West Hampstead, Kilburn, South Hampstead
West Hampstead is a diverse and cosmopolitan area lying just north of Maida Vale and St. John's Wood. The main thoroughfare in
the district is Edgware Road which dates back to the Roman period, when it was the main route from the capital to Chester. By the
early 18th century the area had become a fashionable spa resort, as the water was said to contain more carbon dioxide than any
other waters in England. The land remained largely undeveloped until the railways arrived, when the area soon flourished into the
buzzing residential and commercial area it is today. The local high streets are lined with
shops, restaurants, wine bars and coffee shops. The numerous transport links include West Hampstead tube (Jubilee Line),
Finchley Road tube (Jubilee and Metropolitan lines), London Overground and West Hampstead Thameslink (First Capital Connect
line) that offers fast, direct access to central London and Luton airport.
Hampstead
It is easy to see why Hampstead is one of the most highly sought after areas in London. Steeped in history, and a firm-favourite with the
chattering classes and literati; Hampstead Village looks down from its lofty position on a hill above the rest of London. The village ranges
from wide, leafy avenues with imposing detached mansions, to classically picturesque lanes, squares and cul-de-sacs, teeming with
culture and architectural styles dating back over three hundred years.
Maida Vale
Maida Vale lies just west of Marylebone and St. John's Wood. It remained mostly undamaged by the Second World War and many of the
mansions and terraces in the area date back to the 1840s. The area, which includes the beautiful district of Little Venice, is a wholly
residential district. This corner of London lies north of the Harrow Road and just west of Marylebone and St. John's Wood. The pretty
neighbourhood around the canal is fittingly know as Little Venice, and the large cream houses built along Warwick Avenue and fronting
the canal in the 19th century set the tone for the area. These properties are still the largest and smartest in the area. Later building the
spacious feel, with wide avenues, large terraced houses and mansion flats - many with large shared gardens behind. The area benefits
from a large selection of good quality shops and restaurants, and it is within easy commuting distance to the West End. Tube stations
include Warwick Avenue and Maida Vale (Bakerloo line).
Camden
Camden lies to the east of Primrose Hill and Regent's Park, to the west of Kentish Town and Islington, to the north of Euston, and is south of
Chalk Farm. Camden High Street is the lively main road in the area - the southernmost end starts at Mornington Crescent tube station, and the
running north to Camden Town tube station, and Chalk Farm Road. The legendary market can be found here, as well as the Camden Lock and
Stables market. As far as property prices go, Camden is most certainly a 'rough diamond' neighbourhood. Though it's not the cheapest place,
it's easily one the most exciting.
Highgate
Today, Highgate is an up-market community, sandwiched between rolling parks as it straddles the boroughs of Haringey and Camden. Its
higher elevations afford superb views over Hampstead Heath and London, and Highgate's pricey properties primarily attract affluent home-
buyers. The area takes its name from the tollgate atop the hill - the highest in the capital -which was erected in the 14th century in order to
control the passage of traffic, to and from Islington Village, Kentish Town and the City. Today you can find The Gatehouse public house on
Highgate Hill Street on the same spot.
Regent's Park
A classic residential area, home to diplomats, City executives, celebrities and the prestigious London Business School. Highlight in the area
the spectacular Park, London Zoo, rose gardens and open-air theatre in Queen Mary's Gardens. Of course, the boating lake and the leafy,
rolling layout make the entire area a joy to explore. Local transportation includes buses heading into the City and West End, on top of
numerous tube stations including Baker Street, Regent's Park, Marylebone and Great Portland Street. Today, Regent's Park offers some of
the most prestigious homes in London, including dozens of elegant stucco-fronted residences and the official residence of the American
Ambassador.
Marylebone
Marylebone lies north of Oxford Street and south of Regent's Park, along the western boundary lies Edgware Road. Portland Place and
Langham Place lie on the eastern side of the district, and the impressive Marylebone High Street lies at the heart of the area.
Modern Marylebone is a sprawling, cosmopolitan area, which may look entirely residential, but is well-known as an exciting London hub.
As far as transport is concerned, there is a choice of buses that head to all corners of London and four nearby tube stations: Marble
Arch, Bond Street, Marylebone and Baker Street. This popular intersection lies between Selfridges and Madam Tussaud's, with great
shops, cosy pubs and fantastic restaurants. As far as transport is concerned, there is a choice of buses that head to all corners of
London and four nearby tube stations: Marble Arch, Bond Street, Marylebone and Baker Street.
St. John's Wood
This well-established residential area benefits from numerous shopping and leisure facilities. The leafy acres of Regent's
Park and Primrose Hill provide the area with wonderful recreational facilities. The American School of Loudon Road has
made an impact in the area, attracting many US expatriate to the Wood, and notable landmarks are Lord's cricket ground
and the world-famous Abbey Road recording studio, birth-place of The Beatles. In fact, Sir Paul McCartney lives nearby.
Transport amenities include buses and St. John's Wood tube station (Jubilee line) that provides easy access to the West
End and Canary Wharf. Architecturally, the Wood retains pleasing styles from many different periods. There are classical
Regency style houses which are much sought after, with bow windows and elegant porticos; hugely popular stucco-fronted
houses; beautifully proportioned Victorian properties; as well as modern town-houses.
Belsize Park
Belsize, originally derived from the French 'bel assis' meaning beautifully situated, still meets such a description as a much loved corner of north-west
London. The area is walking distance from Hampstead, and has its own, much more personal charm. Perfectly positioned for strolls in Hampstead as
well as West End shopping, there are three focal points; Belsize Village, England's Lane and Haverstock Hill: all with their own unique character and
blend of shops and eateries. Local transport includes Belsize Park tubes station (Northern line) and plenty of buses.
Queen's Park and Kensal Rise
Generally regarded as one area, Queen's Park and Kensal Rise lie on both sides of lovely parkland, and is a busy and
increasingly sophisticated thoroughfare with cafes, restaurants, wine bars and shops. The network of streets between
Salusbury Road and the park include Windemere Avenue, Hopefield Avenue and Kingswood Avenue; these are Victorian and
Edwardian areas with some recent builds adding touches of modernity to the area. Kendal Rise, on the other side of the park
has more respectable streets of three and four bedroom late-Victorian style houses, and some conversion flats. Of course the
park is the real draw here, ensuring that prices in this neck of the woods are steep. It extends to some thirty acres, and
includes six all-weather tennis courts, a pitch-and-putt golf course, ornamental garden, woodland walk, marvellous playground and cafe. Queens Park tube station (Bakerloo line) is the nearest transport link.
Brondesbury Park
This attractive, green enclave is separated from Queen's Park and Kensal Rise by the railway that runs along Chevening Road.
Walking up this avenue, the Park lies near the crossing of Salusbury Road. The well-known Manor House Drive, site of the
former manor, has large, double-fronted, detached houses with generous gardens and up to eight bedrooms: well within the
budgets of those who can fill the generous six-car driveways. Elsewhere in Brondesbury Park there are many late-Victorian
converted flats - of special note is Honeyman Close with its gated community, complete with heated swimming pool
complex and landscaped gardens. Brondesbury and Brondesbury Park tube stations are nearby (Jubilee line).
