London is known the world over for being a fast-paced, stylish urban sprawl. What surprises visitors, and delights Londoners, is the way in which the different parts of London have distinct identities akin to village life. Londoners have strong allegiances to the ‘village’ they come from or live in, so much so that they identify themselves as being part of the ‘Primrose Hill’ set, for example, ahead of being mere ‘Londoners’.
Notting Hill and Primrose Hill are perhaps the best known and desirable villages in London. A combination of wide pavements, green spaces and stylish bars and clubs attract millionaires and media personalities including some big name celebrities. Who wouldn’t want to live in a village where you could bump into Kate Moss or Jude Law in the local coffee shop? These areas resemble villages in terms of their appearance at the same time as being part of central London – this is part of the appeal. A person can have a relaxing coffee looking out at a park but still be close enough to central London for an impromptu shopping spree.
Other long-established villages include Hampstead and Marylebone. Hampstead is known for its wide pavements and green spaces and attracts those who want to escape the smog of central London and breathe in clear, clean air. Marylebone goes even further and actually looks like a village, albeit a village with its own branch of Diptyque. Its quaint high street and weekly market adds to the vibrant village atmosphere.
Further away from central London, Wimbledon retains its village-like status by being the spiritual home of tennis, tennis being a quintessentially village sport. Full of green spaces and unique boutiques, it clearly seeks to maintain its village atmosphere by cultivating the motto ‘Where town meets country.’
Of course, not all villages are populated by well-heeled celebrities, and so not all parts of London are as desirable as Notting Hill, Marylebone and the like. Estate agents have tried to cash in on the popularity for village life in the city by renaming areas to make them sound more desirable. Do you know where Midtown is? The residents of Bloomsbury, St. Giles and Holborn probably haven’t heard of the place either and they are living there.
Another unlikely village, but one that deserves the title, is Blackheath. Little-known even inside London – Londoners living north of the Thames won’t even know of its existence – it is still impressively village-like. Popular with families, each year it hosts a circus and the open green spaces are perfect for kite-flying on the weekend.
Walthamstow is another of the more unlikely villages but it is perfect for those who dream of living in Highgate but find the multi-million GB pound prices out of reach. It’s suburban and tranquil and has its own conservation area with Victorian terraces. Complete with obligatory tapas restaurants and some upmarket bars, it’s the perfect combination of town and country.
There is a village for everybody in London, regardless of your income and lifestyle. They offer a compromise between the highly urbanised lifestyle offered by big cities and the feeling of belonging and community offered by village life. What’s not to like?
As a local estate agent we have an outstanding local insight and an excellent selection of 5 bed houses for rent in Wimbledon Village. If you’re going to be relocating and would like some information about property for rent in Wimbledon Village please visit our website.