In the words of property icons, Phil and Kirstie, when it comes to finding the perfect place to call home, it’s all about “location, location, location”. Situated in the pretty South London suburb of Hackbridge, Brio’s Button House gets top marks for its location because it enables residents to enjoy the best of two very different worlds.
As a Button House resident, you can take full advantage of the close connection to the capital, where you can enjoy all that’s on offer in such a dynamic, fast-paced international city. Or, you can choose to take things at a more relaxed pace if you wish, and explore the lesser known places of interest within the local area.
The choice is yours. But if you’re unsure where to start your adventure, read on for a few of our top suggestions…
London calling
London has got it all. Home to royalty and steeped in heritage, there is much to explore, discover and learn in the many museums, art galleries and historic sites. It’s also a thoroughly modern city in many respects, with no shortage of richly diverse festivals, events and culinary experiences.
Well-served by a regular bus service, as well as the Southern Rail and ThamesLink rail services at Hackbridge station, Button House residents can head for the hustle and bustle of central London and be there in under half an hour.
There’s lots to explore even closer to home
If you’re keen to stay a little more local, there is no shortage of places to explore in the surrounding areas of Carshalton and Wallington. Whether you fancy visiting listed buildings, playing a round of golf, tucking into a hearty pub lunch, or taking in a show, there are endless possibilities right on your doorstep.
Top 10 local places to connect with nature
Connecting with nature is good for the soul. Whether it’s a trip to a local garden centre to select a few houseplants to brighten your home, or the full-sensory experience of walking through a lavender field, get inspired by nature at any one of these locations.
1. Beddington Park and the Grange, Wallington: Beddington Park is a popular park providing plenty to do. Follow the River Wandle through the park and take a stroll around the lake in the Grange Garden. Explore the woodlands and wildlife, the formal gardens, and watch the grandchildren burn off some energy at the playground. sutton.gov.uk/w/parks-and-facilities-beddington-park-the-grange
2. Carshalton Park, Carshalton: Carshalton Park lies within a conservation area and is a great place to keep active thanks to the five tennis courts and outdoor gym. There’s also plenty to keep the little ones entertained at the children’s playground. sutton.gov.uk/w/parks-and-facilities-carshalton-park.
3. Carshalton Ponds, Carshalton: The springs and ponds in the centre of old Carshalton date back centuries. Within the grounds are two listed buildings; Honeywood Lodge – built around the skeleton of a 17th century house, now the borough Heritage centre, and the Gate House – a two-storey red brick building of irregular shape, dating back to the mid to late 19th century. www.wandlevalleypark.co.uk/locations/sutton/carshalton-ponds
4. Coulsdon Area Farm, Coulsdon: This farm shop is a must-visit for anyone who loves to shop local. Stock up on fresh free-range eggs, homemade jams and chutneys, and essentials such as animal feed and logs. facebook.com/p/Coulsdon-Area-Farm-100057498037863
5. Dobbies Garden Centre, Wallington: A firm favourite of anyone with green-fingers, Dobbies is the place to go for seasonal bedding and perennials, as well as gardening tools and equipment. After filling your trolley, stop by the food hall or stay for lunch at the restaurant. www.dobbies.com/woodcote-green
6. The Grove Park, Carshalton: Part of the Carshalton Conservation Area, The Grove Park features an ornamental park and a recreation ground. Visit the Upper Mill – a restored water wheel which may have been there since Saxon times. Or enjoy bowling at Carshalton Bowling Club. Alternatively, take the grandchildren along to the playground, ball park and crazy golf for an afternoon of fun. www.wandlevalleypark.co.uk/locations/sutton/the-grove-park
7. Little Woodcote Estate Farm, Carshalton: Little Woodcote Estate Farm is not only home to 15 acres of lavender, but also over 100 different plants including peppermint, thyme, sage, rosemary and chamomile – the botanical extracts of which are used in their exclusive skincare range. Relax on the Cafe Terrace or wander the farm at your leisure. www.naturallythinking.com/little-woodcote-estate
8. Mayfield Lavender Fields, Banstead: Head to Mayfield Lavender Fields anytime from the end of June right through to August and be greeted by a spectacular sea of organic lavender. The gift shop, which stocks lavender oils, home fragrance and toiletries, is open all year, as is the coffee bar. mayfieldlavender.com
9. Mellows Park, Sutton: Mellows Park is welcoming green space of open grassland, mature trees and flower beds. Facilities include a senior football pitch, two mini football pitches, an outdoor gym, ball park, skate park and playground. Plus, Mellows Pavilion Café is open seven days a week if you fancy treating yourself to a coffee and cake.
sutton.gov.uk/w/parks-and-facilities-mellows-park
10. Nonsuch Park, Epsom and Ewell: Nonsuch Park is home to a variety of different species of flowers, birds and insects. Nonsuch Mansion House is situated in the centre of the park and the Nonsuch Pantry Cafe adjoins the Mansion House, providing a selection of refreshments and ice creams. www.epsom-ewell.gov.uk/residents/venues-sport-and-leisure-facilities/nonsuch-park
The best local sports venues
Want to pick up the pace a little? If you’re keen to stay active, the local area offers plenty of opportunities to keep fit.
