OUR PATCH

Belsize Park

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REngland’s LaneNeighbourhood

This quaint enclave between Eton Avenue and Haverstock Hill draws in a mix of European expats and media and arts professionals. Crammed with coffee shops, restaurants and independent boutiques, England’s Lane has an authentic village feel, where family-run enterprises such as Barrett’s butchers and characterful pubs including The Washington have room to prosper in the absence of chains. The streets in and around the area are lined with Victorian villas, stucco mansions and a small concentration of art-deco and modernist residences.

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Lotus and Frog With candles, jewellery and books for adults; games, kits and toys for kids; and biscuits, sweets and chocs for, well, everyone – this one-stop shop is great for last-minute gifts and treats. 32 England’s Lane

Alfred Allchin & Co Vintage-glass alchemy bottles and a carved wooden entrance make a visit to this chemist a step back in time. It’s stood here for more than 50 years, and while the Post Office counter has gone, you can find skincare, cosmetics and health foods. 28 England’s Lane

Ginger & White Family-friendly cafe serving breakfast and brunch with a focus on British flavours – recipes can be found in its own cookbook. The coffee beans meanwhile are sourced worldwide but hand-roasted in London. 2 England’s Lane

Black Truffle Deli This is a deli that takes its role in the community seriously – partnering with local suppliers, showing art from a nearby gallery and displaying bouquets from neighbouring florist Augustus Bloom. 41 England’s Lane

Living In Space A showroom offering interior design and architecture services and one of the largest collections of wallpaper in London. Regularly changing displays keep locals intrigued. Consultations by walk-in or appointment. 43 England’s Lane

Daunt Books A well-loved branch of this literary institution where titles are arranged by geography, not genre. Browsing is encouraged – perfect for Sundays when the store closes at 7pm. 193 Haverstock Hill

Property

Roomy homes – great for families

The market is definitely more challenging than it was in the previous quarter. Banks have tightened their lending, so mortgages are harder to get and take longer to go through. I advise buyers to have their mortgages in place well before viewing properties.

Although the market has slowed somewhat in Belsize Park, I predict we’ll see more movement towards September. So, in fact, the best time to buy is now: while everybody else is taking their foot off the pedal you could snap up a good find.

I don’t expect prices to drop overall. Our sales still range between £350,000-£2,000,000, and there have been more properties coming in at the higher end. We’ve also had a couple of success stories with newly converted and refurbished properties in NW3 – that’s where the buzz is.

Belsize Park lettings manager Charlotte Adams tells me we’re heading into our busiest period for rentals. The market is competitive and price-sensitive, with most renewals and re-lets staying at the same levels as over the past 12-18 months – though there has been around a five percent drop at the higher end. Landlords must maintain the condition of their properties and be realistic about rent levels to avoid vacancy periods.

JONNY PIROUZISales manager

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HOWITT ROAD

HOWITT ROAD

LANCASTER DRIVE

BRACKNELL GARDENS

BELSIZE PARK

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£1,200,000Set over two floors of a period conversion, this large flat comes with three bedrooms, reception room and a great southeast-facing roof terrace. The kitchen features newly fitted appliances.

£1,850,000Amazing four-bedroom, three-bathroom, split-level apartment just off Haverstock Hill. Includes two en-suites, utility room and walk-in wardrobe. Open-plan kitchen/diner/living room leads onto private garden.

£1,425,000Just off Belsize Square, this three-bedroom flat is part of a detached Victorian conversion and benefits from a private entrance and huge garden. Plus recently renovated kitchen and two bathrooms including one en suite.

£2,250 PWVast four-bedroom maisonette in Hampstead, with three modern, fitted bathrooms (two en suites), and reception with access to landscaped garden. Large kitchen/breakfast room. Unfurnished. Tenancy fees apply.

£650 PWImmaculate two-bedroom, two-bathroom, first-floor apartment on Belsize Park. Features include open-plan living room/kitchen with balcony, master bedroom (with en suite), and lots of storage. Offered furnished. Tenancy fees apply.

