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The flame is lit. After all the years of waiting, the Olympic torch begins its
winding journey through the United Kingdom towards London. Along the way it
will pass through 1,019 communities and travel 8,000 miles, carried by 9,000
people. The torch leaves Land’s End and eventually reaches the Olympic
Stadium. In between, it will shine its light on some hidden parts of the
country – and some terrific places to buy property.
Estate agents are hoping that the surge of national goodwill will give house-hunters the same get-up-and-go that Team GB will carry into the Games on July 27.
Here is our pick of the best places to buy property on the route. Some are hidden gems, others are bargains near well-known areas. Together they show the best of what Britain has to offer.
1 Penzance
Cornwall 19 May
The town now has an arts quarter, several Good Food Guide-approved restaurants, a sleeper rail link with London and a helicopter to the Scilly Isles. Little wonder its property is a showcase for the best of the West Country. House types range from “sought-after historical mansions on Chapel Street, to smaller town cottages and country retreats”, says Bradleys estate agent Mike Howard. A typical three-bedroom house here costs £300,000.
Insider tip There are hefty premiums for homes overlooking the sweeping Mount’s Bay and beautiful St Michael’s Mount.
For sale A four-bedroom 18th-century house, extended to include a barn. £550,000 from Bradleys (01736 360605; bradleys-estate-agents.co.uk).
Estate agents are hoping that the surge of national goodwill will give house-hunters the same get-up-and-go that Team GB will carry into the Games on July 27.
Here is our pick of the best places to buy property on the route. Some are hidden gems, others are bargains near well-known areas. Together they show the best of what Britain has to offer.
1 Penzance
Cornwall 19 May
The town now has an arts quarter, several Good Food Guide-approved restaurants, a sleeper rail link with London and a helicopter to the Scilly Isles. Little wonder its property is a showcase for the best of the West Country. House types range from “sought-after historical mansions on Chapel Street, to smaller town cottages and country retreats”, says Bradleys estate agent Mike Howard. A typical three-bedroom house here costs £300,000.
Insider tip There are hefty premiums for homes overlooking the sweeping Mount’s Bay and beautiful St Michael’s Mount.
For sale A four-bedroom 18th-century house, extended to include a barn. £550,000 from Bradleys (01736 360605; bradleys-estate-agents.co.uk).
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2 Glastonbury
Somerset May 22
Forgotten outside festival time, this shabby-chic area is just 15 miles off the M5 and 120 miles from London. It is one of the West Country’s best-value locations and much cheaper than Devon. A three-bedroom house costs £200,000. Second-home owners and tourists often rush past en route to more established West-Country hot spots.
Insider tip “The best properties are in the villages of West Compton, North Wootton, Pilton, Ditcheat and East Pennard,” says George Wade of buying agency Property Vision.
For sale Abbots Leigh is a four-bedroom mansion, once part of Glastonbury Abbey, with a two-bedroom garden house. £1.6 million with Knight Frank (01935 812236; knightfrank.com).
Somerset May 22
Forgotten outside festival time, this shabby-chic area is just 15 miles off the M5 and 120 miles from London. It is one of the West Country’s best-value locations and much cheaper than Devon. A three-bedroom house costs £200,000. Second-home owners and tourists often rush past en route to more established West-Country hot spots.
Insider tip “The best properties are in the villages of West Compton, North Wootton, Pilton, Ditcheat and East Pennard,” says George Wade of buying agency Property Vision.
For sale Abbots Leigh is a four-bedroom mansion, once part of Glastonbury Abbey, with a two-bedroom garden house. £1.6 million with Knight Frank (01935 812236; knightfrank.com).
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3 Ludlow
Shropshire May 24
Value for money is key at the yearly food fairs and in the property market. “Prices are back to their 2007 peak,” says Kevin Boulton of Strutt & Parker. Yet a three-bedroom house still averages £220,000.