1. Beddington Cricket Club, Wallington: Cricket is a game that keeps everyone on their toes – a game of twists, turns and triumphs. Beddington Cricket Club offers a full range of cricket for all ages and abilities. Watch a game or hire the facilities for a special occasion. www.beddingtoncc.co.uk
2. Mitcham Golf Club, Mitcham: Founded in 1890, the opening holes visible from the front of the clubhouse are a gentle introduction to the stiffer test that awaits amongst the oaks and hawthorn that punctuate the common skyline and fairways. www.mitchamgolfclub.co.uk
3. Oaks Golf Centre, Carshalton: This family-owned club offers a full 18-hole course and a tricky 9-hole short course suitable for players of all abilities and ages. In addition, there is a floodlit 24-bay driving range, dedicated putting and practice areas, a fully stocked pro shop and a clubhouse with bistro and function suites. www.theoaksgolf.co.uk
4. Wallington Bowling Club, Wallington: Wallington Bowling Club is known for being a friendly and welcoming club for players of all standards. If you’re new to the sport, they can provide full training. Plus, they also organise roll-ups and club competitions if you want to put your new skills to the test. wallingtonbowls.org
Must-visit cultural hotspots
Looking for something a little different to do? Expand your mind by exploring these local cultural hotspots.
1. The CryerArts Centre, Carshalton: Looking for a night of entertainment? Take your pick of the programme at The CryerArts Centre where you can experience everything from jazz and Motown, to folk and rock. Head to The Spotlight for a couple of pre-show drinks or indulge at the restaurant. cryerarts.co.uk
2. Honeywood Museum, Carshalton: Honeywood Museum is a Grade II listed building overlooking the picturesque Carshalton Ponds in the heart of Carshalton's historic Conservation Area. Visit the exhibition to discover the fascinating history of the house and the people who lived there, the history of the Borough of Sutton, the development of Carshalton, and the historic environs of the River Wandle. friendsofhoneywood.co.uk/index.html
Top 5 local places to dine out
Nothing rounds off a great day out quite like a slap-up meal. Thankfully there are enough local pubs and restaurants to satisfy all appetites.
1. Duke’s Head Pub & Hotel, Wallington: Established in 1830, The Duke’s Head Pub & Hotel overlooks Wallington Green and features an elegant restaurant and a lively outside terrace. Enjoy drinks with friends or a mouth-watering Sunday roast with family. www.dukesheadsurrey.co.uk
2. The Grange Restaurant, Wallington: Using only the freshest and, where possible, locally produced ingredients, The Grange prides itself on its fusion flavours – from Continental to Indian and Indo-Chinese. grangerestaurant.co.uk
3. The Greyhound Pub & Hotel, Carshalton: This Grade II listed family-friendly pub and hotel boasts views of Carshalton Ponds and serves the best of British. From their catch of the day to their vegan dishes, there is something for everyone. thegreyhoundhotel.com
4. The Hope, Carshalton: This traditional pub prides itself on its selection of quality real ale. It has won many CAMRA awards over the years, including Croydon & Sutton Branch Pub of the Year 2023.It also plays host to a variety of events throughout the year including beer festivals and hog roasts. hopecarshalton.co.uk
5. The Pavilion Café, Wallington: Situated in the heart of Beddington Park, this family friendly café is open seven days a week and is the perfect place to stop by for brunch or an ice cream in the sunshine. facebook.com/Beddingtonparkpavilioncafe
Button House, where everything you need is on your doorstep
Whilst it’s fantastic to have such a range of easily accessible activities within the local area, residents of Button House don’t even need to leave the community to find new things to see, do and experience. There is a whole range of exciting facilities right on your doorstep.
Work up a sweat at the fitness studio and exercise trail, discover new skills and pastimes in the hobby room, explore the landscaped outdoor terraces, mingle with neighbours at the community hub and homeowners' club lounge, or catch up with the family at the Slate & Grain brasserie, bar and coffee lounge.
And when each action-packed day ends, you can retreat to your stylish apartment safe in the knowledge that help and support is on-hand round the clock, should you require it.
To arrange a viewing or to book a virtual appointment by video call, just call 0208 773 2838 and discover how to fill your days with endless possibilities.
Button House features 80 stylish apartments over four floors, with a range of exciting facilities right on your doorstep, including a fitness studio, our exclusive Slate & Grain brasserie, bar and coffee lounge, a community hub and much more!
Life at Brio Button House offers the very best of both worlds. Open green space is just a few minutes’ walk away at Beddington Park where the River Wandle runs, giving the impression of being in the rolling countryside, and the hustle bustle of central London just a 23-minute train journey away.
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