For more information call the Belsize Park office on 020 7483 2551

Sales

Lettings

“The best time to buy is now: while everybody else is taking their foot off the pedal.”

KR/QP MVCECBP WH US NH

OUR PATCH

Clerkenwell

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Capital growthFamily

Got green-fingered kids but no space for gardening? No problem. The City's got the solutionKids adore gardening; it’s a chance to get grubby, be outside and snaffle some tasty fruit and veg. Parents love it too; growing plants teaches children about nurturing, biology and patience. And it burns off their excess energy too.

Clerkenwell is in the heart of the city, but it still has green oases tucked away. Now in its thirtieth year, the Calthorpe Project, near King’s Cross, has an Early Years Drop-In gardening group on Mondays, which encourages local families to dig, sow and weed (and have a good chat). Niki Barnett-Henry, Children’s Programme Manager, says the community centre and garden enables locals to improve their quality of life. “Kids grow food from seed to plate,” she says. “They learn that food doesn't grow with cling wrap; and how to cook veg in ways that are tasty and fun. Many show their parents the simple recipes they learn, as they don't eat much fruit or veg at home.” The centre also holds events, such as its Apple Day Festival in October. And to celebrate its birthday there's a big party on September 20 with lots of music and food, which Niki expects will attract over 1,000 people.

If your youngsters are more into foliage and blooms, try the Culpeper Community Garden in N1, named after a 17th-century herbalist who published his works in Islington. Locals can volunteer or become plot-holders and get their hands dirty helping run the garden. Beds are set aside for kids, and an art project for seven to 14-year-olds runs each summer.

For one-off gardening workshops, foraging walks or wildlife events, visit the websites of Project Dirt or Groundwork. Or if you prefer a more relaxed way to enjoy nature, try the Barbican Conservatory, which is free to enter and open most Sunday afternoons. The second-biggest glasshouse in London, it has exotic fish to spot; lush, tropical plants and trees arching over shaded walkways; and the sound of tinkling fountains. It makes the city seem very far away.

Outside space is at a premium in London, but all you need for these fun and easy projects is an indoor windowsill – and a little bit of patience. Younger children might need some adult help too.

EGG 'N' CRESS Crack an egg into a bowl, keeping the larger part of the shell. Tuck a bit of damp kitchen roll into the bottom of this bigger half, then add damp cotton wool and sprinkle cress seeds on top. Place in an egg cup, draw a face on the shell and water sparingly until it sprouts ‘hair’.

SPROUT CARROT TOPS Layer a few sheets of newspaper on a plate. After soaking the paper

well, drain off any standing water. Cut one inch from the top of a carrot and put the segment on the paper. Keep it damp and within a few days you’ll see the top grow and roots sprout.

MAKE A TERRARIUM Layer pebbles, activated charcoal and potting soil into a fish tank or bowl. Add plants, starting with the largest first. Go wild customising with little figures, cars or lights.

Seed headsStep-by-step

For more information call the Clerkenwell office on 020 7251 8877

Property

Period charmers

The sales market in Clerkenwell was absolutely crazy in the last two quarters. Buyers were offering 5-10 percent above already-ambitious asking prices. Now, although it's still a very good seller’s market, things have cooled slightly.

Properties need to be more reasonably priced to get a good number of viewings. We’re seeing this across the board, but particularly in Clerkenwell, the City, Islington and Shoreditch.

More properties are becoming available now compared with earlier in the year. We’re also seeing the return of some that were unsold first time round. For example, a property we valued at £625,000 on Goswell Road was listed with another agency at £675,000, which I thought was too high. The listing went down to £650,000 with the other agent, and now we have it back and re-listed at £625,000 – the right level – and we’ve already booked four viewings before even arranging photography.

On the rental side, lettings manager Scott Murray says he's had more enquiries this month than at any other time this year so far. The lower end of the market, below £500 per week, is moving much faster than properties over £500 per week, and more clients are deciding to sell rather than rent.