Insider tip Plan well ahead. Ludlow only has 11,000 residents, and agents have a waiting list of people who want to buy. Keep in touch with local estate agents in the know, such as Nock Deighton (01584 875555; nockdeighton.co.uk) and Chesterton Humberts (01584 877778; chestertonhumberts.com).
For sale A three-bedroom, three-bathroom oak-framed house close to the town centre is £410,000 through Samuel Wood & Company (01584 875207; samuelwood.co.uk).
Shropshire May 24
Value for money is key at the yearly food fairs and in the property market. “Prices are back to their 2007 peak,” says Kevin Boulton of Strutt & Parker. Yet a three-bedroom house still averages £220,000.
Insider tip Plan well ahead. Ludlow only has 11,000 residents, and agents have a waiting list of people who want to buy. Keep in touch with local estate agents in the know, such as Nock Deighton (01584 875555; nockdeighton.co.uk) and Chesterton Humberts (01584 877778; chestertonhumberts.com).
For sale A three-bedroom, three-bathroom oak-framed house close to the town centre is £410,000 through Samuel Wood & Company (01584 875207; samuelwood.co.uk).
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4 Carmarthen
Carmarthenshire May 27
The town has a newly regenerated centre, and is surrounded by some of Wales’s most beautiful countryside. Yet after gentle price falls since 2011, a typical three-bedroom house is just £160,000.
Insider tip If you want a property with land, look to villages such as Llanarthney and Nantgaredig.
For sale A four-bedroom farmhouse overlooking Towy Valley, with 84 acres of land plus equestrian facilities. £850,000 from Clee (01267 230645; ctf-uk.com) and Knight Frank (01432 273087; knightfrank.com).
Carmarthenshire May 27
The town has a newly regenerated centre, and is surrounded by some of Wales’s most beautiful countryside. Yet after gentle price falls since 2011, a typical three-bedroom house is just £160,000.
Insider tip If you want a property with land, look to villages such as Llanarthney and Nantgaredig.
For sale A four-bedroom farmhouse overlooking Towy Valley, with 84 acres of land plus equestrian facilities. £850,000 from Clee (01267 230645; ctf-uk.com) and Knight Frank (01432 273087; knightfrank.com).
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5 Chester
Cheshire May 29-30
“This is a vibrant town, with an attractive variety of architecture,” says Jessica Brown of Strutt & Parker. “King Street has the sweetest period homes. Other pretty areas are Curzon Park, with views over the racecourse, and Dee Banks, with views towards the river.”
Insider tip The most popular villages for commuters are Christleton and Waverton.
For sale Charming, listed three-bedroom house with courtyard garden. £450,000 from Strutt & Parker (01244 354888; struttandparker.com).
Cheshire May 29-30
“This is a vibrant town, with an attractive variety of architecture,” says Jessica Brown of Strutt & Parker. “King Street has the sweetest period homes. Other pretty areas are Curzon Park, with views over the racecourse, and Dee Banks, with views towards the river.”
Insider tip The most popular villages for commuters are Christleton and Waverton.
For sale Charming, listed three-bedroom house with courtyard garden. £450,000 from Strutt & Parker (01244 354888; struttandparker.com).
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6 Douglas
Isle of Man June 3
The Olympic torch is going around the island on a TT bike, but most of the year this is a quiet, semi-rural retreat. It is also a tax haven, hence the high prices. A three-bedroom home is £450,000, but there is stardust too: Jeremy Clarkson, Russell Grant and Rick Wakeman live here.
Insider tip An electric railway crosses the island, and homes near stops carry premiums.
For sale A renovated five-bedroom manor house with more than three acres of land near the capital, Douglas is £1.2million, (Fine & Country; 01624 693412, fineandcountry.com).
Isle of Man June 3
The Olympic torch is going around the island on a TT bike, but most of the year this is a quiet, semi-rural retreat. It is also a tax haven, hence the high prices. A three-bedroom home is £450,000, but there is stardust too: Jeremy Clarkson, Russell Grant and Rick Wakeman live here.
