Welcome to West-Hampstead

West Hampstead

Hamptons offers you a warm welcome to West Hampstead

Congratulations, if you are house hunting in West Hampstead you have already won. A home in this great area with all it offers, automatically makes you the envy of many. Now in order to make your transition as smooth and hassle free as possible Hamptons have put together this great guide which will help you choose the best schools, learn a little about planning and building control, read tips on where to shop, eat and lot’s more, all packed into one little guide with clickable links. Perhaps most importantly we have researched some of the leading local professionals and experts who can help you add value and personalise your soon to be new home. A big WELCOME and enjoy.

A little bit of history

Originally a small hamlet called West End, from which the thoroughfare of West End Lane takes its name, the area began to grow and attract London merchants in the 17th century. The arrival of the railway in the late 19th century improved travel links and led to further development in the region. West Hampstead has a strong musical heritage as the birthplace of Dusty Springfield and former home to Decca Studios, where the Beatles famously failed an audition in 1962 and musicians such as David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac and Marc Bolan recorded throughout the 1960s and 70s.

Why move to West Hampstead?

It is popular with professionals and families for its relaxed pace of life combined with easy access to the bright lights of central London. The area has much to offer with plenty of local amenities, charming period properties, great schools and abundant green space.

Five Reasons Why West Hampstead is a Great Place to Live It’s Got Everything You Need, Right On The Doorstep. West Hampstead boasts a wealth of amenities and facilities for its residents. There’s a local library, a cinema, plus some gyms for fitness fans. The Kiln Theatre on Kilburn Road puts on performances throughout the year, and there are also numerous independent restaurants, cafes and bars. Of course, if you’re looking for a big night out, Central London is only a short train journey away. There, you’ll find some of the country’s best theatres, eateries and entertainment venues.

It Has Excellent Transport Links. West Hampstead tube station is on the Jubilee line, and takes commuters into Bond Street in under ten minutes. This is ideal for commuters, and for those wanting easy access to the capital’s major attractions. Additionally, there’s an overground service, with trains going to locations like Clapham Junction, Richmond and Stratford. However, if you prefer to travel by road, it’s useful to know that there are several bus routes operating in the area. It’s even possible to cycle into Central London – relatively fit cyclists can usually reach the West End in around half an hour.

There Are Great Schools In West Hampstead. This area is a magnet for families, and part of the reason is the excellent schools here. For example, St Augustine’s Federated Schools: CE High School was awarded ‘outstanding’ in its most recent Ofsted report. Likewise, South Hampstead High School (an independent) achieved an astonishing 99% A* to C pass-rate in their GCSE results. By contrast, the national average is 60%. The primary schools are highly regarded too. St Luke’s Church of England School had 93% of students meeting the expected standard for reading, writing and maths; significantly higher than the national average; and Hampstead ParochialChurch of England School is another good example of a top-performing school.

There Are Some Great Architectural Styles. Like many parts of London, West Hampstead experienced a ‘boom’ during the Victorian times. As such, many of the most desirable properties are classic Victorian terraces, with beautiful original features, suchas fireplaces and bay windows. There are also some attractive 1920s and 1930s houses, plus some fineexamples of Art Deco architecture. If you prefer contemporary design, you’ll find plenty of stylish modern apartments and houses on the market too.

There Are Lots Of Green Areas. Even though West Hampstead is close to Central London, its abundance of green spaces make it seem much further out. Large parks like Primrose Hill, Regent’s Park and Hampstead Heath are all a short stroll away, and there are also local green areas, like The Grange, Gladstone Park and Fortune Green. They all offer welcome respite from the bustle of the capital, and are a real bonus to have close-by.

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FAMOUS RESIDENTS

West-Hampstead and the surrounding area has been a home to rockstars, celebrities, athletes, academics, artists and common or garden members of the upper-crust for generations. Here are a few notable names you may or may not know..

Stephen Fry

Matt Lucas

Gerry Anderson – publisher, producer, director, and writer Joan Armatrading – singer and musician, resident in her early days Sacha Bennett – filmmaker Dirk Bogarde – actor Paul Brightwell – actor Jim Carter – actor Gus Dudgeon – record producer, lived at Kings Gardens and worked at Decca Studios Maurice Feild – artist Steven Finn – England and Middlesex County Cricket Club player. Marina Fiorato – author Stephen Fry – actor and television presenter GFOTY – artist and musician Angela Griffin – actress and television presenter Margot Heinemann – Marxist writer, leading member of the Communist Party of Great Britain, born at 89 Priory Road. Barry Humphries – comedian, actor, satirist, artist, and author known for his character Dame Edna Everage. Derek Jacobi – actor Chaka Khan – singer Phyllida Law – actress Doris Lessing – author Dua Lipa – singer and songwriter Matt Lucas – comedian and actor Bill Nighy – actor Slash – guitarist for Velvet Revolver and formerly for Guns N’ Roses