The Fiveways area is a part of Brighton and Hove that appeals to a wide range of people, young and retired, traditional and trendy, singles and families; they all find this is a great place to live.
It has no real boundaries but generally covers the roads from Preston Park and Surrenden Road up to Ditchling Road and down to Hollingdean.
This part of the city is named after the junction of four roads, Ditchling Road counts twice because it doesn’t end at Fiveways, it just pauses before heading north towards the Downs.
So Ditchling Road, Preston Drove, Stanford Avenue and Hollingbury Road and the roads leading off them, all qualify for the Fiveways label.
It covers parts of Preston, Hollingbury and Hollingdean and is part of town that really attracts newcomers, and being in the Balfour and Varndean schools’ catchment areas makes it a favourite with families.
The area has always been popular, but in recent years it has become even more so with people moving to Brighton from London. The proximity of Preston Park Station means commuting is an option for those who work in the city and property prices in the area are very attractive to those living around London.
Properties in the area range from modest two bedroom terraced homes and flats in converted buildings to large Victorian and Edwardian villas.
Back in the 1890s when many of the houses were built, a modest terraced house off Preston Drove would have set you back at least £350. The price today is more likely to be in excess of £450,000.
The area is well served by public transport with bus services to the city centre every 12 minutes and mainline train services from Preston Park.
Although on the edge of the area, Preston Park and Preston Manor are very popular with residents, with most having visited at least once. The manor dates back more than 800 years. The house took its present form in 1905 when architect Charles Peach was engaged to enlarge it. The house and grounds were bequeathed to the town by Sir Charles and Lady Ellen Thomas-Stanford in 1932.
Preston Park was bought by the corporation in 1883 for £50,000 and is the largest public park in the city. It is an important location for football, tennis, bowls, cricket and cycling, and is the starting point for the Brighton Marathon and the finishing point for the annual Gay Pride Parade.
Another sporting venue that falls within the Fiveways area is Hollingbury Golf Course. The Blaker Recreation Ground in Preston Drove was a gift to the town from Sir John Blaker in 1893. He also gave £1,000 for the erection of the 50ft high clock tower.
There is a good selection of local shops around Fiveways including the popular Ravens Bakery on the corner of Ditchling and Sandgate roads.
This is one of the oldest businesses in the area and probably one of the best known bakers in Brighton. The main shop is the Co-op and there is a chemist as well as hairdressers, butchers and greengrocers. And very important to local businesses and residents alike there is a branch of HSBC and a post office.
There is a good selection of cafes and take-away restaurants offering fish and chips, Chinese, Indian, Thai and Italian food. The choice of pubs is also good with small locals like the Cleveland to the themed pubs like the Stanmer Park and the Park View.
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