THIS WEST LONDON HOTSPOT BOASTS CHARMING FAMILY HOMES, PLENTIFUL PARKS, EXCELLENT SCHOOLS AND A WHOLE LOT OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT – ALL A SHORT COMMUTE FROM THE CITY CENTRE
Chiswick’s popularity shows no sign of waning. Following the pandemic, when parks and private gardens shot to the top of buyers’ lists, this bustling West London village offered those attractions and many more. In the three months to November 2022 JLL Research reported that prices had risen by 11.2 per cent since the beginning of 2020.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
“This rise has been underpinned by buyers’ growing desire to live in neighbourhoods that offer access to outdoor space, without having to escape to the country and as a result, not having to compromise on connectivity,” notes Ben Walden-Jones, director of development consultancy at JLL.
Its village atmosphere and vibrant high street are also key selling points. “There’s a strong community spirit which makes it a very special place to live,” says David Hill, regional director at Marsh & Parsons.
“There’s now a regular Sunday market which rotates- with flowers, cheese, artisanal food and antiques all on offer at various points of the month.” Walden-Jones agrees: ”The heart of Chiswick, Chiswick High Road, is a hub of activity –full of local restaurants, cafes, bars and shops.”
When it comes to securing a house in W4, demand still outstrips supply. ”The house market in Chiswick has remained relatively resilient, with a number of our properties continuing to receive multiple offers,” says Julian Masson, sales branch manager at John D Wood.
Canny buyers should be ready to pounce in spring, he says. “Many potential sellers decided to put their moves on hold until the start of 2023 or have opted to wait for the spring market, which has historically been the busiest time of the year to sell or buy a property.”
A DAY IN CHISWICK
9AM
House and gardens
Tour the magnificent grounds of the neo-Palladian Chiswick House and Gardens on Burlington Lane. Inspired by the third Earl of Burlington’s grand tour of Italy, the house showcases his expansive art collection. Find lots to see both within and outside the house, including a series of dog-training courses running until April.
11AM
Your inner artist
Leave the grounds of Chiswick House and Garden, passing many of the 1,500 trees
that make up the garden, including cedar of Lebanon trees. Pass by Hogarth’s House on Hogarth Lane to see the home of famed painter and engraver William Hogarth. Then, for breakfast, turn onto Duke Avenue, and right onto Bourne Place that leads to Chateau Chiswick on Chiswick High Road for a superfood granola.
1.30PM
Lunch views
Take the scenic route through Chiswick to the Strand on The Green, one of London’s true hidden treasures, to escape the hustle and bustle. The green’s most famous residents have included poet Dylan Thomas, and 18th century painter Johan Zoffany. Lined with a charming choice of pubs and cafes for a relaxing afternoon, Why not try The City Barge for a hearty meal with River Thames views, or Annie’s nearby.
3PM
Flower power
West London’s answer to Columbia Road Flower Market, the new Chiswick Flower Market has vibrant horticultural offerings. The first new flower market to open in London for 150 years, it’s held on the first Sunday of every month, with the next happening on 5 February, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
5PM
Antique additions
Explore the world of rare tomes at Foster Books on Chiswick High Road. The antiquarian bookseller’s ever-changing inventory ensures that no two trips are ever the same.
CHISWICK: ASK A LOCAL
Caroline Milns, head of interior design, Zulufish, says “I’ve always been passionate about travel, and have a sense of wanderlust and yet, for me, Chiswick is very much home.
Having designed and built our own house here, we’ve also worked across many local projects, which I think has made us feel even more rooted to this area.
There are so many local treasures, such as the Old Cinema, where I lose hours shopping for vintage finds, or The Chiswick flower and cheese market, which runs on the first Sunday of the month and is brilliant for freshly-cut flowers, plants and bulbs.
For breakfast, I always head to Urby P, which has delicious vegan options and for evenings, the bijou Little Bird for cocktails followed by dinner at La Trompette.”