ALEX DOLLEY Sales manager

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NORTHAMPTON SQUARE

BRITANNIA STREET

CHADWELL STREET

SEKFORDE STREET

VICTORIA MEWS

£2,500,000Stunning, atmospheric Grade-II listed, five-bedroom Regency townhouse. Set over five floors with original features, such as shutters, ceiling mouldings and fireplaces. Plus two bathrooms and patio garden with storage.

£1,400,000Unique two-bedroom house set over three floors. Sensitive, modern refurbishment. Large kitchen/diner leading to ground-floor patio. Master bedroom with dressing room, en suite and access to decked roof terrace.

£850,000Two-bedroom Georgian conversion with private garden, located on a prime residential street in Clerkenwell. Lots of character including high ceilings and fireplaces. Mezzanine study-level and private decked garden.

£500 PWTwo-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment within Georgian conversion. Set over three floors with a great use of space. Includes original features such as exposed brickwork and wood flooring. Tenancy fees apply. .

£675 PWStunning two-bedroom warehouse conversion near Hoxton Square. Includes exposed brickwork, high ceilings, wood beams and original factory windows. Staircase leads to open-plan living space. Tenancy fees apply. Furnished.

Lettings

Sales

KR/QP MVCECBP WH US NH

“Properties need to be more reasonably priced to get a good number of viewings.”

OUR PATCH

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Crouch End

Vintage finds Scarlet Rage VintageAudio Gold

North London Vintage Market

Three of a kind

Pre-loved, vintage or just plain-old secondhand. Whatever you call it, when you buy authentic retro, not only have you bagged a special piece, you’ve also kept a little bit of landfill empty. This way for the nearest nearly new...

Sound, as the name suggests, is what Audio Gold does best. Think painstakingly restored classic hi-fi separates, valve amps, antique radios, old-school boomboxes and used vinyl. Audiophiles will be in sonic paradise, but if you’re a novice or gift-buyer don’t worry, the helpful staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The shop also sells new cables and accessories to keep those old machines running smoothly. And proceeds from vinyl sales go to charity, so you’ve got a good excuse to browse and spend. 308-310 Park Rd, N8 8LA. 020 8341 9007, audiogold.co.uk

“Suppliers of nostalgia” is how Scarlet Rage describes itself. And who are we to argue when its fashion stock includes genuine treasures from the first half of the 20th century. Store owner Jade Stavri has an expert eye for one-off finds, such as hand-painted circle skirts from the fifties, classic leather biker jackets, Parisian silk lingerie and hand-beaded flapper frocks. Personal styling and alterations are also available and menswear isn’t ignored either. Dip into the past with style. 11 Topsfield Parade, N8 8PR. 020 8347 5280, scarletragevintage.com

With a rotating selection of vendors, chosen by founders Lucy Welsh and Ali Winstanley, it’s always a day of discovery at this monthly event. Held in a church hall, the market has a convincing, old-school jumble-sale feel. Finds can range from mid-century ceramics and fabrics to books, kitchenalia and folksier collectables. And when you’re done rummaging, stop off at the tea stall for a relaxing and restorative brew. St Mary’s Parish Hall, Cranley Gardens, N10 3AH. 0779 307 2966, northlondonvintagemarket.co.uk

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Property

Great home gardens

It’s a case of two extremes in Crouch End at the moment. We’ve got a lot of really affordable one-bedroom flats in the £350,000-£400,000 range, and at the other end, houses topping £900,000. The majority of people looking in the area are first-time buyers in their early thirties, attracted by the relaxed culture and lively undercurrent.

The proximity of Crouch End to Hampstead, Highgate and Finsbury Park means buyers might spill over to these areas in their search. There’s lots of regeneration and redevelopment going on in Finsbury Park, which is exciting – it’s a great time to buy there, before prices begin to rocket.

The sales market is not as frenetic as it was a couple of months ago, but there are many great buys to be found. With the changes to mortgage regulations, buyers that are looking are really serious and in a good financial position. And we’re still achieving record prices on most properties. We had one beautiful one-bed garden flat in Stroud Green that went for £50,000 over the asking price.

