Chesterton is right on our doorstep and is a very popular location for young couples and families alike. Why? Because it has a bit of everything. What makes Chesterton such a great location to live in is that it has the feel of a village, but it is right on the doorstep of Cambridge…a thriving town with absolutely everything you could want or need.

There is no denying that Cambridge is one of the most beautiful towns in the UK. It is full of culture and history, buzzing with bars, restaurants and museums, and it’s diverse and friendly. But town life is just not for everyone. This is where Chesterton comes into its own. It’s kinda Cambridge, but kinda not…if you know the area, then you will know exactly what we mean, and if you don’t, maybe we have lost you – sorry! Either way, we love it and want to tell you a bit about its history and what it has to offer any homeowner or tenant moving into the area…

So, what’s the big deal?

Chesterton has a bit of everything property-wise. Whether after a period house, a modern new build or a riverside apartment, you will find something that works for you. It also sits in a prime location between Cambridge city centre, the business and science parks and the new train station (well, 2017, but it only seems like yesterday) that has direct links to London in less than an hour, not to mention the great schools. What more could you ask for?

It’s time for a bit of history and let’s be honest, if we were going to live somewhere, we would love to know the story behind it. It’s exciting learning about new places, and their history is all part of it. Chesterton has been occupied since prehistoric times. The river is the most prominent feature in Chesterton and is where the earliest settlers first built their homes. It is now a huge spread-out village; it is hard to decide where Cambridge City ends, and Chesterton begins!

Let’s start with Chesterton Towers, a beautiful grade I listed tower located on Chapel Street, Chesterton. The building originally belonged to the procurator (sorry for the big words), but around 1920 the Tower was repaired for public meetings and the Sunday school and served as a parish hall. In 1949 the Tower, then derelict, was thoroughly restored, and in 1963 Trinity College sold the surrounding land for development with 35 flats but retained the Tower itself. In a nutshell, this beautiful building is an uncommon survivor of a mid-14th-century dwelling.

Another beautiful grade I listed building in Chesterton in St Andrew’s church which was first recorded as being there as far back as 1200. In 1436 Henry VI seized ownership of the church and associated buildings from the Italian Abbey of Vercelli. He gave it to King’s Hall, Cambridge, which later became Trinity College, Cambridge – the same guys who kept ownership of Chesterton Towers. Trinity College is the church’s patron to this day, with many vicars of Chesterton being fellows of Trinity. Outside to the left of the porch is an unusual wall tablet commemorating the death of a young child who was the daughter of a freed African slave married to an Ely woman…some real history right on our doorstep.

What does Chesterton have to offer? Well, that’s easy!

Schools

Chesterton is packed full of good schools, another reason families with children of all ages come flooding here to settle. As well as Chesterton Community School (with its outstanding Ofsted rating), the area also has three primary schools and a variety of nurseries, preschools and reputable childminders. Your options are endless.  Chesterton even has a ballet school and more than one yoga studio – ok, the latter may not be a school, but it’s a learning opportunity for us grown-ups who want to try new things…or develop existing hobbies.

Transport

In August 2011, a guided busway was built in Cambridge using the old railway line from Cambridge to St Ives, through to Huntingdon. Little fact for you – this busway (as it is known) is the longest in the world, overtaking the O-Bahn busway in Adelaide, South Australia. This transport system comprises two concrete beams with kerbs; guide wheels on the bus connect with the kerb and run along it to steer the bus. Stagecoach and Whippet are the two bus companies running services for the busway. Both companies take the environment very seriously by using biofuel mix and/or environmentally-friendly diesel engines, which is a massive bonus for us. The guided busway travels through Chesterton, and there are numerous bus stops along Milton Road where you can hop on for a journey into the city centre…and then back again!

Shopping

What is so great about Chesterton is that you have all the day-to-day necessities you could want or need right on your doorstep, but you also have a vast shopping town just down the road…either a few stops on The Busway or a brisk walk if you fancy a bit of ‘good-for-the-soul’ fresh air. If you want to splash some cash on some grub without venturing into town, then we promise you won’t go hungry. Chesterton is a foodie’s dream. Whether you love a nose around a farm shop or if a cute café with strong coffee is more your thing, you can take your pick. Maybe you prefer a takeaway and a quiet night in? Yep, that box is ticked too.

Food and drink establishments are popping up left, right, and centre in Chesterton, but no one is complaining…well, we aren’t. Trust us when we say we have made it our mission to try as many as possible. We feel it is our duty to you guys to be able to give you honest and first-hand feedback. You can thank us later.

Sounds pretty perfect…

You can probably tell that we are massive fans of Chesterton as a place for couples, singletons and families alike to lay down some roots and find their forever (or even their ‘for-now’) home. It has everything: beautiful walks by the river, loads of cafes and food establishments (which as you know is a massive plus for us), excellent schools AND – yes, there is more – the transport links could not be better. So, if you have considered Chesterton a place to relocate, we can reassure you it’s a great option. And if you have never given it a second thought, then maybe, just maybe, we have added it to your list. Don’t hate us for making the decision more difficult; if we didn’t mention this little gem, then we wouldn’t be doing our job.

Happy house hunting…