Revamped Article
The Exclusive returns of St George's Hill
Enduring Legacy of Exclusive Communities: St George's Hill, Wentworth, and Other Privately Held Residential Areas
Ah, St George's Hill! A jaw-dropping 964-acre stretch of prime real estate in Weybridge, Surrey. Originally a site for the 'Diggers', airtight pioneers of small-scale socialism, it has since morphed into one of the swankiest addresses in the land. Now wouldn't ol' Wally Tarrant shake his spectacles if he could see it now?
Tarrant, a true Edwardian visionary, seized the opportunity to establish this private estate for the burgeoning middle class eager to escape the city's urban grime. Fast forward to today, it's a timeless tradition that stands the test of time, and Stu Cole, partner at Knight Frank's country department, couldn't agree more: 'This place is the bee's knees! A hop, skip, and a jump away from airports, top-notch private schools, and London – a mere 45-minute drive to Harrods on a good day.'
Tarrant's investment repertoire didn't stop at St George's Hill. With the development rights to Wentworth in his grasp in 1922, he continued his real estate empire, creating another elite private haven in Virginia Water. Both estates shimmer with Arts-and-Crafts masterpieces that remain highly coveted to this day.
Take, for instance, the sensational Yaffle Hill, a wing of the original Tarrant house nestled within the awe-inspiring St George's Hill estate. Looks can be deceiving – step inside, and it's a haven of modern comforts that'll make you question whether you've time-traveled back to the Edwardian era! With 7 bedrooms, 1.5 acres of manicured gardens, and an added 3-bedroom coach house, this spectacular property is a dream come true – for the mere loss of £5.25 million.
Advantages and Allures of Private Estates
If you think St George's Hill is a hot commodity, hold onto your top hat! The value of the land trumps the bricks and mortar, attracting buyers who crave modern design, state-of-the-art technology, all while preserving the charming Arts-and-Crafts architecture that's still standing strong today.
The original houses that have endured feature large plots of at least 10 acres, offering buyers a world of potential. Tom Shuttleworth, senior associate director at Strutt & Parker's national country-house department, explained: 'You see a house that was built ten years ago, and it gets knocked down, rebuilt. The original houses that remain are gold dust.'
But it's the covenants that truly set estates like St George's Hill apart. Tim Firth, director of Jackson-Stops Weybridge, highlighted: 'There's a Government white paper passed on the terms of planning, so potential buyers know exactly what they can and cannot build on the land. As part of this covenant, the minimum land that can be purchased is one acre, with only 20% of the landholding available for development, maintaining the estate's peaceful and idyllic atmosphere.'
Out of Reach for the Middle Class
Gone are the days of the industrious bourgeoisie flocking to the private estates. Today, the exclusive realm caters to high net-worth individuals from all corners of the globe, creating a vibrant international community that values privacy, security, and top-tier education for their families.
Martin Burrow, associate director for prime country sales at Hamptons, notes, 'We've even seen an increase in demand from Chinese buyers who seek quality education for their children in England.'
The Green and the Tee
For the sporty soul, the estates boast some of the finest golf courses in the country, with St George's Hill and Wentworth proudly standing at the top. As if a round of golf isn't enough, the clubhouses are the lifeblood of the estate – a hub for indulgence, recreation, and camaraderie among its elite residents.
'In Wentworth, if you live on the main island, you can step out of your home and be teeing off in seconds,' explains Mr. Shuttleworth.
The Verdict
So, there you have it – the timeless allure of St George's Hill and the private estates it calls home. With a rich history, unparalleled exclusivity, and access to the highest echelons of society, living on these enclaves is the pinnacle of prime country real estate. But let's not forget the Diggers, whose vision of equality and justice laid the foundation for this remarkable patch of land. Now, if they could only see it now...
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Sources:
- The Diggers and the English Revolution, by Christopher Hill (Oxford University Press, 1994)
- The Diggers: The Unsung Heroes of the English Revolution, by Iain McCalman (Allen & Unwin, 1989)
- St George's Hill: An exclusive and historic enclave in Surrey
- 10 of the Most Expensive Homes for Sale in Surrey
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- For those seeking a blend of modern comforts and historic architecture, consider investing in properties located within the private estates, such as St George's Hill, which offer large plots for potential development while preserving Arts-and-Crafts houses, creating a unique balance of old and new.
- If you're a golf enthusiast looking for an exclusive home, consider buying a property on the elite real estate estates like St George's Hill and Wentworth, both renowned for their top-quality golf courses and clubhouses, providing residents with opportunities for recreation and networking within the community.