Lettings manager Chris Leach is noticing the impact on the rental market, with stock levels dropping as people sell their homes at peak prices. Tenants are benefitting too – rents have recently plateaued.

SARAH LEYENS Sales manager

£550,000Two double-bedroom garden flat featuring a large reception with wood flooring, bathroom and kitchen leading onto a large, part-decked garden. Own entrance and off-street parking. Share of freehold available.

HORNSEY RISE

£475 PWTwo/three-bedroom, split-level flat in period property. Includes direct access to large private garden from the kitchen. Separate living room, bathroom and shower room. Unfurnished. Tenancy fees apply.

£395 PWUnique two-bedroom, Victorian terraced cottage in a quiet cul-de-sac. Wooden floors, period fireplace, open-plan living space with access to west-facing 30ft landscaped garden. Unfurnished. Tenancy fees apply.

AUBREY ROAD

TOPSFIELD COTTAGES

£595,000Unique two-bedroom house in the heart of Crouch End village with exposed wooden beams, original parquet flooring and balcony. Sizeable reception leads onto semi-open plan kitchen/diner and private garden.

£900 PWModern four-bedroom house in Muswell Hill. Arranged over four floors, with two reception rooms, master bedroom with an en suite, under-floor heating, garden and roof terrace. Unfurnished. Tenancy fees apply.

WESTON PARK

CONNAUGHT GARDENS

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For more information call the Crouch End office on 020 8348 7666

Lettings

Sales

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“We had one beautiful flat in Stroud Green that went for £50,000 over the asking price.”

OUR PATCH

Kensal Rise and Queen’s Park

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The great escape

Village secret

Lexi Cinema founder and long-time local resident Sally Wilton earmarks a spot in Queen’s Park for her daily dose of tranquilityIf anyone is well-placed to speak about Kensal Rise, it’s Sally Wilton. She is founder of The Lexi Cinema on Chamberlayne Road, an independent 75-seat picturehouse. The Lexi launched in 2008 but Sally’s association with the area goes back further – she lives nearby and has been in the area for 25 years. She loves the Woodland Walk in Queen’s Park.

“I’ve been coming to the park for all of that time,” she says. “First when my children used the playground years ago.” At the park’s north end, the Woodland Walk opened in 1999. “I try to have an early morning walk; I come here to escape the busyness of Kensal Rise. It’s so peaceful. There are beautiful beech trees and wonderful dappled light.”

Beside the beeches grow elders and willows, and after coppicing, the stumps are left as habitats for endangered stag beetles. “The trees here are dense. You can imagine you’re in a magical woodland. I’m a country girl at heart and it’s my daily refreshment. When I choose to be mindful of things, or if I have a thorny issue at work, I like to wander here. It’s calming and grounding.”

As someone who lives, works – and walks – in Kensal Rise, Wilton has seen it change over time. “It’s more gentrified now. When I was first here the shops were more utilitarian. But now there are some gorgeous places: good coffee shops, a great butchers and a fishmongers. But the pound store is still one of my favourites. I’d be so upset if it went.”

She also remembers the tornado of 2006. It was how the community rallied afterwards that convinced Sally to follow her dream of opening a cinema. “I thought, I really like this area, I like knowing everyone. And then the building became available.” As well as films, visitors can marvel at light installations by Tracy Emin and Bruce Munro, located in the cosy auditorium. The Lexi is closed August 11-28 for building work, re-opening on August 29, with an official launch on September 5. See page 30 for info on the Greene Sunday discount ticket offer. thelexicinema.co.uk

PADDINGTON OLD CEMETERY This former cemetery-of-the-year opened in Willesden, strictly speaking, in 1855 and is so atmospheric it’s often used as a film location – in Doctor Who, for instance. Home to over 500 mature trees, it now has a bee yard producing Tombstones honey.

GREVILLE PLACE NATURE RESERVEThis small nature reserve in Kilburn is in a residential area and has a pond, beehives and two historical trees – a copper beech and a black mulberry. It’s only open twice a month for volunteer sessions, or for privately arranged events.

