The story of Abbotswood Estate

Abbotswood was created when the Earl of Onslow had to sell farmland to pay off death duties. Local entrepreneur G. Taylor, together with his architect A. C. Burlingham took this opportunity to create a garden suburb for Guildford’s growing wealthy middle class who were now able to commute into Guildford and up to London after the railway arrived in Guildford, in the mid nineteenth century and the motor car had been invented in the early twentieth century. This enabled them to move into the countryside outside of the town centre.

The estate including a mix of houses and bungalows was built in Arts and Crafts style to follow the principles of the 20th century Garden Suburb Movement formed by Sir Ebenezer Howard, in 1898. It is characterised by a traditional detailing and high quality materials and construction set within an informal layout and a wooded area.

The Abbotswood Estate is situated on London Road between Boxgrove roundabout and Burpham, not far from the A3 trunk road. It  was built in the early part of the 20th century on approximately 50 acres of arable farmland forming part of the Stoke Park Farm. 

Looking through the shrubbery at the original Stoke Park Farm

This dates back to medieval times and was originally part of the Onslow estate. This land was previously known as Ganghill Common, and was an area of high ground overlooking the water meadows of the River Wey. The original farmhouse and outbuildings still survive and are included within the Conservation Area, formed in 2011, to protect and retain the architectural style of properties on the Estate.

Alfred Claude Burlingham was an enthusiastic disciple of the architect, Lutyens, so he created several different designs influenced by his work, for both medium and large sized houses, some having space for servants’ quarters. The development commenced in 1912 and took place over two main periods. The first phase up to and including the First World War provided larger houses for the professional and more affluent residents of the Guildford borough. The second phase, immediately following the war, offered smaller properties including bungalows. 

Following the completion of Abbotswood, Taylor and Burlingham went on to develop other significant residential estates in Guildford at Fairway, Trodds Lane, Ganghill, Meads Road and Green Lane plus a number of charming cottages in Orchard Road, Burpham.

The decorative stone to be found on the arches at the main entrance

The Abbotswood Estate comprises around 77 detached properties. House prices for properties on the estate have risen 7.33%, or by £69,912, in the last year and by 304% or £770,904 over the last 20 years, similar to the average price growth for Guildford, as a whole.

There have been 9 property sales on Abbotswood during the last 5 years with an average sold price of £1,319,111. The most recent sale was no 26, a 4 bed detached house sold in Dec 2014 for £1,675,000 but now worth £1,797,000.

Further evidence of house price growth in the estate is provided by the sale of  'Hazelwood', a 7 bed house, which is believed to be one of the first houses to have been built in Abbotswood, in 1913. It was sold for £1,515,000 in Oct 2014 having been purchased for £605,000 in 1998, a house price growth of 250% in just 6 years.

Finally the only property on the estate to be listed by English Heritage, in 1998, was no 46. This is also the largest house on the estate with 7 beds and 4 baths. It was sold for £1,950,000 in May 2012, having been previously sold in Aug 2006, for £1,900,000 so even an affluent area like Abbotswood does not appear to have escaped the credit crunch and the negative affect this had on house prices. 

However it had also sold in Mar 2001, for £430,000. The property is currently worth an estimated £2,546,000 so even allowing for the credit crunch it has still risen in value by an outstanding 592% in the last 14 years!

If you would like to have a chat about property prices in Guildford or would like to discover where and how you can gain a greater return for your money in the bank call 01483 320207 or email richard@guildfordpropertyblog.co.uk