Insider tip An electric railway crosses the island, and homes near stops carry premiums.
For sale A renovated five-bedroom manor house with more than three acres of land near the capital, Douglas is £1.2million, (Fine & Country; 01624 693412, fineandcountry.com).
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7 Belfast
Northern Ireland June 3
For a leafy, comfortable capital city, Belfast is excellent value. A three-bedroom house typically costs £150,000, up 40 per cent in the last decade. The market has “lots of positive signs”, with viewings and offers rising, according to Trevor Dougan of Shiells Residential agency.
Insider tip This city has a high number of repossessions, so look for bargain buys.
For sale A recently restored five-bedroom house in the affluent suburb of Malone, in 1.2 acres is £1.98 million with Templeton Robinson (028 9066 3030; templetonrobinson.co.uk).
Northern Ireland June 3
For a leafy, comfortable capital city, Belfast is excellent value. A three-bedroom house typically costs £150,000, up 40 per cent in the last decade. The market has “lots of positive signs”, with viewings and offers rising, according to Trevor Dougan of Shiells Residential agency.
Insider tip This city has a high number of repossessions, so look for bargain buys.
For sale A recently restored five-bedroom house in the affluent suburb of Malone, in 1.2 acres is £1.98 million with Templeton Robinson (028 9066 3030; templetonrobinson.co.uk).
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8 Bangor
Co Down June 3
The torch relay may put this beautiful seaside resort on the map. It has a large marina and high-quality Victorian houses. A typical three-bedroom home here, with a stunning water view, is well under £250,000.
Insider tip Apartments near Bangor Marina, one of the biggest in Ireland, are the most sought-after.
For sale With waterside views to the Antrim Hills, this four-bedroom house has gardens front and back. £695,000, Templeton Robinson (028 9042 4747; templetonrobinson.co.uk).
Co Down June 3
The torch relay may put this beautiful seaside resort on the map. It has a large marina and high-quality Victorian houses. A typical three-bedroom home here, with a stunning water view, is well under £250,000.
Insider tip Apartments near Bangor Marina, one of the biggest in Ireland, are the most sought-after.
For sale With waterside views to the Antrim Hills, this four-bedroom house has gardens front and back. £695,000, Templeton Robinson (028 9042 4747; templetonrobinson.co.uk).
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9 Glasgow
Scotland June 8
You can get a three-bedroom home here for just £135,000, but prices vary sharply. The revamped Merchant City, near the centre, is the most sought-after spot for flats. Lettings agents across the city are gearing up for high-value rentals in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Insider tip A recent Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ report suggests an oversupply of homes on sale, so prices may be set to dip in the short term. Wait until after the summer to see if bargains emerge.
For sale One, two and three-bedroom flats are for sale in a listed sandstone building in the heart of the centre. From £140,000 with Rettie & Co (0141 248 4160; rettie.co.uk).
Scotland June 8
You can get a three-bedroom home here for just £135,000, but prices vary sharply. The revamped Merchant City, near the centre, is the most sought-after spot for flats. Lettings agents across the city are gearing up for high-value rentals in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
Insider tip A recent Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors’ report suggests an oversupply of homes on sale, so prices may be set to dip in the short term. Wait until after the summer to see if bargains emerge.
For sale One, two and three-bedroom flats are for sale in a listed sandstone building in the heart of the centre. From £140,000 with Rettie & Co (0141 248 4160; rettie.co.uk).
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10 Aberdeenshire
Scotland June 11-12
This area has it all. Handsome town houses in the Granite City, rolling countryside, and the sporting haven of the Cairngorms. Not to mention the Queen’s estate at Balmoral. But prices are low: three-bedroom houses start at only £140,000.
Insider tip Prices of many rural homes are pushed up by hunting or fishing rights.
