for the commuter, with easy transport links to London which is around 20 miles to the north. With a range of amenities and a wealth of countryside on the doorstep, Dorking truly offers the best of both town and country living.

In addition to Dorking town centre, the team offer property for sale and to rent in numerous picturesque villages and hamlets nearby, including Abinger Hammer, Holmbury St Mary, Coldharbour, Forest Green, Walliswood, Okewood Hill, Capel, Ockley, Westcott, Wotton, Newdigate, Beare Green, Holmwood, Brockham, Buckland, Betchworth, Box Hill, Leigh, Westhumble, Mickleham, Ranmore, Fetcham and South Leatherhead.

Dorking is a market town located in the Surrey Hills area, which surrounds it on three sides, and is 21 miles south of London. It is also close to Box Hill and Leith Hill. It has been named as one of the Telegraph’s ‘designer’ and ‘it’ towns you can still afford to move to in 2021. In a tweet, the Telegraph wrote that it was chosen as it is a cheaper place to buy a home than nearby Reigate and is a big favourite with cyclists.

It also gave a mention to the chalk downs which are “perfect for family rides”. Dorking ‘s average price tag is £451,898 - cheaper than the average overall Surrey house price of £600,814, according to Rightmove. It is in the heart of cycling country with the chalk downs perfect for family rides.”

Also among the list is Liphook and Stockbridge in nearby Hampshire.

The Telegraph also wrote in a tweet concerning the thread: “Lockdown has supercharged property prices in the countryside and ‘designer towns’ are creating a buzz with buyers.

Dorking is also the town where actor and director Laurence Olivier was born. There are many open spaces in the area including Glory Wood and Meadowbank. The Nower also offers an open space to the west of Dorking’s town centre, managed by Surrey Wildlife Trust. This is where The Temple is located, from which visitors can enjoy views of Dorking.

Tourist attractions include Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking Museum and South Street Caves.

www.getsurrey.co.uk

FAMOUS RESIDENTS

Dorking and the surrounding area has been a home to rockstars, celebrities, athletes, academics, artists and common or garden members of the upper-crust for generations. Here are a few notable names you may or may not know..

Will Carling, Rugby Captain June Brown, Actress

Laurence Olivier (1907–1989), Actor and Director. A blue plaque marking his birthplace can be found in Wathen Road.

Walter Dendy Sadler, Artist and Painter

Jamie Mackie, International Footballer

Daniel Defoe (c.1660–1731)

Peter Labilliere, Army Major, (1725–1800)

Ralph Vaughan Williams, Composer

David Moule-Evan, Composer, (1905–1988)

Absolute Radio DJ Christian O’Connell lived in Dorkin

Ken Pork, Actor

Molly Sugden, Actress

Sebastian Coe, Gold Medal Olympian

Russel Swain-Fossey, Comedian