About this office
Hamptons has been selling and letting properties in Alton for over 40 years and our office is now home to a client-led, proactive team of estate agents with combined industry experience of over 60 years. We can provide advice regarding all aspects of the marketing, selling and letting processes, and arrange contacts for mortgages, conveyancing and international properties for sale.
In addition to the town itself, the team at Alton cover many surrounding villages from Greywell to the north, Privett to the south, Binsted to the east and Upper and Lower Wield to the west.
Why move to Alton?
Alton is an historic market town in East Hampshire just over 50 miles south of London and this proximity to the capital makes it a desirable location for city commuters. It is also popular with families who flock to the area for its excellent schools and glorious surrounding countryside, perfect for long walks to take in the scenery and brisk bike rides. Alton is also well placed for visits to popular seaside spots on the south coast, such as The Witterings.
A little bit of history
Alton was recorded in the Domesday Survey of 1086 and takes its name from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘farmstead at the source of the river’ due its location at the source of the River Wey. It also happens to be the highest town in Hampshire. St. Lawrence Church, dating from the 11th century, was part of the Battle of Alton, a skirmish in the civil war.
The Curtis Museum in Alton has one of the finest local history collections in the county.
Architecture and property
Alton offers a delightful mix of historic buildings and modern properties, with a classic Georgian high street. There are a wide variety of properties to buy and rent within the town and surrounding villages, from contemporary town houses and apartments to characterful country cottages to large country and equestrian properties.
Shopping and amenities
Alton has a lively high street with an array of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. It is well known for its regular Tuesday market day, as well as other markets and fairs. There is a range of essential shops including pharmacies, opticians, a post office and supermarkets, such as Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and M&S, together with more specialist shops including health and wellness shops, book shops and outdoor clothing retailers.
The £20 million state-of-the-art Sports Centre offers swimming pools, a spa, a range of fitness studios and a clip-and-climb climbing wall.
Going out
There is a wide choice of great restaurants and bars in Alton town, together with popular country pubs and farm shops in the surrounding villages. Attractions in and around the Alton area include the Jane Austen Museum in the village of Chawton, which is set in the author’s 17th Century red brick home, Chawton House, and displays a unique collection of women’s writings. Thomas the Tank Engine himself has been known to make an appearance on the heritage steam train Watercress Line from Alton to Alresford.
Green space
Alton is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with a variety of footpaths and nature walks. Nearby in the pretty village of Selborne you can walk the zig-zag pathway to enjoy the views and explore the famous hangers (wooded hills). Alton is located close to the South Downs National Park with its iconic views, natural beauty and wildlife.
Schools
Alton and the surrounding villages offer a wide choice of primary schools rated Good and Outstanding by Ofsted. Alton is home to two highly regarded state secondary schools, Amery Hill and Eggars, and Alton College, which has been consistently rated Outstanding. There are also several private schools in the area, including Alton School in the town itself and Lord Wandsworth College in nearby Long Sutton.
Transport
Alton has strong transport links via road and rail, with regular services from Alton Station to London Waterloo in a little over an hour. The A31 offers convenient access to Guildford and Winchester, connecting with the A3 and M3 for access to London and south coast.
