Surbiton’s peaceful and leafy depiction in the feel good 1970s sitcom ‘The Good Life’ was arguably what first put it on the map. The show depicted Tom and Barbara, a 40-something-year-old couple, who decide to live self-sufficiently in their suburban London home.
Although the programme was actually filmed in Northwood, the image of Surbiton as a peaceful and welcoming community, with large houses and green open spaces, isn’t a million miles away from reality.
Today, this affluent neighbourhood, close to Surrey, is known as a friendly market town that attracts lots of families thanks to its great schools and proximity to both Bushy and Richmond Park.
Now, one of the most desirable properties in the area has hit the market with Dexters. Ditton Road is a grand 5,000 sq. ft Victorian mansion house that sits on half an acre of land within the coveted Southborough estate.
Electric gates open onto a sweeping driveway that takes you to a red brick property with a covered patio, framed by columned arches. Entry to the house is through an intricately designed portico that leads to a large atrium centred around a grand wooden staircase.
This area is currently used as a dining room that’s flooded with natural light thanks to its double height ceilings, lined with stained glass windows. The equally spacious reception room next door has an original marble fireplace with lots of period details including ornate coving and inbuilt bookshelves.
The ground floor kitchen features wraparound wooden cabinets and a central island that provides plenty of workspace for budding chefs. Double doors lead out onto the garden, with expansive lawns and a summer house that could be used as an office by those working flexibly. If you’re looking to relax and unwind, there’s also a garden conservatory with access to a secluded, tiled patio with sunchairs for soaking up the sun during warmer months.
With six bedrooms and four bathrooms, the house would be ideal for a growing family. On the second floor, the principal bedroom suite features an en suite bathroom with emerald tiles, twin sinks and a bathtub and shower. While opposite, there’s an almost equally sized bedroom, with its own en suite bathroom and views onto the outdoor area.
‘Ditton Road is one of Surbiton’s premier locations,’ says Chrissie Gale, Director of Dexters Surbiton. ‘This street is extremely peaceful and quiet, but you’re also just a mile away from the town centre with its restaurants, cafes and the monthly farmers’ market. You certainly get the best of both worlds.’
