'I went to Britain's 'poshest' village where dog walkers have to sign NDAs'
You won't find a spot of graffiti here and the streets are paved with gold - not quite but they may as well be because to live here you'll need some very special permissions and a big bank balance
The UK's 'poshest' towns have been revealed, and topping the list is a town where the average property will set you back over £1.4million.
The rankings, crafted by The Telegraph in collaboration with estate agent Savills, tapped into the freshest Census data to unearth places ticking all the boxes for factors such as the proportion of managerial-level residents, education credentials, health status, and housing prices.
Placing 11th on the coveted top 50 is Virginia Water, famous not just for its premium property but also as a backdrop in two Harry Potter films. Nestled in the Borough of Runnymeade, northern Surrey, it is conveniently close to London and is officially one of Britain's 'most desirable' villages.
A 46-year-old dog walker, who lives nearby but admitted they're "not posh enough to live in Virginia Water', visits daily but has barely met any of the locals.
"You have to stand outside for starters — and sign an NDA," they told the Metro. "It's just the way it's done around that area. I go through the gate, I pick up the dog, and often it's the housekeeper that brings the dog out to me, not the person."
Neighbouring towns include Woking to the south and Bracknell to the west, with Heathrow Airport just a short journey away. Along Windsor Great Park's southern fringe, Virginia Water boasts its attraction, a two-mile lake that draws families, strollers, and nature enthusiasts alike, according to the park officials, reports the Express.
High-street shopping and swift train services to London are among the perks of residing in Virginia Water. Adding to the location's glamour is the Wentworth Golf Club, along with sites like Virginia Water Lake and Savill Garden attracting visitors.
Visit Surrey highlights Cabrera Avenue as a preserved area, offering a riverside walk where an array of species thrives.
Even those who've never set foot in Virginia Water might recognise it; many have glimpsed the town on the silver screen as Hogwarts' lake where the lead character soars above water astride the Hippogriff Buckbeak in The Prisoner of Azkaban.
The memorable scene in Goblet of Fire where Hermione is caught sending messages between the feuding Harry and Ron was shot right here.
Discussing the dizzying prices of homes, The Telegraph noted: "While the average price is more reflective of the 1920s and 1930s houses near the station, those around the Wentworth golf club hidden behind electric gates are considerably higher."
When it comes to the property market in 2024, Rightmove's report on Virginia Water says, " House prices in Virginia Water have an overall average of £1,551,999 over the last year."
Elaborating on the types of properties sold, they shared, "The majority of properties sold in Virginia Water during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £2,295,854. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £724,000, with flats fetching £467,242."
In a look back, Rightmove concluded: "Overall, the historical sold prices in Virginia Water over the last year were 4% up on the previous year and 25% down on the 2022 peak of £2,062,059." As well as high-value properties, it also boasts low crime rates, a Waitrose and M&S food hall without a Greggs sausage roll in sight, and is frequently a celebrity hangout.
Rory McIlroy is often spotted practising his swing at the Wentworth Club, with Zara Tindall also known to pop into the 1920 clubhouse. Elton John, Cliff Richard and Gary Lineker have all owned properties here at some point, too.
There are a number of private schools in the surrounding area including Eton just 20 minutes away, boutique shops and independent brunch stops and Michelin-starred restaurants.
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