Located southwest of London, West Stoneleigh is a primarily residential area, of no more than 9000 residents. The abundance of green spaces, such as King George’s Field Auriol Park and Hogsmill Riverside Open Space give the locals a chance to take a break from the busy city life and enjoy a variety of recreational activities. The combination of the quiet, low-crime, residential setting and the surrounding peaceful green spaces creates an ideal destination for families, seeking tranquillity in the suburbs. As a result, over the past 20 years, a number of schools have been established in the area, along with supermarkets, restaurants and shops built to cover all the needs a family might have. If, however, one finds themselves seeking the vibrant London life, there is frequent train service from Stoneleigh station to Waterloo, which is just 30 minutes away.

The history of Stoneleigh goes back to the 17th century, when the area was still a part of the Nonesuch Palace. Over time, the area was divided and turned into farmland, and in the mid-18th century was sold off. Around that time approximately 1,100 acres of farmland in the northwest was bought by John Jeffries Stone for just £19000. Near the centre of the newly acquired land he decided to build his estate, which he named Stoneleigh, from which the name of the entire district derives. After the World Wars, demand for housing increased, and so most of the farmlands were replaced with new residential buildings, giving the area the character, it has today. The expansion of London saw the redevelopment of the area through the addition of shops and commuter routes. Although Stoneleigh’s character has changed a lot since the 1940s, it’s rich farming history is reflected in the various street names and recreational grounds.

The world-renowned playwright John Osborn lived at 68 Stoneleigh Park Road, throughout the 1930s. He reflects heavily on his adolescent experiences in Stoneleigh in his autobiography; A Better Class Person. Additionally, the writer Jane Wilson-Howarth, spent her childhood years in the area while attending the Stoneleigh East County School.

During the late 20th century, real estate agencies flooded Stoneleigh. Although at the time a house in the area would cost less than £1000, the low prices did not seem to attract new tenants. Nevertheless, as soon as electric trains were introduced in the area, cutting down commuting time, demand skyrocketed, pushing the prices to half a million pounds.

While the area is very convenient for train commuters, traffic complaints are common. Commuters driving either from or to West Stoneleigh often experience heavy traffic in the roads surrounding the area, especially during rush hour. However, the frequent and reliable train service, connecting Stoneleigh to London, provides a viable alternative to those looking to trade in their car for a greener means of transport.

One of the biggest developments that will affect the southwestern suburbs in the coming decade is the introduction of Crossrail 2, which will pass directly through Stoneleigh station. This is predicted to help with congestion on the South Western Mainline, which is one of the busiest routes in the country. However, plans have been on hold since the covid-19 pandemic began in 2020 meaning the project could take a long time to come to fruition. More immediately, Esso is in the process of constructing an aviation fuel pipeline from the Fawley Refinery in Southampton all the way to Heathrow Airport. Construction began in 2021 and involves the pipe being taken through areas of Surrey, including this neighbourhood; which some residents have cited as a major source of disruption.