CHISWICK: FOOD AND DRINK
162-170 Chiswick High Road
Part of the Soho House family, the High Road Brasserie is located within the High Road House hotel. The all-day menu has European flair, from calamari fritti to croque monsieur and confit duck with white bean cassoulet. Adorned with chic art deco details, the brasserie is the perfect spot for a catch up with friends or an intimate dinner.
76-77 South Parade
With leafy surroundings, Le Vacherin brings un petit peu of Paris to Chiswick. This award-winning restaurant promises authentic French dishes, and is beloved by locals and critics alike. From escargots de Bourgogne to the delectable Valrhona chocolate mousse, any and every dish is worth trying.
214 High Road
Inspired by Mediterranean tavernas, Megan’s festoon lighting and colourful tiles create a welcoming ambience. Delivering vibrant dishes from sunny places, you’ll find fragrant classics such as shakshouka, falafel and halloumi. For something on the sweeter side, warm lokma doughnuts will prove a treat.
4 Chiswick High Road
The family-run Kalamari restaurant, brings a taste of Greece to W4. Serving Greek favourites such as moussaka, dolmades and kalamari, there are lots of other plates to explore, including kleftiko and sheftalia.
3-7 Devonshire Road
The Michelin-starred favourite has attracted many repeat
diners with its excellent service for more than 20 years. With menus changing on a seasonal basis, matching great expectations.
15 Devonshire Road
Opened in 2015, known as ‘Urby P’ the award-winning independent cafe serves classics, such as Urby P brekkie and avocado smash. If you’re in the mood to share, Urban Pantry’s brunch feast for two combines the best of everything.
CHISWICK SCHOOLS
“In addition to outdoor space, the popularity of Chiswick (particularly amongst families) is largely driven by its local offering of excellent education; 44 per cent of homes in the area have schools rated by Ofsted as ‘outstanding’ as their closest primary school (London average is 28 per cent), acting as a huge draw,” says Ben Walden-Jones at JLL.
Schools for little ones are in abundance, both state and independent. Strand on the Green Infant and Nursery School, for ages 3-7 leads up to Strand on the Green Junior on Thames Road, with its swan logo, for ages 7-11.
Belmont Primary near Chiswick High Road is bursting with extracurricular clubs, while Grove Park School stands by its values of trust, respect, empathy and enthusiasm. At secondary level, co-ed Chiswick School on Burlington Lane, Radnor House Twickenham, The Harrodian, and Notting Hill and Ealing High for girls are popular choices.
CHISWICK: ON THE MARKET
ASK AN AGENT: DAVID HILL, REGIONAL DIRECTOR AT MARSH & PARSONS
“Once a distant country retreat, today Chiswick retains all its rural charm with excellent access to town, alongside bars and restaurants worthy of Soho. The area has easy access to both the North and South Circular, and is served by four stops on the London Underground.
Chiswick is dominated by leafy avenues and charming houses which evoke a sense of village living – perfect for those who seek the best of both worlds. Prices typically vary from £400,000 at the lower end of the market well into the millions for the bigger houses.
Chiswick has many different pockets, all based within W4 that range on a £s per square foot from £700 to £1,300. The buyer demographic varies from young professionals, aspiring parents, families and downsizers – Chiswick really does have a broad appeal!” marshandparsons.co.uk
CHISWICK GREEN
Tucked behind bustling Chiswick High Road is a terrace of four new family townhouses, with flexible contemporary accommodation set over three storeys and private roof gardens. £585,000 to £1.795m.
Agent: residential.jll.co.uk
ARLINGTON PARK MANSIONS
Stylish three-bedroom apartment in this period mansion building just off Chiswick High Road and opposite Turnham Green. £1m. Agent: chestertons.co.uk
34, THE AVENUE
Beautifully refurbished Grade II six-bedroom family house designed by Norman Shaw with garden in renowned Bedford Park. £4.5m.
Agent: johndwood.co.uk
Read more from The London Hub:
Follow The London Magazine on Instagram to stay up to date with recent features and exciting announcements. For more London stories, click through to our London hub here
© 2024 