Welcome to Cobham, the ‘Beverly Hills of Britain’ where luxury cars, fancy restaurants, and gated mansions abound. This village, made famous by Chelsea Football Club, is a haven for high-level professional footballers and celebrities alike. Chelsea’s training ground, located just a four-minute drive from the high street, has attracted a plethora of footballers past and present to call Cobham home.
Over the past two decades, Cobham and its surrounding areas, including Oxshott, have become a hotspot for Premier League players. The streets are lined with multi-million-pound mansions hidden behind security gates, creating a sense of exclusivity and luxury. It’s not uncommon to spot famous footballers wandering down the high street or enjoying a meal at one of the local restaurants.
The allure of Cobham and Oxshott lies in their proximity to London, just over 20 miles away, yet far enough to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The area boasts elite private schools, upscale amenities like hair salons and Pilates studios, and a sense of community that caters to the needs of players and their families.
One of the popular spots in Cobham is Grappelli, an Italian restaurant frequented by footballers and celebrities alike. The restaurant’s charismatic front-of-house manager, Eddy, has become a familiar face to many players, including Chelsea stars like John Terry and Ashley Cole.
The real estate market in Cobham and Oxshott is thriving, with houses regularly selling for millions of pounds. The Crown Estate in Oxshott, once Crown land, boasts high-end housing estates with values ranging from £3m to £20m. Players often seek out properties with modern amenities, ample space for a five-a-side pitch, and most importantly, top-notch security measures to ensure their safety and privacy.
However, living in such an affluent neighborhood comes with its challenges. Footballers are often targets for criminals, as evidenced by break-ins at players’ homes in the area. Safety and security are paramount, with players investing in state-of-the-art security systems, safe rooms, and patrol dogs to protect themselves and their families.
Despite the glitz and glamour of Cobham and Oxshott, footballers strive to lead normal, unaffected lives in this exclusive enclave. Their presence has become a part of the community fabric, with locals accustomed to seeing them on a daily basis. In Cobham, just like in Beverly Hills, a Premier League footballer can blend in with the crowd and enjoy a sense of normalcy amidst the luxury and extravagance of their surroundings.
