THE ESTATE COVERS ABOUT 260 ACRES TO THE WEST OF PURLEY TOWN CENTRE. WILLIAM WEBB A LOCAL ESTATE AGENT PURCHASED THE LAND IN 1888 AND PROCEEDED TO DEVELOP IT ACCORDING TO HIS OWN THEORIES OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
Webb gave considerable thought to the layout and character of each road, and the roads have retained their individual characters. Although each road is unique, they have much in common. The properties are set back from the road, and are widely separated from one another.
He suggested that 'the occupiers of houses (should) not only have the enjoyment of their own premises in desirable seclusion, but that, both from their own upper windows or when passing along the roads, it may appear as though they are one large garden of which their own holding is a part'.
The plots were designed, and shrubbery and trees were planted to reinforce this, so that there is seclusion and privacy. Each road has a variety of properties in character and size and most have been modernised and extended. Some properties have been completely rebuilt.
Much attention has been paid over the years to maintaining the particular planting scheme laid out by Webb for each road.
