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Spotlight on Flackwell Heath - our estate agent’s view
Friday, February 8, 2019
Spotlight on Flackwell Heath - our estate agent’s view. With a population of around 6000, Flackwell Heath is a desirable village nestled on top of a ridge in the Chiltern Hills between High Wycombe, Marlow and Beaconsfield. It enjoys superb views on three sides yet is just south of Junction 3 of the M40, with good access to the M25, and central London. Chiltern Trains to London Marylebone from High Wycombe or Beaconsfield have a journey time of just over 20 minutes.
Unlike some neighbouring villages, much of Flackwell Heath’s housing stock is of modern construction, built post-war. Until the late 1800s it was four separate communities; Northern Woods, Sedgmoor, the Common, and Heath End, separated by fields and cherry orchards. The wild cherry is native to Chilterns woodland and was first grown as a fruit tree in the eighteenth century. For over two hundred years cherry orchards flourished in this area and provided the roots for a future where community spirit is strong. The cherry history is still reflected in the name of one of the village pubs, in the Carrington school emblem and in road names throughout the village.
Historically, Flackwell Heath captured hearts with its picturesque meadows and was seen as the pick of the Chiltern cherry villages. Two main events marked the cherry season - Cherry Sunday, in April when blossom was at its peak, attracted crowds of visitors to admire the trees and drink local ales. Then, in July, there was the Cherry Fair, an end of season celebration. The Cherry Fair lapsed, but was revived in 2005 as the village carnival and fete, which is still held every July.
There is only one listed building in Flackwell Heath, a former farmhouse dating from the 17th century. Other village landmarks include the water tower, the war memorial and, since July 2005, a wind turbine, on the playing field of Carrington Junior School. The turbine generates around a third of the school's energy.
Families are attracted to the village by the highly regarded infant and junior schools and by the catchment status for highly sought after grammar schools such as John Hampden School for boys and Wycombe High and Beaconsfield High for girls. There’s a vibrant community feel to Flackwell Heath which particularly appeals to families.
At the heart of the village is the community centre and recreation ground used for village events such as the annual picnic in July and as a polling station for general elections. As well as the Cherry Fair, there is an annual firework display in November. Every Remembrance Sunday sees a parade hosted by the Royal British Legion and attended by service men and women past and present, Scouts and Guides and the Girl's Brigade. Hundreds of residents assemble at the memorial for the laying of wreaths.
Flackwell Heath boasts a highly regarded golf course dating back to 1904. A traditional private members club, it’s a mature undulating parkland course, with stunning views across the Wye Valley and Chiltern Hills. It presents a challenge to both low and high handicap golfers.
Other sports and leisure facilities include Oaks Health and Fitness Club, a recreation ground and sports clubs such as tennis, rugby, football, badminton and bowls. Nearby High Wycombe offers the newly redeveloped Wycombe Sports Centre and the Eden Centre with its shops, restaurants, cinema and bowling complex while the David Lloyd Gym is in Wooburn Green. Further local attractions include the spectacular scenery of the surrounding Chilterns for walking and cycling and the River Thames at Marlow and Bourne End for boat hire and sailing.
With amazing views from its garden, The Stag pub is hard to beat, but for excellent tapas, La Bodega is Tripadvisor’s highest rated restaurant in Flackwell Heath with The Three Horseshoes a close second; the “perfect friendly village pub” and well known for its wonderful Sunday lunch.
In the village itself there are doctors/dentists surgeries, hairdressers and a range of local shops such as a Sainsburys Local, Costa, newsagents, and a chemist. A wider range of restaurants and shops can be found within the nearby towns of High Wycombe, Marlow and Beaconsfield. Property in Flackwell Heath ranges from Victorian houses to contemporary homes, from starter homes through to executive detached houses. House prices are buoyed by proximity to London, good primary schools and grammar school catchment, including John Hampden for boys and Wycombe High for girls, which are both just 3 miles away. In short, Flackwell Heath has all the benefits of semi-rural village life with the convenience of facilities in nearby towns. To see a selection of properties to buy or to let in this delightful village visit www.frostweb.co.uk or contact our Flackwell Heath office.
