Living in Hampstead Garden Suburb

Your guide to moving to Hampstead Garden Suburb

Why Hampstead Garden Suburb is a good place to live

Recently named by The Telegraph as one of 'the most desirable places to live' in the country, Hampstead Garden Suburb offers a unique blend of leafy tranquility and big beautiful houses, just four miles from bustling central London.

With a village-y feel and beautiful wide roads, the homes here are mainly separated by hedges, rather than walls, and the area is protected by the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust.

This, as you may have guessed, is an affluent area of North West London. Lying just north of Hampstead village next to a quiet extension of the infamous heath, the Garden Suburb is filled with large detached houses and mansions.

Yet it came about in 1907 as the vision of Henrietta Barnett, who was married to an East End cleric, and who wanted to create an estate of homes for all classes and incomes, having witnessed the effects of poverty and poor housing on the lives of her husband’s parishioners.

Today, Hampstead Garden Suburb is home to one of the oldest Waitrose stores in London at Temple Fortune, alongside a Gail's bakery, a local Italian (Capriccio) and several boutiques, not to mention a book and flower shop.

A 13 minute drive from the chic stores, top notch restaurants, bars and cafes of Hampstead Village, it's the countryside garden to Hampstead's bustling and lively cosmopolitan heart.

What's Hampstead Garden Suburb famous for?

Hampstead Garden Suburb is famous for its stunning architectural designs and countryside charm, while still being in close proximity to the heart of the capital.

The vision of philanthropist Dame Henrietta Barnett, it was intended to be classless when it was founded and is a testament to some top town planning by her appointed architect Raymond Unwin.

Barnett set up the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust Ltd in 1906, which purchased 243 acres of land from Eton College for the scheme.

The Suburb is renowned for its open spaces, most notably the gorgeous Hampstead Heath extension, alongside its signature Central Square featuring St. Jude's Church, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

The area is also famous for attracting notable personalities, including none other than the late actress Elizabeth Taylor and talk show host Johnathon Ross.

Things to do in Hampstead Garden Suburb

If you love historical architecture, a stroll through the Central Square to take in St Jude's Church is a must-do.

Art lovers will find inspiration in the suburb's scenic views, while food lovers can tuck into Persian and Italian delights at local eateries.

For those looking for a bit of self-care, the area boasts several beauty salons offering unique treatments, including salt spas.

With plenty of open spaces and parks, Hampstead Garden Suburb is a great place to enjoy long walks or runs, while also offering children's play areas - and parents will be pleased to learn there are some top notch schools here too.