Living in Upper Saxondale: A Local Area Guide
Upper Saxondale is one of the most distinctive residential locations in Rushcliffe, combining converted early twentieth-century hospital buildings, mature parkland, modern detached homes and an unusually spacious conservation setting.
Positioned east of Radcliffe-on-Trent and close to the A52 and A46, the neighbourhood offers a rare combination of architectural character, green surroundings and convenient road links towards Nottingham, Bingham and Newark.
About Upper Saxondale
Upper Saxondale is a residential settlement in the Rushcliffe district of Nottinghamshire, positioned on elevated ground east of Radcliffe-on-Trent.
Unlike most modern residential developments, Upper Saxondale was created around a substantial collection of historic buildings and mature landscaped grounds belonging to the former Saxondale Hospital.
In April 2023, Upper Saxondale became its own civil parish. It previously sat within the parishes of Radcliffe-on-Trent and Cropwell Butler & Tithby.
From Saxondale Hospital to Upper Saxondale
The story of Upper Saxondale is inseparable from the former Nottinghamshire County Asylum, later known as Saxondale Hospital.
The institution was established on a 130-acre greenfield site and officially opened to patients in July 1902.
Its principal buildings and layout were designed by Edgar Purnell Hooley, who is also widely associated with the development of Tarmac.
A self-contained hospital estate
Over time the hospital developed into a substantial complex with accommodation blocks, staff housing, treatment facilities, recreation areas and extensive landscaped grounds.
By 1951, Saxondale Hospital had approximately 1,200 inpatient beds.
Closure and redevelopment
The hospital closed in the late 1980s as mental-health provision moved away from large institutional hospitals towards community-based care.
The site was subsequently redeveloped by David Wilson Homes between approximately 1995 and 2001.
Some original hospital buildings were demolished, while others were converted into residential accommodation. New housing was constructed around them and much of the mature parkland was retained.
From St James Park to Upper Saxondale
The residential development was initially marketed as St James Park. The name was changed to Upper Saxondale in 1999, establishing the identity used by the community today.
Upper Saxondale Conservation Area
Upper Saxondale's historic character is formally recognised through its Conservation Area designation.
The Conservation Area was originally designated in October 1993 to protect the former hospital landscape, mature trees and surviving historic buildings during redevelopment.
It covers approximately 30 hectares and contains the whole of the former Saxondale Psychiatric Hospital site.
Following a further review and consultation process, the Conservation Area boundary was formally extended and the revised appraisal adopted in February 2025.
Homes and property in Upper Saxondale
Upper Saxondale has an unusually varied property market for a settlement of its size.
The parish council records approximately 350 dwellings, ranging from original lodge houses and converted hospital buildings through to substantial modern detached houses.
What makes Upper Saxondale property different?
- Mature communal parkland
- Distinctive former hospital architecture
- Low-density residential setting
- Large established trees
- Different development phases
- Conservation Area controls
- Some unusually large detached homes
- Good access to major roads
Woodstead valuation tip
Upper Saxondale should never be valued using one broad NG12 figure. A converted historic property, modern detached house, lodge property and terrace can occupy completely different buyer markets.
Exact building type, plot, conservation setting, floor area, parking, outlook and whether a home sits within a historic conversion or later phase all need to be considered.
Schools and education
Upper Saxondale does not have its own school within the settlement, so families generally consider schools in nearby Radcliffe-on-Trent, Cropwell Butler and surrounding Rushcliffe communities.
Radcliffe-on-Trent
Nearby Radcliffe-on-Trent has local infant and junior schools as well as South Nottinghamshire Academy for secondary and sixth-form education.
Wider Rushcliffe options
Additional primary and secondary options can be found across Bingham, East Bridgford and surrounding villages depending on the exact admissions arrangements.
Getting around from Upper Saxondale
Road access is one of Upper Saxondale's strongest practical advantages.
A52
The settlement sits very close to the A52, providing direct routes towards Nottingham, Bingham and Grantham.
A46
The nearby Saxondale A46 junction gives convenient access towards Newark and Leicester as well as the wider regional road network.
