Aitchisons, Berkhamsted
Situated within the valley of the Chiltern Hills, Berkhamsted is an example of an elegant and lively town with a long stretching history and heritage reputed to date back further than Saxon times. Famed for its strong royal connections, the town additionally is well respected for it’s literary and teaching.
Throughout its history, Berkhamsted has played an important role in transportation links. In its earliest days, the northern valley route was originally part of the ancient Roman Road, Akeman Street and in turn offered a major throughway to the north. From 1798 through to the Second World War, the Grand Union Canal (formerly the Grand Junction) acted as a prominent passage of the industrial revolution connecting the West Midlands to London. Inevitably, the railways shortly followed and provided Berkhamsted with a greater array of transportation links.
In terms of property stock within the town, there is a varied array of differing property styles, types and sizes. The older core of the town comprises properties dating back from the period through to the victorian/edwardian eras coupled with traditional pre and post war housing. Since said eras, there has been gradual development to include a small element of ex local/local authority accommodation and modern construction from the 1960s through to the present day.
Originally the busy A41 road, the High Street has now been bypassed and subsequently offers a more quiet and quintessential shopping haven. The high street is a thriving heart for a wide selection of retail outlets to include local shops, national chains such as Boots, WHSmith, Waitrose and Tesco coupled with antique stores, public houses and restaurants. Every Saturday, there is a bustling market taking place within the town.
The town comprises an array of schooling options to include the acclaimed Berkhamsted Collegiate in addition to schooling up to middle level and the senior school, Ashlyns. Furthermore, Berkhamsted contains an ample variety of leisure and sporting facilities, this provides in turn a modern sports centre with an indoor swimming pool.
There are a number of interesting places to visit within Berkhamsted and the surrounding vicinity, one example of the town’s historic characteristics, Berkhamsted Castle, is situated within close proximity to the railway station. The remains are an example of a Norman motte and bailey castle containing an unusual double moat.
Furthermore, the area offers picturesque and outstanding countryside, to the north of the town are areas to include Berkhamsted Common and the Ashridge Estate.
Berkhamsted offers excellent communication links via rail and road. For rail commuting the station offers an approximate 30 to 40 minute journey time to reach London Euston being set upon the main Euston to Birmingham line. In terms of road commuting, the town is positioned to the north of the A41 and subsequently connects to the M25 and M1 motorways and additionally Heathrow and Luton airports are within easy access.