Molesey underwent separation by prefix in the 13th century and whilst
East Molesey expanded as part of the borough of Kingston on Thames, West Molesey extended in the other direction. Aside from a residential cluster around the Parish church, the village held its green space largely intact. There is, as a result, a shortage of period detail in comparison to neighbouring East Molesey.
Housing stock in West Molesey is relatively modern and prices are cheaper than in
East Molesey, making the area a pretty economical riverside option. 60's and 70's built family homes make up the bulk of the Hurst Park estate to the north, and there are apartment blocks of the same era with good views of the Thames. The river along this stretch is particularly attractive, and if you want to live right on it, Buckingham Gardens is the place to head.
Older Victorian properties, largely in terraces, are to be found along the bigger roads, especially Hurst and Walton Roads. The oldest part of town centres round St Peter's Church where there's a mix of period cottages and contemporary developments. First time buyers will find a good range of purpose built flats and a few conversions. Aside from well priced 30's semis around town, the newer houses on the Fleetside estate bordering the reservoirs to the south provide popular family options. Houses become larger and pricier on avenues to the west, and as you follow the River Mole towards East Molesey, waterside properties take you into the domain of the well off and well to do.
Local shops can be found on the high street, and East Molesey is a short hop away with its small Tesco and excellent antiques market. But with Kingston nearby, retail relief is not really a problem. There are good parks throughout Molesey and, of course, miles of beautiful riverside walks. Molesey Hurst was a favoured location for pistols at dawn showdowns, and the game of cricket saw through its infancy here. White-padded skirmishes of honour continue to the present day. If you're a big hitter and fancy making a little local history yourself, try landing a ball on nearby Taggs Island. In a long tale of trophy offers, near misses and deflections, no one has yet met this centuries-old challenge.
If you want get out on the water, the Molesey Boat Club will provide the means and excuses, with plenty of events held throughout the year. There are good sports facilities in town and Hampton Court and the expanses Bushy Park are a short stroll across the river (it's best to use the bridge).
The local area houses some of the most prestigious schools in the country; there's an extensive selection of state and private options within easy reach.
Transport links are excellent with the A3 and M25 both accessible, and good local road connections with Hampton and across to Kingston. The current bridges straddling both the Thames and Mole rivers were designed by Lutyens and are worth getting out of your car to look at. The nearest trains into Waterloo run from Hampton Court Station in East Molesey and take 25 minutes. Despite the station's elaborate Jacobean architecture, there was no historically premature railway here. The station was built in 1848 and designed to blend in with the Palace across the river.
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