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Aerial photo of Ferndown

Ferndown property & area guide

Ferndown

Ferndown, situated in Dorset in south-west England, lies to the north of Bournemouth and Poole. It borders the New Forest National Park and has plenty of surrounding woodland areas. Originally, its name consisted of two separate words, which were merged in the last century with the establishment of a market garden.

Ferndown has evolved from a sleepy village to a vibrant market town with a population of 13,268, according to the 2021 census data. The area offers visitors and residents a range of outdoor activities, as well as cafés and cosy eateries for those who enjoy life at a slower pace.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

What’s happening to property prices in Ferndown?

As of Oct 2022, The average price of the following property type is:

Detached house:
£566,407
Semi-detached house:
£371,873
Terraced house:
£297,602
Flats:
£226,579


Existing properties up +15.7% as of Aug 2022 year on year


*Data sourced from the Land Registry https://landregistry.data.gov.uk

A brief history of Ferndown...

The name Ferndown is believed to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon word "fiergen", which means "wooded hill", an apt description for the area.

The history of Ferndown isn’t as well documented as that of some neighbouring areas. Evidence suggests settlements existed well before the 19th century but were scattered, and the region remained largely heathland.

A significant turning point was the arrival of the Stewart brothers, William and David, from Scotland in 1864.

Seeking a warmer climate for their nursery business, they established one in Ferndown. Their success in growing plants here is considered a major factor in the community's early growth.

The Stewarts were known for innovation. They were among the first to:

  • Grow and transport plants in pots.
     
  • Establish a mail-order catalogue for plants.
     
  • Create a garden centre concept.

Ferndown has continued to grow over the last century into a large, popular residential area.

Regeneration in Ferndown

The early 20th century saw Ferndown's continued expansion. The once-dominant heathland gradually gave way to new housing developments.

World War II brought a unique twist. Ferndown, deemed safe from bombings, became a haven for evacuees, particularly children, from nearby cities like Southampton.

Interestingly, Ferndown even had a zoo in the mid-20th century, attracting visitors with its collection of animals.

After World War II, development accelerated rapidly. Housing estates replaced much of the remaining heathland, transforming Ferndown into the sizeable town it is today.

Despite the significant development, Ferndown retains pockets of its natural beauty with woodlands and heathland areas like Ferndown Common, a haven for wildlife.

Property in Ferndown

The Ferndown property market is dominated by professionals, retirees, and families wishing to take advantage of leafier surroundings while remaining close to major towns with employment opportunities in Bournemouth and Poole. 

Many professionals, particularly those working in Bournemouth or Poole, are drawn to Ferndown. The town offers a high quality of life with good schools, excellent amenities, and easy commuting links to these larger towns. This allows professionals to achieve a work-life balance and enjoy a more relaxed and green environment outside of working hours.

Young professionals seeking an affordable alternative to larger nearby towns that are still close to work opportunities also find Ferndown appealing.

Likewise, Ferndown is a popular choice for retirees as it offers a peaceful and secure environment. The area's green spaces and a strong sense of community make it an attractive option. Additionally, Ferndown is known for its excellent healthcare facilities, which is a significant factor for many retirees.

Similarly, being close to the beach, cycling routes, and nature walks makes Ferndown an ideal choice for those looking for a holiday home or investment opportunities.

Families are another key demographic group in Ferndown's property market. The town has several outstanding schools, making it a desirable location for parents looking to raise their children. Outdoor activities, modern amenities, excellent transport links, and the safe environment further contribute to Ferndown's appeal as a family-friendly town.

Types of property in Ferndown

Steeped in history and littered with preserved buildings, Ferndown, a characterful English town near the Dorset coast, offers a unique blend of old and new. Modern flats, including retirement options for residents over 55, coexist alongside beautiful semi-detached and detached properties, making the Ferndown property market diverse. 

Not only will you be able to find Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian homes here, but there are also some older Stuart period homes and Tudor homes that have come onto the market. Ferndown is ideal if you’re looking for spacious living and a property with character. That being said, the area still has properties that will appeal to those looking for a modern home, including new developments and first-class renovated flats and houses.

Some of the most sought-after areas where you’ll find large executive homes are Lone Pine Drive, Golf Links Road, Dudsbury Road, Chine Walk, and Beaufoys Ave. Here, you’ll find large period and modern homes with private gardens offering unmatched privacy and a personal Dorset oasis. Several small hamlets and nearby villages offer the same style of impressive properties packed with charm. Staplehill, Ashley Heath, and West Parley are nearby locations with sought-after properties. Ashley Heath has the shortest high street in Britain at just 40 metres, and the latter is a sublime village with tree-lined streets.

View properties for sale in Ferndown

Explore properties across Ferndown's residential neighbourhoods

Ferndown is an excellent choice for those who want to live in an area that offers the convenience of nearby amenities, easy commutes to Bournemouth and Poole, and picturesque countryside to come home to.

Ferndown is an excellent choice for those who want to live in an area that offers the convenience of nearby amenities, easy commutes to Bournemouth and Poole, and picturesque countryside to come home to.