PADDINGTON ARMThe Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal is a green corridor that carves a peaceful path through west London. It passes by the equally peaceful Kensal Green Cemetery and is home to plenty of bird-life, including local parakeets.

Walks on the wild side

Property

Beautiful terraced houses

Kensal Rise reminds me of Notting Hill 25 years ago. It’s a very real, earthy place to live, with a great sense of community – and there’s always something going on: whether it’s at The Paradise, The Whippet or The Chamberlayne.

In terms of the sales market, there’s still a shortage of flats, so they’re flying off the shelf – generally snapped up by young couples priced out of Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove. For them, Kensal Rise and Queen’s Park are the next best options. There is a high demand for family houses too but at more realistic prices.

We have noticed a slight slow-down in viewing numbers as the summer season kicks in, which is completely normal. However everyone is keeping a close eye on the mortgage market and the impending changes, which I feel has unnerved buyers slightly. It hasn’t affected asking prices just yet but may do, especially once more stock comes onto the market.

Ed Bloom, senior lettings manager, says the rental market is entering its busiest period. A lack of properties combined with a high volume of tenants has created a landlords’ market, so the lettings team is achieving strong rents. Turnaround times for securing tenants is seven to ten days on average from the point the property is marketed.

PAUL HARRISSales manager

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£1,575,000Beautiful four-bedroom, two-bathroom family home across three floors. Period features, double reception room and kitchen/diner. Set in Queen’s Park conservation area, close to tube and shops on Salisbury Road. Chain free.

£1,150,000Deceptively large four-bedroom house retaining many original period features, such as cast-iron radiators and reclaimed brick wall. Boasts huge kitchen and luxurious, slate-tiled wet room with underfloor heating.

£750 PWBeautifully finished, three-bedroom period property, with dual reception room and large kitchen/diner. Features original sash windows, wood floors and fireplaces. Unfurnished or part furnished. Tenancy fees apply.

LYNTON ROAD

PONSARD ROAD

KESLAKE ROAD

KEMPE ROAD

£1,295 PWFive-bedroom house close to the local shops, bars and restaurants of Queen’s Park and Kensal Green. Includes 85-foot private garden, roof terrace and off-street parking. Available furnished or unfurnished. Tenancy fees apply.

CHEVENING ROAD

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£950 PWFour-bedroom family home close to Queen’s Park. Bright, airy and with original features. Two large reception rooms, two bathrooms and large kitchen/diner. Available furnished or unfurnished. Tenancy fees apply.

For more information call the Kensal Rise & Queen’s Park office on 020 8964 9999

Sales

Lettings

KR/QP MVCECBP WH US NH

“Everyone is keeping a close eye on the mortgage market and impending changes.”

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OUR PATCH

Maida Vale

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Holy grailsNeighbourhood watch Property in Maida Vale and Little Venice is both highly prized and highly priced.

Be prepared for a long but ultimately rewarding search for your dream home in this leafy enclave. Georgian villas and Victorian mansions await you.

Coming up Maida Hill – the area to the west of Little Venice before you get to Ladbroke Grove (essentially Shirland Road and Elgin Avenue) is now flourishing. Highly desirable conversions and terraces are driving the current activity, while sub-£1m bargains are rarer here.

Bargains! The meaning of cheap is relative in Maida Vale. But it is still possible to get a studio in a Victorian conversion, or an ex-local authority flat in a 1930s estate, for less than £300k. What you lose in stucco you gain in pounds-per-square metre.

On the waterfront Living beside the canal, or anywhere in Little Venice, comes at a premium. For £6m or above you’ll get a large garden, six or more bedrooms and one of London’s most desirable vistas. Keep an eye out for one of these hard-to-bag properties.

Stucco on you The Georgian mansions on and around Blomfield Road offer grandeur. Three-bedroom conversions are sought by young families or City workers and prices start near the £700k mark. The area offers close proximity to good schools, transport and restaurants.

Bang for your buck Demand outstrips supply in Maida Vale, and once settled, residents rarely leave. It’s no surprise – the wide avenues of Sutherland Road and surrounds offer red-brick Victorian mansion blocks and four-storey houses split into flats, often with gardens.

