During the height of Georgian England, it became a popular pastime amongst the wealthy to “take the waters” of the natural springs at various spa towns across the country for their alleged healing properties, particularly the likes of Bath, Harrogate, and of course, Cheltenham. Today, the town stands out for its many desirable neighbourhoods with homes that are the envy of many residents across the county.
Cheltenham, often referred to as the "Gateway to the Cotswolds," is steeped in history, and grandiose architecture from Britain's golden age, with a lot more to it than its famous racecourse. The following addresses are the prize picks for would-be residents looking to move to this enticing part of the country.
Leckhampton
South of Cheltenham's town centre, Leckhampton is a much-desired neighbourhood amongst would-be-movers, that blends the town's signature Georgian style with more contemporary designed properties. The area is characterised by a mix of period terraced townhouses and more modern apartments detached that cater to all buyer ranges.
The bustling Bath Road serves as a hub for all things local, with ample boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, contributing to the area's fantastic livability. Leckhampton's proximity to the Cotswolds provides residents with picturesque walking trails and stunning views of the local area, all within easy reach of their homes, making it particularly appealing to families and active individuals looking to explore new surroundings.
Prestbury
Found on the northern reaches of Cheltenham, this historic village has retained much of its heritage and character despite the significant developments the town undertook over the centuries. Prestbury is known for its quaint streets lined with period cottages, rustic churches, and traditional pubs, offering what could easily be described as the quintessential English village living experience.
Despite its small proportions, Prestbury is well-connected to the rest of Cheltenham and is close to Cheltenham Racecourse. There are plenty of period homes in this area that don't all fall in with the seemingly ever-present Georgian designs of much of the town – from thatched roofs to 16th-century townhouses, Prestbury has more than enough to attract movers to its timeless lanes and alleys.
Montpellier
Within Cheltenham, Montpellier has long been synonymous with elegantly designed and fashionable homes. The area boasts stunning Regency architecture, with terraces and villas that reflect Cheltenham's prominence as a favourite spot for holidaying nobility. Montpellier Gardens, a beautifully maintained public park, serves as a focal point for the area and much of the activity around it.
Adjacent to this chic part of town, The Suffolks is a charming enclave known for its independent boutiques, artisan shops, and eclectic range of cafes. The area is unabashedly bohemian, with glamorous Georgian-era townhouses and converted apartments to match. There is a strong sense of community, boosted by the high quality of life from a well-maintained and desirable neighbourhood which residents are proud to call: home.
Lansdown
This charming part of Regency Cheltenham has been certified as a conservation area as a result of the grandeur and historically significant design of many of its residences and buildings. The Christ Church, a 2000 seater worship centre in Lansdown, is one marvellous example, constructed from the signature limestone used for most of the buildings in the area.
When it comes to living spaces, Lansdown has some of the most worthy homes in the entire town, but the jewel in the crown is Lansdown Crescent. This impressive design, one of the largest in the area, is a fantastic example of Georgian town planning, comprising multiple villas and terraces that are as idyllic for living in today, as they were when first built 180 years ago.
Pittville
In a town not short on high-value neighbourhoods, Pittville is one of Cheltenham's most affluent areas. Formed around Pittville Park, a Grade II listed park with stunning gardens, lakes, and the historic Pittville Pump Room – a relic of Cheltenham's spa town heritage – the park provides the chance to undertake numerous activities including boating and tennis.
Pittville's housing stock predominantly consists of Regency-style properties, offering spacious and elegant townhouses and apartments. The area's gorgeous greenery, coupled with its proximity to the town centre, makes it an extremely convenient location in one of the most beautiful and best-connected parts of Cheltenham.
Battledown
Developed around 1860 and in contrast to much of the rest of the town, the Battledown Estate encompasses some of Cheltenham's most magnificent Victorian period houses, set within generous plots that offer intimate and private homes to live in. The Battledown, despite what the name might imply, has never actually staged a battle but sits at strategic heights, which is where the area's name comes from.
This elevated position provides residents with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, along with Battledown's leafy green avenues and spacious gardens. For those seeking spacious homes that are removed from the busy town centre, Battledown is a great area to compromise between seclusion and proximity to Cheltenham's amenities.
Cheltenham offers a distinct and high-quality lifestyle marked by an impeccably well-preserved heritage, creating an enthralling spa-town living experience. Between the historic charm of Prestbury, the vibrancy of streets around Montpellier, or, the exclusivity and seclusion of neighbourhoods like Battledown, would-be residents can expect the very best moving to this affluent town in the west of England.
