Bagshot
BAGSHOT Once a wild heathland frequented by highwaymen (it was the perfect distance from London, reached by coach as dusk settled), Bagshot developed in the mid-19th century and is carefully maintaining its Victorian atmosphere. Lamp-posts are period-style and new developments and refurbishments have to be in keeping. The area thrives because of the many London companies that have relocated here and to nearby Fleet. There is day-to-day shopping, good schools and plenty of opportunities for leisure. One-bedroom flats sell for around £135,000; two-bedroom houses for between £175,000 and £220,000. College Ride is highly prized for its gardens backing on to Windsor Forest and a tract of land recently made available by the Crown for public use, which is popular with walkers and bikers. Victorian and Edwardian houses in a good position here start at around £250,000 for two bedrooms. In the small modern development on Heywood Drive, four-bedroom houses sell for £380,000 to £450,000.