Already a subscriber? Log in
Given its royal connections, Windsor has a lot more resources than a usual town of its size. It is home to The Theatre Royal, a range of shops, as well as some fine dining establishments too. The Waterside Inn boasts three Michelin stars and cracking views to boot while local favourite Gilby’s will service you with nothing but the finest vintages. If you need to get into central London there are two train stations, Windsor and Eton Central and Windsor and Eton Riverside. Trains are regular (45 minutes into Waterloo) and you can be in Paddington in as little as 25 minutes if you commute from nearby Slough. Whether it’s London you want to get to or an airport (remember those?), you’re right in the middle of it all.
As for education, the town is the tenth best in the country for ‘Outstanding’ schools. At secondary level, there is Newlands school for girls and Windsor Boys’ school, plus Charters School in nearby Sunningdale.
For those able to widen their search, Maidenhead is less of a tourist trap than its more famous neighbour and yet boasts all the same perks, with solid train links. At the top end of the market, here’s what £10 million will buy you:
For those seeking to cash in on London property, why not pick a house that’s somewhat deceptive in size? This 3000 square feet, five-bedroom, Grade II listed terraced house with a walled garden is a stone’s throw away from the castle. Compared to similar sized properties in London, it’s a snip at £2 million.
With the Castle in view, a townhouse that in much of the capital would cost you twice as much… it’s all been done and is ready to move into. A rather splendid 3 bedroom terraced property could be yours. For £1.35 million.
Or how about a coach house? It’s certainly got potential, off street parking and a 26ft drawing room for entertaining.
Back in the real world, if you fancy living in the area, a riverside view has to be one of the potential features you’d go for. It might be bijoux but £1.195 million will secure you a lovely period cottage with the most stunning river views.
And for the same kind of money you can get double the space in Old Windsor, which is south of Frogmore Cottage. Handy for visiting the cousins.
Just down from the Long Walk is a two bedroom semi-detached house listed at £785k with off-street parking for one small car. Nicely done, it’s close enough to all of the town’s amenities.
Venturing out of the town centre there’s some wonderful countryside and for my money, I’d rather have a bit more indoor and outdoor space. £1.5 million will find you a rather splendid three bedroom character home (pictured above) with a detached office, garage, gardens and all within a reasonable distance of the town.
And then I suppose if you wanted castle living, there is another option. Buy an apartment in a development that has a pool, communal areas and gardens. Yes, there will be a service charge but if convenience is what you want, then there are a few developments worth considering.
Windsor ticks all the boxes for a post pandemic move. For my money I’d always pick a period property and focus on the space it offers rather than replacing one urban environment with another. And, if the Cambridges do make the move, you can guarantee its capital will soar.
Because you read about housing market
Also by James Max
Latest
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in