Nestled in Hampshire (although right on the Surrey border), Grayshott is a charming community-driven village that’s flanked by some of the county’s most stunning countryside. Oh, and let’s not forget that it’s the birthplace of Bridget Jones’s very own Colin Firth. But what’s it like to live there? Well, Susy Brooks, our Sales Progressor, does – so let’s discover her take on what makes Grayshott so special.
When it’s time for a drink …
There are two very strong options. The Fox and Pelican is a great community pub, which really gets behind the village’s numerous community events. The staff at the pub often work with the Parish Council, so community events form a big part of the pub’s activities in addition to live music and quizzes. There’s a green next to the pub, which regularly hosts events that cater to a wide age range. From local bands and live music of all types, to craft-based events for children, there’s always something going on.
The Hop & Vine is a new cocktail bar which is proving to be very popular. It’s the latest offering from the owner of The Bay Leaf, a very good Indian restaurant next door, and The Dilli in Haslemere. The drinks are fantastic and come with all the flair that you would expect to see in a London cocktail bar.
The best place to eat out is …
Aside from The Bay Leaf, we have a great Nepalese restaurant called Gurkha Garden. I find the cuisine slightly more refined than what you might find on a traditional Indian restaurant’s menu. When it comes to lunches, the Red Rose Tea Room is right in the centre of the village and run by a Polish lady. It serves a wide range of breakfasts and lunches, teas and incredible homemade cakes. Applegarth Farm is also well worth a visit. It’s a family-run restaurant and farm shop. I had a delicious goat’s cheese and fig salad there the other day, and the deli is well worth a visit, selling a lot of local produce and a selection of homemade savoury snacks made daily in their own kitchen.
When it’s time for some fresh air …
I live directly opposite Ludshott Commons, a large expanse of heathland owned by the National Trust. In fact, my garden gate opens directly onto it, so you’ll often find me – and Pickle, my 10-year-old Cockapoo – walking in and around there. Waggoners Wells, a series of man-made ponds, is also nearby. If you’re lucky, you might even see large fish swimming about in one of them. People travel from all over to visit the ponds, so they’re definitely worth a visit. It’s very peaceful around here, so if you’re looking to get away from it all, then either of these two locations are ideal. Not far away is the Devil’s Punch Bowl, which, although much busier, still offers a beautiful collection of trails that allow you to walk for miles and miles.
Grayshott’s hidden gems are …
Aside from the network of walks, some of which are hidden gems in themselves, Grayshott Pottery, one of Southern England’s last remaining working potteries, is a wonderful place to visit. It has an abundance of history, and visitors can buy pottery that’s made on-site. And for those who need a break, there’s a good café there, too.
For me, I think that the strong sense of community the village provides is one of Grayshott’s gems. We’re very lucky. This sense of community is highlighted every two years on May bank holiday, when around 30 or so homeowners open their gardens up to the public as part of the Hidden Gardens of Grayshott event. From sprawling grounds to bijou landscapes, it’s a unique opportunity to see some of the most breath-taking gardens in the village. Some of the residents even provide tea and cake, so it’s a really lovely two-day event. Warren Powell-Richards is proud to be regular sponsors of the event.
Other hidden gems include Kaighin and Daughter, a family-run butchers that has been serving the community for decades, and Cabbage Patch, a greengrocer that offers very high-quality fruit and vegetables.
Of course, Grayshott itself is a gem. It’s a thriving area that’s five minutes from the deepest countryside, which probably explains why I’ve been here for 17 years!
Looking for a Grayshott estate agent? Contact the Grayshott office of Warren Powell-Richards to arrange a no obligation valuation of your property on 01428 604016. Alternatively, find your nearest Warren Powell-Richards office here.
