Wednesday, 18 May 2016

Area guide: Property in Swanwick

In previous blogs we've focused on major Hampshire towns like Havant and Gosport. This time we turn our attentions to the small, picturesque village of Swanwick.



The area

Located within the borough of Fareham, Swanwick is to the east of the River Hamble and best-known for being a key air traffic control hub.

The village doesn't have a centre as such, but is home to a number of housing developments and is a popular commuter hub for those working in Portsmouth, Southampton, London and further afield. 

Lower Swanwick, situated on the edge of the River Hamble, is a few miles away and is popular among history buffs (thanks to the Bursledon Brickworks, the last surviving Victorian steam-powered brickworks in the UK).

It also draws fans of the BBC classic Howards' Way, with many scenes from that filmed in and around the village and its local pub, “The Jolly Sailor”. 

There is a good mix of property in Swanwick, with 3 and 4 bedroom terraced houses on sale for around £320,000, as well as stylish, modern flats and stunning barn conversions for affordable prices.

You can certainly, with a bit of research and planning, bag a bargain in Swanwick. And, like with anywhere else in Hampshire, you get much more for your money than you do in London or its surrounds.


Things to do

Portsmouth, Southampton and Fareham are all on the doorstep – and easy to venture into – while the New Forest and the South Downs are close enough for days out experiencing lovely, serene woodland and beautiful open countryside.
Marwell Zoo (perfect for the little ones) isn't very far away, while there are a number of excellent golf courses close at hand for all the budding Rory Mcllroy's out there.

Equally, high-quality cricket and football matches can be sampled at The Ageas Bowl and St Mary's Stadium respectively.

Bursledon Brickworks Industrial Museum is another family-friendly gem, while Swanwick's main landmark is  the delightful 80-acre Swanwick Lakes – a Site of Nature Conservation Interest and a fantastic place to get away from the fast-paced nature of modern life.

Meanwhile, nearby Whiteley is home to a shopping centre, a Cineworld Cinema and Solent Hotel & Spa.


Food & Drink

Swanwick itself isn't blessed with places to eat and drink, other than the excellent Elm Tree Inn country pub and the popular bar 'Halladay's At The ELM Tree'.

But Lower Swanwick and Whiteley more than make up for this, with The Old Ship, The Navigator, The Bold Forester and the Village Inn all superb, family friendly pubs with great food and attentive service.

Tiger Lily, Kamz Palace and the Golden Valley are all good choices for those feeling a bit bolder, while Whiteley is home to a number of chain restaurants ranging from Chimichanga to Five Guys and the Harvester.

Montagu's Cafe Bar & Bistro is the best place to opt for in Whiteley's Shopping Centre, whereas Swanwick Railway CafĂ© – located, funnily enough, right by Swanwick train station – undoubtedly offers the best fast food in town.


Transport

The village has excellent transport links. The M27 is to the north, with Southampton and Portsmouth easily reached by car.

Swanwick railway station is on the West Coastway Line, providing services to Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbour. Commuters can be in London Waterloo in under two hours, with one quick change at Fareham.

Southampton Airport, with flights to many destinations in Europe, is an 18 minute drive way.

For expert advice when it comes to selling your home in Swanwick, Fareham and other locations in the South of England, please get in touch with ChimneyPots on: 0844 809. 993.


We also provide an instant online valuation tool to give you an estimate of how much your property is worth in the current marketplace.