Rail travel
Radcliffe-on-Trent and Bingham provide nearby railway stations, giving residents alternatives to driving for selected journeys towards Nottingham and Grantham.
Car-based living
Upper Saxondale is considerably less self-contained than Radcliffe-on-Trent or Bingham, so a car is likely to remain important for many households.
Local amenities and everyday life
Upper Saxondale is predominantly residential, but its historic redevelopment retained community and commercial uses within the former hospital estate.
Shopping and services
For larger supermarkets, restaurants and professional services, residents can easily travel to Radcliffe-on-Trent, Bingham, West Bridgford and Nottingham.
Parkland and green space
The parkland is arguably Upper Saxondale's defining lifestyle feature.
The former hospital grounds were deliberately landscaped with lawns, ornamental planting, recreation areas and extensive tree cover. Much of this landscape survived the residential redevelopment.
Rushcliffe Borough Council considers the parkland setting fundamental to the area's special architectural and historic character.
Who is Upper Saxondale best suited to?
Upper Saxondale property market
Upper Saxondale is a small but highly varied residential market, so recent averages need to be interpreted carefully alongside the type of property actually sold.
Rightmove average across Upper Saxondale sales over the last year.
Detached homes represented the majority of recent sales.
A high figure influenced by the specific semi-detached properties sold during the period.
Terraced homes form a separate lower-priced element of the local market.
Woodstead's view of Upper Saxondale
Upper Saxondale is one of the most distinctive residential markets in NG12.
It offers something quite different from neighbouring Radcliffe-on-Trent. Rather than a conventional village centre, buyers are choosing a landscaped residential enclave built around heritage architecture and mature parkland.
The strongest appeal is likely to be among buyers who value space, greenery and individuality but still need good road access towards Nottingham and the wider region.
Converted hospital buildings should be marketed around their architectural history, proportions, setting and individuality, while modern detached homes compete more directly on floor area, plot, presentation, parking and position within the development.
For that reason, pricing should be highly property-specific. The £592,583 overall average is useful context, but it should never be applied indiscriminately across every Upper Saxondale home.
Upper Saxondale area guide FAQs
Where is Upper Saxondale?
Upper Saxondale is an NG12 residential settlement in Rushcliffe, east of Radcliffe-on-Trent and close to the A52 and A46.
Is Upper Saxondale the same as Saxondale?
No. Saxondale is the tiny historic hamlet north of the A52, while Upper Saxondale is the larger residential settlement created from the former Saxondale Hospital estate.
What was Saxondale Hospital?
Saxondale Hospital began as Nottinghamshire County Asylum and opened in 1902. It later became the county's major psychiatric hospital before closing in the late 1980s.
When was Upper Saxondale developed?
David Wilson Homes redeveloped the former hospital estate between approximately 1995 and 2001, converting several historic buildings and constructing new homes.
How many homes are in Upper Saxondale?
Upper Saxondale Parish Council states that the settlement contains approximately 350 dwellings.
Is Upper Saxondale a Conservation Area?
Yes. The Conservation Area was originally designated in 1993 and covers approximately 30 hectares around the former hospital buildings and landscaped grounds. The latest boundary extension and appraisal were adopted in February 2025.
What types of property are found in Upper Saxondale?
The area contains converted former hospital buildings, original lodge houses, terraced and semi-detached homes and substantial modern detached houses, including larger five- and six-bedroom properties.
How much do properties cost in Upper Saxondale?
Rightmove currently reports an overall average sold price of £592,583 over the last year, although individual values vary significantly according to property type.
Is Upper Saxondale suitable for commuters?
Yes. The settlement is close to both the A52 and A46, while railway stations are available in nearby Radcliffe-on-Trent and Bingham.
Thinking of moving to or selling in Upper Saxondale?
Woodstead Sales & Lettings helps homeowners, buyers and landlords across Upper Saxondale and the wider NG12 area. With such a varied mix of historic conversions and modern homes, a property-specific valuation is particularly important here.