_Spotlight on: Living in Montpellier & The Suffolks

Where is it and what's special about it? 

Found just south of the centre of Cheltenham, this area is known for iconic 19th century Regency terraces, beautiful parks and classy shopping haunts says Nick Chivers, Head of Knight Frank Cheltenham.

Who lives here?

This is one of those rare neighbourhoods where everyone finds something they like. The pretty period houses are a hit with young professional couples and retirees alike, while the bigger semi’s and detached townhouses are in high-demand from families with 2.4 children. It’s a really mixed community which ultimately keeps it interesting.

What are the properties like? 

The gorgeous properties of Suffolk Square nearly didn’t make it past the architect’s plans – while the work went well until 1825, the credit crunch hit at the end of the year and the architect promptly ran off with the daughter of one of the square’s wealthy patrons.

Luckily for everyone, eventually work was finished on the Square, leaving us with the amazing Regency terraced properties we see today.

For those wanting a taste of the Georgian lifestyle, most of these huge villas have been  converted into apartments. The Square is a really popular area and was named as one of the UK and Ireland’s 50 most historic streets in 2013. 

Eating and drinking

Much to my delight, Cheltenham is gaining a reputation for food and drink and I’m regularly to be found making the most of the bars and eateries in Montpellier and The Suffolks.  

Along Suffolk Road and its side streets, there is no end of wine bars, coffee shops and restaurants, including my favourite, the Michelin starred Champignon Sauvage, and The Daffodil which puts on regular Jazz nights. No 131, a European-influenced restaurant in a beautiful Georgian townhouse, is also worth a visit in the heart of the Montpellier area. 

Festivals and fairs

Cheltenham is probably best known for the Cheltenham Festival at the Racecourse out of town, but there’s a lot going on in general when it comes to events in the town’s green spaces. In the last few years I’ve been to jazz and literature festivals, but food, drink and science also have festivals devoted to them here – any excuse for a party! 

Schools

Our team have children attending some of the local schools in Montpellier and The Suffolks, and this is part of the appeal for local families looking for property for sale in Montpellier.

Cheltenham Ladies College and Cheltenham College are probably the most well-known but there are also plenty of local primary schools to choose from, all within easy reach. 

Shopping

I have no trouble recommending the boutique independent shops round every corner in Montpellier and The Suffolks. The range of locally made items and antiques available gives this area a really strong village feel and an artisan/bohemian vibe.

If it wasn’t obvious already, I'm a fan of these districts and would urge anyone looking for property in Cheltenham to put this neighbourhood at the top of their list.

Postcode

GL50

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