For sale A seven-bedroom baronial mansion house with 182 acres of farmland and salmon fishing rights is £2.3 million with Rettie & Co (0131 624 4074; rettie.co.uk).
Scotland June 11-12
This area has it all. Handsome town houses in the Granite City, rolling countryside, and the sporting haven of the Cairngorms. Not to mention the Queen’s estate at Balmoral. But prices are low: three-bedroom houses start at only £140,000.
Insider tip Prices of many rural homes are pushed up by hunting or fishing rights.
For sale A seven-bedroom baronial mansion house with 182 acres of farmland and salmon fishing rights is £2.3 million with Rettie & Co (0131 624 4074; rettie.co.uk).
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11 Alnwick
Northumberland June 14-15
The whole county is keenly priced. A typical three-bedroom house is £225,000. “People come here because they can be near a dramatic coastline,” says Samuel Gibson of Strutt & Parker. There is also a high-speed rail link to London.
Insider tip Local agents say homes with a sea view carry a 25 per cent premium.
For sale An attractive four-bedroom villa with landscaped gardens and a large garage is £650,000 with Strutt & Parker (01670 516123; struttandparker.com).
Northumberland June 14-15
The whole county is keenly priced. A typical three-bedroom house is £225,000. “People come here because they can be near a dramatic coastline,” says Samuel Gibson of Strutt & Parker. There is also a high-speed rail link to London.
Insider tip Local agents say homes with a sea view carry a 25 per cent premium.
For sale An attractive four-bedroom villa with landscaped gardens and a large garage is £650,000 with Strutt & Parker (01670 516123; struttandparker.com).
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12 Pickering
North Yorkshire June 18
The home of ITV1’s Heartbeat is a tourist hot spot, with a steam railway, a castle and lovely North Yorkshire countryside. Property is good value; you can buy a pretty cottage from about £160,000.
Insider tip Pickering’s 12th-century church is its finest building. Homes with views of it carry a premium, but if you go to the west side of the town, homes are cheaper.
For sale A pretty 18th-century three-bedroom stone cottage, laden with original features. Prices start from £345,000 through Savills (01904 617820; savills.com).
North Yorkshire June 18
The home of ITV1’s Heartbeat is a tourist hot spot, with a steam railway, a castle and lovely North Yorkshire countryside. Property is good value; you can buy a pretty cottage from about £160,000.
Insider tip Pickering’s 12th-century church is its finest building. Homes with views of it carry a premium, but if you go to the west side of the town, homes are cheaper.
For sale A pretty 18th-century three-bedroom stone cottage, laden with original features. Prices start from £345,000 through Savills (01904 617820; savills.com).
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13 Ripon
North Yorkshire June 19
“Buyers get more for their money north of Harrogate,” says Alice Loates of Strutt & Parker. “Families are drawn by good schools. The cathedral has plenty going on and Ripon racecourse attracts thousands of visitors,” she says. A three-bedroom home typically costs £245,000.
Insider tip Improvements to the A1 have made rural areas around Fountains Abbey and Studley deer park more accessible. Local house prices are tipped to rise as a result.
For sale A Victorian villa with five bedrooms, outbuildings, river frontage and grounds including an orchard is £975,000 with Strutt & Parker (01423 561274; struttandparker.com).
North Yorkshire June 19
“Buyers get more for their money north of Harrogate,” says Alice Loates of Strutt & Parker. “Families are drawn by good schools. The cathedral has plenty going on and Ripon racecourse attracts thousands of visitors,” she says. A three-bedroom home typically costs £245,000.
Insider tip Improvements to the A1 have made rural areas around Fountains Abbey and Studley deer park more accessible. Local house prices are tipped to rise as a result.
For sale A Victorian villa with five bedrooms, outbuildings, river frontage and grounds including an orchard is £975,000 with Strutt & Parker (01423 561274; struttandparker.com).
