Surbiton was founded during the industrial revolution as the not very catchy Kingston-upon-Railway, but soon switched to the name we know it by today.

Like its older neighbour, Kingston, Surbiton sits on the banks of the Thames and is surrounded by beautiful scenery and historic buildings and parks. But despite its reputation as a slightly sleepy suburban hub – largely a hangover from the area’s appearance in 70s sitcom, The Good Life – Surbiton is actually a vibrant area that continues to mature into a wonderful place to live.

From the moment you step off the train and pass through Surbiton’s stunning Art Deco grade-II listed station, Surbiton has a very good vibe about it. Property wise there’s a nice mix of 19th-century townhouses, Art Deco courts and modern residential blocks. It’s more affordable than nearby ​​Putney, Earlsfield and Southfields, yet boasts many similar properties.

Some of the most desirable roads include the ‘river roads’ which are unsurprisingly close to the Thames include those between ​​Portsmouth and Maple road. Nearby Southborough, has large detached houses in leafy suburban roads, with the best being Corkran, Langley Avenue and Ashcombe Avenue. While in the Berrylands neighbourhood, there are plenty of detached and semi-detached Thirties houses, located around Manor Crescent, Pine Gardens, Pine Walk, Grand Avenue and Elmbridge Avenue. Oh, and Berrylands also has its own station. 

In terms of general transport, it’s one of the best places in the whole of South West London by far. Commuters can be in Waterloo in 15 to 20 minutes, which is faster than many more centrallylocated and supposedly desirable locations.

Food lovers should make a beeline for Maple Street, which, along with some of the best properties in the area, has a range of delightful cafes and independent restaurants, along with a weekly farmers market. There’s also The Grove and The Antelope for anyone looking for a refreshing drink. There’s plenty of green space, including Victoria Park on Balaclava Road. And the Hogsmill Walk from Berrylands to Kingston takes in part of the riverbank as it goes through Hogsmill Valley, a perfect Sunday afternoon activity.

Ofsted rated primaries St Andrew’s and St Mark’s Juniors CofE are both rated outstanding. While at the secondary level, there’s Tiffin School (boys, ages 11 to 18) in Queen Elizabeth Road and The Tiffin Girls’ School (ages 11 to 18) in Richmond Road, also both rated outstanding. Surbiton High and Kingston Grammar are both excellent private schools