Why move to Bishop’s Waltham

Above: The Palace ruins

Above: The Jubilee Clock. Photo by Jean Brooks

Bishop’s Waltham Palace is an impressive ruin, but visitors who come here and fail to cross the Winchester Road are missing out on the delights of enjoying a historic small town.
With all the amenities of a small town and a village atmosphere, it’s a place where you can lead the life you choose – quietly or actively throwing yourself into its buzzing community life.
The palace was founded in 1136 by William the Conqueror’s grandson, Bishop Henri de Blois, and was an important residence for Winchester bishops, who hosted many royal visits. Guests included Richard the Lionheart and Henry V, who stayed here as he prepared for the battle of Agincourt.
Cromwell ordered the building’s destruction in 1644, but the ruins are still impressive and attract tourists from all over the world.
 
Ideally situated
It is such an attractive and conveniently-situated place that Bishop’s Waltham is favoured by commuters to both Portsmouth and Winchester, as they are virtually equidistant.
Living here gives daily access to not only the pleasure of shopping among some gorgeous 17th and 18th century buildings, but also the opportunity to enjoy specialist traders who are attracted to Bishop’s Waltham’s exclusivity and community life. There’s a large local doctors’ practice, two supermarkets, in fact everything you need for everyday life. And, of course, there are terrific pubs, excellent restaurants and cafes.
The local schools have high reputations and community life is strong. There is a very active parish council and weekly country markets. In summer Bishop’s Waltham bursts into bloom with impressive floral displays throughout the town.
Set amidst lovely countryside, with plenty of walking and recreational opportunities, and Portsmouth, Winchester, Southampton and the M3 only a short drive away, this is truly a great place to make your home.

Property prices
Roger Mein, director of Bishop’s Waltham’s Roger Mein Estate Agents, says a typical three-bedroom semi-detached house built in the 70s or 90s would cost from £300,000 to £325,000.
In the most prestigious part of the town, St Peter’s Street, where you can find homes dating from 1700-1900, prices can reach £1 million.
Hoe Road, leading to Swanmore, is another excellent place to buy, with detached and semi-detached homes ranging from £450,000 to £800,000.
Across the roundabout, in the Winchester direction, is Newtown, where a typical 1970s three-bedroom semi would be about £300,000, while a one-bedroom flat would start at £130,000.
Highly-regarded local builders Mapledean Developers, are offering new homes at Pinelea in Bishop’s Waltham from £190,000 for a two-bedroom house.

Schools
Ridgemede Junior School has a high reputation – it has been praised by Ofsted for its ‘excellent ethos’ – and is a reason many young families move here. Nearby Swanmore Church of England (Aided) Primary is also very popular.
At nearby Wickham, Rookesbury Park School is a mixed independent prep school for youngsters from two-and-a-half to 13 years, while Wykeham House School is an independent for girls aged from two-and-three-quarters to 16.

Your commute
Although there is no longer a railway station at Bishop’s Waltham, it is 11 miles from Winchester, with its links to the M3, and about seven miles from the M27 at Fareham. The A32 Meon Valley road between Fareham and Alton is just minutes away.

5 things to do in Bishop’s Waltham

•  Visit the ruins of the Bishop’s Waltham Palace, cared for by English Heritage. It is open every day except Saturday until the end of September from 10am.
•  Take the Bishop’s Waltham Town Trail, a one-hour walk which explores this fascinating town. Find out how caged Napoleonic prisoners-of-war, kept in underground cages, managed to drink beer thanks to a long pipe.
•  Stroll in The Moors Local Nature Reserve and the Claylands Nature Reserve and see the Sand Boils, where the River Hamble rises through sand and really does appear to be boiling!
•  Sample the wine at the award-winning Northbrook Springs Vineyard. It’s open at weekends and at other times, call ahead on 01489 892920.
•  Explore Waltham Chase Mill. It’s been featured on TV’s Salvage Squad and now this unique Victorian watermill is restored and milling. Open two Sundays every month. Find out when on 01489 891849.