Fiveways

Taking its name from the junction of four roads, Fiveways covers Ditchling Road, Preston Drove, Stanford Avenue and Hollingbury Road.

It covers parts of Preston, Hollingbury and Hollingdean and part of the city that really attracts newcomers, the Balfour and Varndean schools’ catchment area.

Fiveways has always been popular but in recent years it has become a favourite 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 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 a mere £300. The price today is more likely to be £300,000.

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. 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 town.

It is an important location for football, tennis, bowls, cricket and cycling.

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.

The main shop is the Co-op and there is a chemist as well as hairdressers and greengrocers, and a branch of HSBC bank and a post office.

There is also a good selection of cafes and restaurants and a choice of pubs.

Schools
Balfour Infant School, Balfour Road, 01273 500617
Balfour Junior School, Balfour Road, 01273 553521
Castledean School, Lynchet Close, 01273 70212
Dorothy Stringer School, Loder Road, 01273 852222
Downs Infant School, Ditchling Road, 01273 500146
Downs Junior School, Rugby Road, 01273 558422
Hertford Junior School, Lynchet Close, 01273 557341
Uplands School, Lynchet Close, 01273 558622
Varndean School, Balfour Road, 01273 561281