An island enclave surrounded by nature

Cross over old Hipley Bridge and enter a different world: silent ponds, rippling brooks and gushing streams all punctuate these stretches of the River Wey water meadows. Swans glide effortlessly beneath cascading willow branches while ducks, coots and moorhens make their home among the reeds around the banks of the millpond, before the water rushes over the weir.

Amid this unique setting of blissful tranquillity, a rare opportunity has emerged: behind the lovingly refurbished façade of the old Gresham print works, Linden Homes has created a stunning collection of 70 apartments and 18 townhouses, with views over water or beautifully landscaped gardens and exclusive access to the 7.4 acre site.

An illustrious history

With water flowing through the weir at up to 40 miles per hour, it was inevitable that the site should be used for a watermill. First mentioned as far back as the Domesday Survey, a large mill is shown here on a tithe map of the 1840s and by 1894 the site was known as Woking Paper Works Ltd.

In 1896, Unwin Brothers Ltd (The Gresham Press) arrived in leafy Surrey. Established in London by Jacob Unwin in 1826, this family-run printing company prospered during the 19th century. While Jacob died at the early age of 52, his sons George and Edward continued in their father’s footsteps, moving the firm to larger premises in 1871. After further significant growth, third generation George Soundy Unwin relocated to a new site where the facilities were purpose-built for the company: the Saint Martha Printing Works (now Gresham Mill).

Pioneering electricity production using water turbines, and early adopters of iron presses and Monotype Compositors, Unwins thrived at Saint Martha’s, only leaving in 2007 due to a merger with another print works. After over a century of printing, bustling presses have finally stopped; now the tranquillity of the site can fully be appreciated.

A town with infinite possibilities

With an ancient castle, a modern cathedral and cobbled streets in abundance, Guildford is a little more than the typical market town. Named as one of the top ten places to live in the UK, it combines historic architecture – from chocolate-box almshouses to the imposing Tudor Guildhall – with traditional teahouses, superb shopping and an eclectic array of elegant restaurants and bars; almost every conceivable luxury high street name has a presence here, while its quaint side streets spill over with café seating and overflowing flower stalls.

Nestling amidst the rolling Surrey hills, Guildford’s sophisticated charms lie just six miles from Gresham Mill. As the county town, it is a prosperous community with an enviable reputation as a desirable place to live. Guildford also boasts abundant green areas, outstanding schools and wide selection of cultural and leisure facilities, including a choice of theatres, galleries and cinemas, the Spectrum Leisure Centre and even a Lido. There are delightful river walks and tree-lined parks, while the picturesque canal plays host to everything from narrowboats to canoes.

In close quarters

While Guildford might be where you ultimately enjoy socialising and shopping, it’s worth remembering the excellent amenities available on your doorstep. There is a limited range of local stores within a short distance of Gresham Mill, including a butcher’s shop, off licence, hairdresser’s and dry cleaner’s, while the village has its own Sainsbury’s local store, less than half a mile from the site (open from 7am-10pm). There are also a couple of pubs and the London House restaurant receives excellent reviews.

Woking has a wealth of shopping opportunities at The Peacocks Centre and Wolsey Place, and there is also a market open daily and a monthly farmers’ market. There is a Sainsbury’s superstore (as well as a Waitrose, Morrisons and Budgens, within two miles of the site). Culturally, the “birthplace of science fiction” can also offer a multiplex cinema and a major regional theatre for entertainment whilst The Lightbox Arts Centre is proving a popular attraction. There is also a superb selection of restaurants, cafés and bars, and excellent sports and leisure facilities.

Stay effortlessly in touch

Despite its tranquil atmosphere Gresham Mill is surprisingly well connected. The A247 (Kingfield Road) passes by the end of the private lane, while the B382 (Old Woking Road) is nearby. The busy town centre of Woking is just three miles away, Guildford is under six miles and Junction 11 of the M25, the M3 and the A3 are all within a 15 minute drive.

Woking railway station is around 2.5 miles from the site, offering direct mainline services to both Waterloo and Paddington: London Waterloo is the faster option, with trains taking just 28 minutes at peak times. There are bus services between Woking and Guildford from Monday to Saturday, with bus stops a short walk from the site.

For travel further afield, the site is located approximately mid-way between London Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Woking also benefits from a direct coach-link service to Heathrow, twice an hour throughout the day.

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