January is well under way, the housing market in London is picking up and the one underlying factor we notice our clients are looking for is space. But more importantly… outdoor space. We have been taking a look at some of our favourite areas for 2022 which either offer private outdoor space or good access to communal gardens and wide-open spaces, all within Central London.
Hampstead Garden Suburb
Known by locals as the “suburb”, Hampstead Garden Suburb sits North of Hampstead and West of Highgate. Founded by Dame Henrietta Barnett in 1906 the aim of the venture was to promote greenery and green spaces. 243 acres of land was promptly purchased from Eton College and planning and building commenced under strict guidelines to continually support the objectives of this amazing and forward thinking project. Houses had to be separated by hedges and not walls, roads should be wide and treelined and the surrounding woods and green spaces would be free for all. A big emphasis was placed on undivided houses, something of a rarity for homeowners at this time, and private gardens were also one of Dame Henrietta’s key features.
Her vision was achieved and today, with the added bonus of the Heath Extension on your doorstep, there is certainly no shortage of green space. In fact, it hardly feels like you are in a capital city at all even though it is only 4 miles from Central London. The area has good transport links with close proximity to Golders Green and East Finchley stations and bus links to all areas of London as well as around the suburb itself. It also has an array of different homes from semi detached houses to cottage style terraces and huge mansion style homes. The architecture is influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement making them unique and extremely appealing to buyers. Homes on Winnington Road and Ingram Avenue showcase some of the larger modern houses but if you are after something more traditional keep your eye out for the stunning Queen Anne style Lutyens properties close to the central square, right in the heart of the suburb.
Bayswater
For decades the area of Bayswater was dismissed as “the wrong side of the park” and despite its grand architecture and enviable location it had been more affordable than its neighbours in Notting Hill and Regent’s Park. But with numerous years of gentrification and some of the capital’s most exciting regeneration projects currently under way, Bayswater is really starting to shine again.
Home to Whiteley’s, London’s oldest department store, the area is well known for being thoroughly cosmopolitan. Although still in Zone 1 and with unbeatable transport links, Bayswater still boasts original garden squares, pretty tree lined streets and Hyde Park right on its doorstep.
Whiteley’s is currently being redeveloped into a mixed-use development including 153 luxury apartments and townhouses. The beautiful Grade II listed façade and iconic dome will be restored to become the real gem of the high street, along popular Queensway, the main shopping street. A cluster of other high-end developments are also popping up throughout the area which is why Bayswater is firmly on our list for 2022.
Camden
Once synonymous with the punk scene and alternative culture, Camden has seen a decade of regeneration and is now one of London’s most sort after boroughs. Neighbouring Hampstead and Primrose Hill, Camden has easy access to the wide green space of Regent’s Park but with the iconic buzz of world famous Camden Town.
A lively and diverse neighbourhood, Camden has its fair share of stunning period properties on wide tree lined streets as well as new build homes and modern apartments, all in equally high demand. The area has fantastic transport links with its own underground and overground stations for quick access to all parts of the city.
It is a fantastic area for families with no shortage of things to do, London Zoo is a stone’s throw away and the quiet tranquillity of the Regent’s Canal is the perfect place for weekend walks and cycles. Camden High Street is home to endless cafes and bars with award winning restaurants, fashionable pop-ups and independent stores and boutiques. For a quirky way of life, lots of green space and easy access to the city, look no further than Camden.
Where ever you are looking to move call the Edwards Removals team today to discuss our exceptional moving experience.