Getting around Paddington is less than ten minutes along cycle-friendly Regent’s Canal, and tubes from Warwick Avenue and Maida Vale zip you into the centre of town in 15 minutes. While Maida Hill is near enough to Westbourne Park tube and the A40 begins here too.

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Property

Mansion-block living

I’ve worked in the area for four years and I’ve seen rent go from £600-700 per week at the top end to, more recently, £1,000 or more per week. With higher-end rental properties being snapped up, we’re always on the look out for more – especially in prime Maida Vale and Little Venice. Another popular enquiry is specifically for one- and two-bedroom garden flats – people can’t get enough of them, they rent so quickly.

Maida Vale is an established market, unlike surrounding areas, such as Kensal Rise, which are changing all the time. However there’s no room for complacency. Landlords may have rented properties for years but if they fail to keep them up to a decent standard, they could sit empty.

We aim to reduce the chance of void periods for our landlords by marketing our rental properties six weeks before the end of the tenancy. We go the extra mile by providing professional photos and floor plans for every property. This is invaluable, and the same ethos is followed in sales. Sales manager Steve Kadi says we try to surpass our clients’ expectations on price. Especially in mansion blocks, where prices have risen considerably in the past six months and achieved between £1,150-1,250 per sqft.

ALEXANDRA PIROLILettings manager

£1,550,000Modern three-bedroom apartment in Maida Vale’s most sought-after block. With double reception room, three double bedrooms and two bathrooms. Close to Paddington Recreation Ground. No chain.

£1,100,000Fantastic top-floor mansion flat with stunning views across Paddington Recreation Ground. Featuring large reception room with balcony, two bathrooms and access to the communal gardens. No chain. Share of freehold.

£695 PWModern, well-presented three-bedroom, top-floor flat. Generous reception room with gas fireplace and French windows opening onto balcony with good views. Unfurnished or part furnished. Tenancy fees apply.

£600 PWWell-proportioned two double-bedroom, top-floor flat in the heart of Maida Vale. With fitted kitchen, bright master bedroom (with en suite), shower room, guest WC and balcony. Unfurnished. Tenancy fees apply.

£550 PWTwo-bedroom second-floor flat in mansion block near Paddington Recreation Ground. Reception room with cast-iron fireplace, fully fitted kitchen and south-facing balcony. Available August. Tenancy fees apply. Unfurnished.

LAUDERDALE MANSIONS

MORSHEAD MANSIONS

MORSHEAD MANSIONS

ASHWORTH MANSIONS

LAUDERDALE MANSIONS

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For more information call the Maida Vale office on 020 7286 8787

Lettings

Sales

“We go the extra mile... providing professional photos and floor plans for every property.”

KR/QP MVCECBP WH US NH

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OUR PATCH

West Hampstead

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Good connectionsNumber crunching

Once known as West End, West Hampstead was renamed after the arrival of the Metropolitan Railway in 1879, at the suggestion of local estate agent Thomas Bate. Its evolution from tiny village into sought-after suburb has been guided by its transport links ever since.

Amount of government investment in the Overground station to improve disabled passenger access

Route number of the proposed West Hampstead – Marylebone Cycling Super-highway, the first to go through north London

139 & 328

Numbers of daytime bus routes serving West End Lane. The C11 also passes through

Annual growth of passenger use of Overground station in 2013. The Underground increase was 18%; Thameslink was 1.4%

1.5 miles Depth of the glacier that covered the British Isles during the last ice age. Tunnelling revealed that its southern edge was at Finchley Road

Year Camden Council and the police Safer Neighbourhood team launched the Name That Path! Project, to christen three unnamed alleys. Billy Fury Way was opened in 2010, a passageway next to the tube line

2009 Year the Hampstead Junction Railway opened West End station, the first of three hubs that arrived during a 22-year period

1857

passengers a year use the Jubilee Underground stop

9.7m

27.5%

2013

2012

Property

Homes with Victorian roots

Private Client is a bespoke service designed for premium property sales. It’s currently available via the Maida Vale and West Hampstead offices, with plans to launch to the rest of our patch later this year.

