Stoke Bishop takes first place for best suburb in the UK

According to a survey carried out by Savills exclusively for The Telegraph, Stoke Bishop is the most desirable suburb in the UK.

The new research shows that house prices in some of the most sought-after suburban locations have risen by 16.8% over the past two years and 10.7% in the last year alone.

Stoke Bishop takes the very top spot, which is perhaps not surprising given it is one of the most exclusive areas of Bristol and known for its leafy beauty, good schools and independent businesses.

The survey looked at house price growth over the last 10 years, with Stoke Bishop achieving the highest inflation of 80%. It was followed by East Didsbury in Manchester at 79%, Four Oaks, Sutton Coldfield in Birmingham at 76%, and Hiltingbury in Southampton at 71%.

Situated on the edge of the Downs, affluent Stoke Bishop sits on the north west of Bristol, within easy walking distance to the centre and is quiet, yet connected to the city.

According to House Beautiful, the area is “famed for its good schools, detached stone-built houses on treelined streets, and pretty row of shops that caters for the close-knit crowd that call this place home.”

Richard Harding Estate Agents, who often market the properties for sale in the popular area, says: “There are numerous grand, detached houses on wide, treelined streets, which allows Stoke Bishop a rather exclusive reputation and making it the home to many wealthy families.

“Nonetheless, Stoke Bishop does offer some more modest, but no less desirable, family homes centred around some excellent and highly regarded primary schools, making it rather appealing to growing families.

“Further allurement comes in the ease of access to open, green spaces such as The Downs, the Blaise Castle Estate and Stoke Lodge.

“Although there is not an abundance of bars and restaurants in the area, that does not mean residents have no options for wining and dining, with several charming offerings located on Druid Hill, Stoke Lane and Shirehampton Road.” So, what makes it so great?

Large, detached properties

Stoke Bishop is known for having more space than the rest of the city, wide tree-lined streets and houses with much bigger plots - hence, it’s a desirable place for families.

Richard Harding is marketing a detached property at the moment for £1.5m, with eight bedrooms and a large garden.

Proximity to Bristol City Centre

Although you can feel like you’re a million miles away, Stoke Bishop is still super connected to Bristol so you can have the best of both worlds without being within the hustle and bustle.

Local shops

The suburb is centered around a pretty village hall and a collection of local shops, conveniently positioned and creating a feeling of community to the area.

Outstanding schools

Stoke Bishop is in the catchment area for many good and outstanding schools, with Stoke Bishop CofE, St Johns CofE, and Elmlea Infant School all nearby, as well as the independent Torwood House School.

For secondary schools, there’s Redland Green School nearby or the independents, Bristol International College, Clifton College, Badminton School and Clifton High School.

Lots of green space

Obviously the proximity to The Downs is a serious winner when it comes to Stoke Bishop, but there are also loads of other green spaces for joggers, dog walkers, families and cyclists looking for fresh air, greenery and peace and quiet.

According to Alexander May: “Stoke Lodge, to the north of the area, is used by local schools for athletics, football and cricket.

“Just round the corner you’ll find the excellent Coombe Dingle Sports Complex which is home to many local sports clubs, as well as the Avon Lawn Tennis Association and Clifton High School and University of Bristol sporting facilities. Members of the public can also hire the pitches and courts here.”