Town centre

  • Ferndown town centre has a range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and leisure facilities, all within walking distance. This area is perfect for those seeking a quiet lifestyle without having to travel too far to access essential amenities.

Suburbs

  • Just outside the town centre, you'll find quieter residential areas. There are various property types here, from modern flats to family-friendly houses with gardens.

Rural outskirts

  • For those seeking a true escape, Ferndown's rural outskirts are ideal. With villages and hamlets surrounded by beautiful countryside, you can enjoy stunning nature right outside your window.

Schools, colleges and universities

Ferndown has a linked primary school and secondary school with an attached sixth form. Primary school students can attend Ferndown First, which has held a good Ofsted rating for many years. West Moors Middle School on Heathfield Way also holds a ‘good’ Ofsted rating. Ferndown Upper is the local secondary school and sixth form, boasting a long-term ‘good’ Ofsted rating. 

Students also have the opportunity to extend their education at nearby Bournemouth and Poole College and Bournemouth University.

Transport

Ferndown provides easy commutes to other major towns on the coast and inland. The A31 connects Ferndown with western towns and villages, such as Wimborne Minster. The A348 and some quieter roads connect Ferndown with southern coastal towns, including Poole. The town is approximately 15-20 minutes from Bournemouth’s coast by car using direct minor roads.

For those who don’t drive, More Bus is the local bus service provider, which runs regular services from Ferndown to many surrounding towns and villages, including Poole, Bournemouth, and Ringwood. Taxi services also operate across the region.

Things to do in Ferndown

Residents seeking an active lifestyle in Ferndown won’t be disappointed. The area is home to many cycling, hiking, and walking trails weaving their way through natural beauty, including acres of protected heathland and woodland on Ferndown’s common. Beautiful walks around the lakes at Longham and easy access to the Moors Valley Country Park, the Castleman Trailway, Slop Bog, and King George Recreation Ground are ideal for those looking for activities the family can enjoy together. 

Ferndown attracts golfers throughout the year with the two local golf courses, namely the renowned Ferndown Golf Club and Ferndown Forest Golf Course.  

For those looking for a slower pace, there are also leisurely activities to enjoy in Ferndown. These include a stroll around the town, a visit to one of the local coffee shops, cosy pubs or restaurants, and The Barrington Centre and Theatre.

Community in Ferndown

Ferndown has a strong community spirit, with various local organisations offering residents opportunities to connect and engage in shared interests. Some of these organisations are listed below:

  • Ferndown Community Support CIC offers various services to keep residents healthy, connected, and supported, including a community larder, social events, and volunteer opportunities.
  • Penny's Hill Practice offers a befriending service to help people in the Ferndown community. This service aims to combat loneliness and provide companionship.
  • West Parley Parish Church hosts a wide range of community activities in Ferndown, from social clubs like the Gardening Club and Cricket Club to support groups for carers and those with MS. There are also opportunities for youth engagement through St John Ambulance Cadets and social gatherings for retirees through organisations like PROBUS and the NHS Retirement Fellowship.
  • Ferndown Friendship, Kindness & Recycling Group is a friendly group that aims to build community connections through coffee mornings, offer member-to-member help, and promote sustainability in the area with a free local recycling program.
  • High Mead Farm is a therapeutic farm near Ferndown. It offers farm-based activities, promotes well-being through connecting to nature, and sells fresh produce from its on-site farm shop.

This month's featured properties 

Browse this month’s featured properties from Bournemouth, Poole, Wimborne, Ferndown, and Ringwood below.

Schedule a viewing today and be among the first to consider these exciting opportunities. New listings are added monthly, so check back next month to discover your perfect home.

Contact our team of local property experts if you are interested in property in Ferndown.

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More information

Click the links below to discover more about Hearnes and our range of property services. From property valuations to meeting the team and reading recent reviews, you can find everything you need to know below.

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Please view our current listings. Alternatively, get in touch if you don’t see any listings that match your criteria. We provide expert guidance to support your property search.

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What's your property worth?

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Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

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Marketing your property

Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

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Latest info

Latest info

We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

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Our reviews

Our reviews

Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

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View our branches

We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

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Meet our team

Meet our team

Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

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Where service counts

Where service counts

Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

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Contact us

Contact us

We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!

Aerial photo of Wimborne Minister

Search for your next property

Search for your next property

Please view our current listings. Alternatively, get in touch if you don’t see any listings that match your criteria. We provide expert guidance to support your property search.

Photo of a river

What's your property worth?

What's your property worth?

Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

Aerial photo of Badbury Rings

Marketing your property

Marketing your property

Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

Photo of a bench overlooking a river

Latest info

Latest info

We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

Photo of Poole beach huts

Our reviews

Our reviews

Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

Photo of a woodland walk

View our branches

View our branches

We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

Photo of a country walk

Meet our team

Meet our team

Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

Aerial photo of Blue Lagoon, Lilliput, Poole

Where service counts

Where service counts

Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

Photo showing an anchor in front of a building

Contact us

Contact us

We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!