Offering substantial family homes and excellent value apartments close to beautiful Epping Forest, this pretty Essex town has a lot to offer. We take a look at the area and a selection of properties currently on the market.
A slice of the countryside
Once a small village, Loughton’s population grew in the 17th century after it became an important stopping point on coach journeys between London and Cambridge. And with Londoners able to take short day trips to Epping Forest after the introduction of the railway in the 1800s, this quaint Essex town was quickly established as a popular tourist hotspot.
"Loughton is only 26 minutes from London Liverpool Street on the Central line."
Appearing on our screens in 2010, ITV's The Only Way is Essex catapulted Loughton’s well-heeled locals into the public eye, putting Essex firmly on the map.
And so today, Loughton is noted for its residential appeal, attracting families and those looking for a slower pace of life. Yet it offers easy access to the M25 and the M11 for a quick escape route to the North.
And while it may not be London, don’t be fooled into thinking you're too far from the excitement of the capital’s central attractions.
Just 18 minutes on the Central line to Stratford and 26 minutes to London Liverpool Street, it is prime commuter belt territory, offering the convenience of a London postcode with a more leisurely out-of-town lifestyle.
What is there to do?
Loughton’s well established High Road is home to a mixture of high street favourites and popular independent shops that serve the glamorous Essex crowd.
A number of designer boutiques – including a few that are owned by TOWIE cast members – ensure the locals are appropriately suited and booted in true Essex style, while barbers, hairdressers and beauty salons help to keep Loughton’s residents looking perfectly preened.
There are loads of places to eat and drink too. From a long and relaxing lunch in Wildwood, to a Mediterranean family feast at The Olive Tree, to a Japanese-Italian mix at Two Kitchens–if you can’t quite decide what you want to eat.
The Victoria Tavern
And of course, no town would be complete without its traditional watering holes and late night drinking spots for some weekend (or maybe even weekday) fun.
Along Loughton’s High Road and in the centre of town, The Last Post is a cheap and cheerful pub serving food throughout the day. Whilst amongst the charming back streets beside Epping Forest there is family-run Foresters Arms, dog-friendly The Gardeners Arms with impressive views towards London and The Victoria Tavern, which has a delightful garden for the summer months.
Local Insight
We spoke to two people who know Loughton better than most, to get the inside scoop on what there is to do around town...
Alex, Store Manager of OrganicO
“Although I don’t live in Loughton, I spend the majority of my time here. Being a family area, Loughton has a lovely quiet feel to it and it’s a great place to work – the customers are so friendly and there’s a real sense of community too.”
"There are large supermarkets, parks and of course, Epping Forest, so it’s perfect for people with children. But my favourite places have to be Nu Bar and Luxe for drinks on my way home from work. And obviously, with the central line running until after midnight, it’s not too difficult to get home after a late one!”
Karen Montagnino, owner of Mode Beauty Therapy
“I opened Mode 23 years ago and I’ve never looked back. Loughton is a fantastic place to own a business and I’m so lucky to have such loyal customers.”
“I often go for lunch or dinner with my friends at restaurants along the High Road; from chain restaurants such as Café Rouge and Zizzi’s, to independent places like Wo Fat. And at the weekends I like to take my dog Barney for a long walk around Epping Forest, which is also where I’m doing my marathon training at the moment, in support of the Eczema Society.
“There is Loughton Farmers’ Market held on the first Sunday of every month and I'll often take a trip down the road to Buckhurst Hill, where there are some lovely boutiques and cafés along Queen’s Road. Although Loughton has pretty much everything a family needs, the surroundings areas are brilliant too.”
Prime Properties
Sound like somewhere you want to live? From charming cottages perfect for first-time buyers, to impressive family homes, our Loughton office can help you can find your perfect property.
Want to browse? Here are some property for sale in Loughton.
Robin Hill House, Loughton, IG10
£1,999,999
York Hill, Loughton, IG10
£875,000
Habgood Road, Loughton, IG10
£685,000
Hill Road, Theydon Bois, CM16
£1,150,000
Pond Field End, Loughton, IG10
£1,450,000
Forest Road, Loughton, IG10
£675,000
