Sitting some 850ft above sea level, Hindhead is Surrey's loftiest residential perch. For many years its heathland expanses and dense woodland sheltered highwaymen working the London to Portsmouth coaching route. However, land enclosures in the 1850's and the arrival of the railway in nearby Haslemere soon saw it flourishing as a rural retreat for wealthy Londoners seeking out air "as pure as the Alps."
A flurry of construction in the 1890's has left Hindhead rich in Norman Shaw "Arts and Crafts" styled country homes. Most of the larger properties, both period and modern, have thick barricades of greenery keeping the world (and more importantly the busy A3) at a distance. Exclusivity carries a price, however. Buying into a new luxury development can easily cost half a million, whilst the most impressive properties in the area quickly rack up seven figure fees. For those with less money to burn, and no cat to swing, there is a good stock of small attractive cottages.
A picturesque parade of shops takes care of the essentials, with wider shopping options available in Haslemere. Hundreds of acres of National Trust managed land enclose the village. Hindhead Common stretches to the east taking in beautiful heath and woodland along impressively steep valleys. The summit of Gibbet Hill was the execution point for less flighty highwaymen, but those climbing the 900ft to enjoy the spectacular views today are usually allowed to make the return trip. The huge basin of Devil's Punchbowl offers further vistas and walks (There's a Youth Hostel somewhere in its bowels if you get lost).
Bernard Shaw's lodgings now make up part of the local St Edmund's school. Parents will find an excellent selection of private and state education options in the vicinity. A thriving Music Centre is also based in the village.
Hindhead developed along the Portsmouth Road, which became the A3. Heavy traffic hasn't done much for the village atmosphere, whilst tunnelling and re-routing proposals have aroused the concerns of environmental groups. For commuters, train links to London Waterloo take 45 minutes from Haslemere.
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