A former station house nestled in the idyllic village of Westhumble, Dorking, is up for sale at £850,000 – but it comes with a major catch.
The UK housing market has seen a surge, with house prices increasing by 3.2% in September this year compared to the previous year, marking the fastest rate in nearly two years, according to Nationwide.
For those seeking a unique and historical property, this former station house could be just the ticket. This Grade II listed home exudes charm and character and offers direct links to London.
The semi-detached property, once part of the station house, has been tastefully converted into a stylish four-bedroom residence, offering stunning views of the expansive landscapes of Box Hill in the North Downs, Surrey.
Commuters will find it hard to miss their train, as the property is situated right next to a platform that provides regular and direct access to the capital, with around 51 trains per day – the quickest journey to London taking just 49 minutes.
However, the’s one catch as your front garden is a large car park. Despite this, the property still offers private parking and maintains the tranquillity and charm of village life. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the peaceful, secluded elevated garden, perfect for hosting summer barbecues or dining al fresco whenever the mood strikes.
Dating back to 1867 and crafted by the esteemed Victorian architect Charles Henry Driver, this architectural gem was formerly sold by British Rail in the ’90s. Since then, it has been transformed into the impressive three-storey residence it stands as today.
The current owners have cherished the abode since 2006, ensuring that its fashionable interior and contemporary refinements honour the property’s original character.
This kitchen, lovingly designed in a country style featuring wooden countertops and soft grey storage solutions, is undoubtedly the heart of the home, while the spacious, homely lounge boasts expansive windows drenching the area in sunlight and includes an attractive fireplace, perfect for cosier winter evenings.
Nestled within the tranquillity of a village setting, with an extensive and secluded garden, and unparalleled connectivity to the capital quite literally at its front door, this four-bedroom dwelling is now seeking new owners, with an asking price of £850,000. Social media erupted after popular account Secret London shared the listing on Instagram, sparking intrigue with its unusual train platform frontage and noteworthy valuation.
The accompanying video which showcased the home prompted one enthusiast to jest: “I would still manage to miss the train”, while others raised concerns about the potential racket: “The noise, THE NOISE!!! I’d never know peace”.
And another hinted at the potential disturbances: “Imagine your house rattling with every train that passes by! Good luck sleeping”.
One local resident shared: “It is a nice area but trains going past at full speed (it’s a limited stop station) throughout the day. No shops in walking distance and random people knocking on your door thinking the building is a ticket office etc. yeah no thanks.”
Another person who lives nearby offered their perspective: “I live about 3 minutes from here! It’s such a charming area! But you will get annoyed with the cyclists doing the Olympic route on Box Hill”.
One commenter said: “I would [buy it] if I had the money lol”, while another remarked: “It’s beautiful. I live next to a train station and I love hearing the rumble of the trains. But your home insurance is a little higher.”
Another individual chimed in: “Honestly, this is incredible”, while someone else simply labelled the property as “iconic”.
What are your thoughts on this unique home? Share your views in the comments section.