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14 Ambleside
Cumbria June 21
By north-of-England standards £375,000 for a three-bedroom house is a high price to pay, but similar views elsewhere would cost more. “This market town attracts people from all over the world. Views from an elevated property can be 360 degrees,” says Andrew Holmes of estate agent Carter Jonas.
Insider tip Walking holidays mean the town is busy year-round, so choose carefully if you want privacy and quiet.
For sale A substantial eight-bedroom, 17th-century lodge on the outskirts of town, with paddocks and 3.5 acres of grounds is £1.25 million with Carter Jonas (01539 722592; carterjonas.co.uk).
Cumbria June 21
By north-of-England standards £375,000 for a three-bedroom house is a high price to pay, but similar views elsewhere would cost more. “This market town attracts people from all over the world. Views from an elevated property can be 360 degrees,” says Andrew Holmes of estate agent Carter Jonas.
Insider tip Walking holidays mean the town is busy year-round, so choose carefully if you want privacy and quiet.
For sale A substantial eight-bedroom, 17th-century lodge on the outskirts of town, with paddocks and 3.5 acres of grounds is £1.25 million with Carter Jonas (01539 722592; carterjonas.co.uk).
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15 Bakewell
Derbyshire June 29
Famous for its tarts, this tourist hot spot has a growing number of attractive modern apartments in the town centre. A three-bedroom house, with views of the glorious Peak District, will cost £230,000.
Insider tip Check winter access – the town and nearby villages routinely get cut off in snowy weather.
For sale A five-bedroom house in two acres of grounds with separate annexe and indoor pool is £1.85m with Fine & Country (0114 276 7436; fineandcountry.com).
Derbyshire June 29
Famous for its tarts, this tourist hot spot has a growing number of attractive modern apartments in the town centre. A three-bedroom house, with views of the glorious Peak District, will cost £230,000.
Insider tip Check winter access – the town and nearby villages routinely get cut off in snowy weather.
For sale A five-bedroom house in two acres of grounds with separate annexe and indoor pool is £1.85m with Fine & Country (0114 276 7436; fineandcountry.com).
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16 Uppingham
Rutland July 3
This prime East Midlands spot is cheaper than blingier places in the West Midlands, such as Sutton Coldfield. The town is famous for its schools, whose veterans include Stephen Fry, Hugh Jackman and Phil Spencer. In nearby Oakham, an average three-bedroom house will be £325,000.
Insider tip Uppingham has been developed in rings. There are stone period homes in the centre, converted barns and farmhouses, and new-build estates on the outskirts.
For sale In the nearby countryside sits this four-bedroom rectory with almost 1.5 acres of grounds. £850,000 through Carter Jonas (01733 588688; carterjonas.co.uk).
Rutland July 3
This prime East Midlands spot is cheaper than blingier places in the West Midlands, such as Sutton Coldfield. The town is famous for its schools, whose veterans include Stephen Fry, Hugh Jackman and Phil Spencer. In nearby Oakham, an average three-bedroom house will be £325,000.
Insider tip Uppingham has been developed in rings. There are stone period homes in the centre, converted barns and farmhouses, and new-build estates on the outskirts.
For sale In the nearby countryside sits this four-bedroom rectory with almost 1.5 acres of grounds. £850,000 through Carter Jonas (01733 588688; carterjonas.co.uk).
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17 Hatfield
Hertfordshire July 8
It might not have quite the same history as nearby St Albans, but Hatfield’s property has most of that town’s benefits for just a fraction of the price. “It’s 20 miles north of London with excellent road and rail links, a good choice of shops and superb leisure facilities,” explains Mark Shearing of estate agency Putterills. A three-bedroom house here is a snip at £245,000.
Insider tip: Buy in south Hatfield for the easiest access to London.
