What’s going for it? “Where Wales begins” runs the tourist slogan – with good reason. The border with England is just over the Long Mountain (neither particularly long nor mountainous, by the way). The town has long come to terms with people, politics and sheep shuffling this way or that as events demand, but the size of Powis Castle makes it clear which side of the border the town prefers to be. It is one of those humongous ones Wales specialises in, only this was built not by the English to subdue the nation with stone, hard stares and arrows, but by the last hereditary prince of the old kingdom of Powys, Owain ap Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn. Dolled up as a stately home in the 18th century, today it contains the booty hauled back from the subcontinent by Clive of India, that supposed epitome of Englishness who was born over the border in Shropshire. What’s old Clive doing in Wales? He married into the Powis family. See: borders can stop many things, but they can’t stop love (and lust).
The case against Lights are not bright, so for thrills, flat whites and big shops, you’ll have to schlep to Shrewsbury.
Well connected? Trains on the Cambrian Line are hourly to Newtown (13 mins), Machynlleth (50 mins) and Shrewsbury (25 mins). Driving: 30 mins to Shrewsbury, 20 mins to Newtown. Buses circulate to local villages, Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Newtown and Llanidloes.
Schools Primaries: Leighton and Ardywn Infants are “good”, says Estyn, with Oldford Infants “good” with “outstanding” features. Secondaries: Welshpool High is “good”.
Hang out at… It’s no foodie haven, alas, but tea rooms like the Bay Tree or Lychgate hold the fort, along with traditional pubs such as the Raven Inn.
Where to buy There’s not much of the town. The old bit, hanging off its elegant curving High Street, is resplendent in Georgiana, with half-timbered black and white cottages in between and a good dose of Victoriana. There are some imposing Georgian town houses in deep red brick on Salop Road. For suburbans, head north, from Red Bank to Brookfield Road. Large detacheds and town houses, £200,000-£375,000. Detacheds, £140,000-£200,000. Semis, £125,000-£250,000. Terraces and cottages, £100,000-£150,000. Rentals: few; a one-bedroom flat might be around £400pcm.
Bargain of the week Four-bedroom listed Georgian town house, £195,000 with harryray.com.
From the streets
Natalie D “Powis Castle is pricey (it’s run by the National Trust) but has wonderful gardens, and the market hall is in a lovely building, although the stalls aren’t much to write home about. There’s also the steam train that goes from Welshpool to Llanfair. There’s lots going on in Welshpool, despite it looking a bit tired and old-fashioned at times.”
Karen Lesley Rodenburg “We’re quite spoilt for such a small rural town. The fabulous Bistro 7 is only small but often full. And other good places to eat include the Corn Store and the Royal Oak.”
• Live in Welshpool? Join the debate below.
Do you live in Barnet, north-west London? Do you have a favourite haunt or a pet hate? If so, email lets.move@theguardian.com by Tuesday 14 July.