It’s a truly personal service. I oversee everything from the initial valuation of the property and guide the client through the entire sales process. The service is also backed by our marketing team, who create glossy 12-page property brochures with photography and client comments that we show to potential buyers. The service we offer takes the client – and the buyer to some extent – out of the standard estate-agency lane, and onto the fast-track highway to sales success.

At the moment, we’re seeing houses go for between £1million and £2million. For example, we just achieved a fantastic price on a small house on Goldhurst Terrace in South Hampstead, which went for an incredible £1,175 per square foot.

Lettings manager Daniel Fisher has seen a quick turnaround in the rental market with an influx of available properties in time for summer, offering a greater choice for tenants. This can be attributed to more investors buying-to-let in the area, focusing on capital growth rather than rental yields.

LEON BENARDOUTPrivate Client sales manager

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£900,000Impressive two-bedroom flat conversion in an imposing Victorian red-brick house, boasting high ceilings and large bay windows. It’s located on a much sought-after tree-lined road, close to transport links.

£674,950Two-bedroom, split-level flat occupying the second and third floors of a grand period conversion and remodelled to an impressive standard. Located in the wonderfully villagey Mapesbury Conservation Area.

£2,200,000Spacious five-bedroom house located on one of the most coveted streets of West Hampstead. Combines modern living with period features. Basement offers superb storage or opportunity to create more living space.

COMPAYNE GARDENS

EXETER ROAD

HOLMDALE ROAD

£450 PWRecently developed first-floor two-bedroom, two-bathroom flat. With wood floors and semi open-plan kitchen. Near to transport links at Kilburn, Maida Vale, Queen’s Park and West Hampstead. Tenancy fees apply. Furnished.

BIRCHINGTON ROAD

£795 PWThree double-bedroom apartment in Victorian mansion block in the heart of West Hampstead. Includes large reception room, modern kitchen and additional room that can be a study. Unfurnished. Tenancy fees apply.

CUMBERLAND MANSIONS

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For more information call the West Hampstead office on 020 7328 3232

Lettings

Sales

“The service we offer takes the client onto the fast-track highway to sales success”

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Vast, unorthodox homes, such as lofts or converted warehouses, deserve unique furniture. As much as a statement piece requires enough space for it to fit a room, rather than dominate, so unstructured, often overwhelming spaces will benefit from a one-off piece. For instance, furnishings that can ‘float’ rather than sit against a wall, can divide a room, or create focus in an expanse of space. “Furniture in lofts has to have a presence,” says Mick Davies of interiors warehouse Vintage Mix in London Fields. “People want a talking point, as much as a useful piece of furniture.”

Units with double-height windows and exposed brickwork show off the current obsession for mid-century pieces as well as old industrial, restored one-offs, such as stripped, steel shelving, used shop fittings or factory workbenches. Says Davies: “People often

choose mid-century because it can fit in with modern, mass-produced furniture, like Ikea.”

If you’re unsure what will work, consult experienced suppliers. One place that’s been sourcing unique finds for over 20 years is Retrouvius in Kensal Rise, who say: “We look for good craftsmanship and quality materials. We’ll take a risk on pieces, which is why you’ll get something special from us.”

The trick to finding unique pieces, advise both Retrouvius and Vintage Mix, is to look regularly. Both update stock weekly. “We want the buyer who is in often to see different things,” says Davies. vintage-mix.com, retrouvius.com

Superb conversions in great locationsProperty

£1,200,000Immaculate 2,400sqft warehouse loft in Clapton, with plenty of natural light. Mezzanine bedroom, underfloor heating and allocated off-street parking. Benefits from no onward chain and long leasehold.

£1,250,000Outstanding 1,600sqft two-bedroom Victorian school conversion in Kennington. Lovely living space with original features, such as parquet flooring, double-height ceilings and exposed steel beams.

£1,750 PWVast 3,420sqft loft in Fulham with views over the Thames from private balcony. Double-height ceilings and all four bedrooms are split level. Apartment includes an office/gallery space.