Hertfordshire July 8
It might not have quite the same history as nearby St Albans, but Hatfield’s property has most of that town’s benefits for just a fraction of the price. “It’s 20 miles north of London with excellent road and rail links, a good choice of shops and superb leisure facilities,” explains Mark Shearing of estate agency Putterills. A three-bedroom house here is a snip at £245,000.
Insider tip: Buy in south Hatfield for the easiest access to London.
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18 Hythe
Kent July 18
Forget Brighton’s bling. Hythe is a good value, quiet Cinque Port with an unspoilt promenade. Homes here enjoy clear Channel views. Three-bedroom waterside properties start from £350,000.
Insider tip This is a commuter hot-spot to come, so now’s a good time to buy.
For sale A timber-framed Georgian house with four bedrooms, many period features and a pretty garden is £445,000 with Smith-Woolley & Perry (01303 226622; swandp.co.uk).
Kent July 18
Forget Brighton’s bling. Hythe is a good value, quiet Cinque Port with an unspoilt promenade. Homes here enjoy clear Channel views. Three-bedroom waterside properties start from £350,000.
Insider tip This is a commuter hot-spot to come, so now’s a good time to buy.
For sale A timber-framed Georgian house with four bedrooms, many period features and a pretty garden is £445,000 with Smith-Woolley & Perry (01303 226622; swandp.co.uk).
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19 Greenwich
South-east London July 21
This is the smart part of good-value south London, yet there is an understated, villagey feel. It is less brash than Lewisham or Lambeth, and has excellent rail links to central London and farther south. A three-bedroom home is £500,000 upwards.
Insider tip Homes with views of the heath command a 20 per cent premium, so the best value can be found a few streets back.
For sale Once occupied by William Wilberforce, this 18th-century house has 5,200 sq ft of space over five floors, with eight bedrooms and a large walled garden. £3.95 million from Cluttons (020 7407 3669; cluttons.com).
South-east London July 21
This is the smart part of good-value south London, yet there is an understated, villagey feel. It is less brash than Lewisham or Lambeth, and has excellent rail links to central London and farther south. A three-bedroom home is £500,000 upwards.
Insider tip Homes with views of the heath command a 20 per cent premium, so the best value can be found a few streets back.
For sale Once occupied by William Wilberforce, this 18th-century house has 5,200 sq ft of space over five floors, with eight bedrooms and a large walled garden. £3.95 million from Cluttons (020 7407 3669; cluttons.com).
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20 Westminster
Central London July 26
This is the closest residential area to The Mall, famous for Buckingham Palace, Trooping the Colour and, of course, the beach volleyball during the Olympics. It isn’t cheap, but values have risen 15 per cent in the past year and look set to continue, so you are unlikely to lose money. A three-bedroom home in this area will be at least £1.25 million.
Insider tip Most homes here are sold privately, so hire a buying agent, such as Sourcing Property (sourcingproperty.co.uk). The price, usually £1,000 up front and then one to two per cent of the purchase price, will be worth it to find the right home in this hot local market. After all, even Usain Bolt still has a trainer.
For sale Watch the torch relay from the roof garden of this six-bedroom house with its own gym and cinema room. £32.5 m with Savills (savills.com) and Strutt & Parker (struttandparker.com).
Central London July 26
This is the closest residential area to The Mall, famous for Buckingham Palace, Trooping the Colour and, of course, the beach volleyball during the Olympics. It isn’t cheap, but values have risen 15 per cent in the past year and look set to continue, so you are unlikely to lose money. A three-bedroom home in this area will be at least £1.25 million.
Insider tip Most homes here are sold privately, so hire a buying agent, such as Sourcing Property (sourcingproperty.co.uk). The price, usually £1,000 up front and then one to two per cent of the purchase price, will be worth it to find the right home in this hot local market. After all, even Usain Bolt still has a trainer.
For sale Watch the torch relay from the roof garden of this six-bedroom house with its own gym and cinema room. £32.5 m with Savills (savills.com) and Strutt & Parker (struttandparker.com).
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