Quirky, cosmopolitan suburb has wide appeal

There is plenty packed in to the bustling, quirky suburb of Sharrow Vale, just a short walk from Sheffield city centre but with a clear identity of its own.With its impressive range of small independent shops, this is one of the city’s most sought after and desirable residential suburbs.It is within easy strolling distance to Ecclesall Road, or the grassland, woods or other attractions linked to the open space of Endcliffe Park.A short drive or longer walk will take you out in to the Peak District.It’s a popular and vibrant community, with plenty of eateries, busy pubs, and food options include everything from Greek or Moroccan to Sardinian fare.Linda Crapper, director of estate agents Saxton Mee, said: “Sharrow Vale is always a sought-after area, popular with students and first time buyers who are still reliant on parents helping them to get on to the property ladder.“It’s a very good location with a great range of shops, lovely little boutiques and lively bars. But it also has parks all the way round and not far from any facilities or links people may want.“Property continues to sell well there and generally the market remains good but in holiday mode....slowing a little bit. It’s still about supply and demand with more properties needed.”A great market is held in Sharrow Vale four times a year, that attracts both locals and visitors with its colourful variety of stalls ranging from arts and crafts to clothing or street foods.This is organised by the active Community Association that meets each month and discusses any proposed changes in and around the neighbourhood. Members conduct clean-ups, place planted tubs and plan other community activities.Street parties and annual lantern parades are some of the events enjoyed on a regular basis.Little wonder then, that properties for sale tend not to linger within the area, whether residential or commercial.Anita Bamford, secretary of the Sharrow Vale Community Association said: “I moved to this area because after working as a community physio for years, specifically with the housebound elderly, I listened to their gripes about dealing with Sheffield’s hills and access to services. I selected Sharrow Vale very carefully after massive thought and have simply everything on the doorstep where I live, within 200 yards of my home.“The buses are wonderful, and the immediate neighbourhood is friendly, vibrant and interesting. It’s also close to Endcliffe Park and the Botanical Gardens. Property goes up for sale here and seems to disappear almost overnight.“Homes are very much in demand and you’re talking mainly terraced houses, some with gardens and others with shared yards.“It’s a close community - people talk to each other here. The market has 90 stalls now and enquiries are coming in for the Christmas market already .”A former hairdresser to celebrities such as supermodel Elle Macpherson and designer Amanda Wakeley set up salon last year, citing the warmth of the community as a great reason to do so.Andre de Villiers and partner received free advice from Business Sheffield when they started up.The larger properties available represent opportunities for investors, who can take advantage of the ready tenant base.Luxury and more basic apartments, flats and maisonettes are in good supply too, but with semi-detached homes in the mix.There is a buzzing student community, but couples, singletons and families all choose Sharrow Vale to enjoy both its individuality and location.