£625 PWOne-bedroom canalside Victorian loft conversion just off sought-after Broadway Market. Plenty of original features such as exposed brickwork, beams and wooden floors. Superb views and location.

MOUNT PLEASANT HILL, E5 STANNARY STREET, SE11 THE PIPER BUILDING, SW6 ANDREWS ROAD, E8

OUR PATCH

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We’re now marketing an even wider choice of properties all across London, such as an old office in Putney and a former light-bulb factory in Brixton – both amazing spaces. We’re also seeing a range of properties from about £400k, meaning that you don’t need to spend millions to get a space with interesting or unique features; you just need to know where to look and be ready to buy.

MATTHEW STANWAYSales manager

Home shoppingOn the inside

Urban SpacesWhat’s the best way to show off a loft space? Fill it with wonderful things

For more information call the Urban Spaces office on 020 7251 4000

Sales Lettings

Brand new developmentsProperty

FROM £455,000One-, two-, three- and four-bedroom, new-build apartments close to Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. High-spec interiors with open-plan living space, fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and private balcony.

£1,650,000Five unique townhouses in the heart of Shoreditch, with integral garages and private terraces. With huge glass facades, open-plan kitchen, high-spec bathrooms, bedrooms, living space and cinema room.

FROM £475,000Superbly designed one-, two- and three-bedroom flats in Golders Green. Open-plan living spaces with fully retractable sliding doors and tasteful interiors. Many include off-street parking and terraces.

FROM £800,000Nine well-designed, two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments with generous terraces and views of the Shard and Tower Bridge. Includes huge floor-to-ceiling windows, en suites and walk-in wardrobes.

132 GREEN LANES, N16 DEREHAM PLACE, EC2 TUDOR HOUSE, NW2 ATOLLO, SE1

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There remains a healthy appetite for off-plan developments. We just launched 30 apartments in N16 and are previewing five new townhouses in Shoreditch. Coming soon, we have six flats in Charterhouse Square EC1 and a warehouse development in Islington. Hackney is an area to watch. The Warehaus in E8, with a rooftop swimming pool, is also close to launch and you can register your interest in it now.

MICHAEL STONEHead of New HomesThe current buzzword in the new-builds market

is smart homes – that means having total control over the lighting, sound, climate and mood of your space, using your smartphone or tablet to manipulate and programme the lot. “Over the past couple of years there has been a noticeable shift in developers’ mindsets,” says Michael Stone, head of New Homes. “They are realising that buyers, particularly young professionals, are tech-savvy and will be spending on lighting or music technology, so it’s worth investing in tech options when it comes to designing and building a new scheme.”

Now developers are fitting speakers into ceilings and tapping into the current demand among buyers for integrated multi-entertainment systems. “You can be on your sofa and get a room layout on your iPad

from which you can turn on lights or play music,” says Stone. And that’s only the beginning. “You can decide if you want the system to run you a bath on your way home from work, for instance, via your phone.”

One such development being built with a range of techy possibilities is Dereham Place, five top-spec townhouses in Shoreditch due to be completed this year. As well as a private terrace and off-street parking, there is a cinema room in the basement of each unit as standard. Integrated technology from Savant Systems allows the buyer to control temperature, lighting, telephony, audio and visuals – and it can be tailored to your needs and budget from the outset. “There is a base system but the buyer can have their say too, so each fitting is bespoke.” Presets also mean you can trust the system to get things right even if you’re not there. The only thing it can’t do is make your dinner from scratch, but that function is surely only a matter of time...

Trigger happyOn the inside

New HomesControl the look and feel of your home via your phone or tablet

For more information call the New Homes office on 020 7604 3200

Sales

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KATIE COUNTS ON OUR SUPPORT.CAN WE COUNT ON YOURS?Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and chances of survival for young people between the ages of 13 and 24 who have cancer. We rely completely on donations to fund our vital work. Nothing we do would be possible without the generosity and support of people like you.

GET IN TOUCH TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED.

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