Hampstead

Hampstead is an inner city suburb of North West London. It is part of the London Borough of Camden and is well known for its intellectual and liberal associations and for Hampstead Heath, a large, hilly stretch of parkland. Although part of inner London, Hampstead feels more like a country village than part of a city. It has its own charm and atmosphere deriving from the narrow roads and lanes, delightful cottages, historic houses and a long tradition of art, music and literature. With its history, luscious greenery, and Georgian and Victorian mansion blocks it is easy to see why Hampstead is one of London’s most sought after areas. The village-like character of Hampstead is today sought after for its leafy lanes and upmarket quality, but for years it has also been a favorite haunt for Londoners looking to get away from city life.

Hampstead’s name comes from the two Anglo-Saxon words ham and stede and is a cognate of the Modern English "homestead". Although early recordings of Hampstead go back several hundred years and it is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, Hampsead’s history generally tends to date back to the 17th century. Much of its luxurious houses were built during the 1870s and 1880s.

Hampstead has had its fair share of world-renowned residents and John Keat’s and Sigmund Freud’s houses are some of the area’s star cultural attractions. Kenwood House, Fenton House, and the Isokon building also attract many visitors. Hampstead also has theatres, museums, a cinema and several art galleries. At weekends musicians play in the High Street and a walk through Hampstead’s historic streets unveils some of London’s oldest and most beautiful streets and there are more Blue Plaques in Hampstead than anywhere else in London.

The area is also renowned for its local amenities. NW3, or Hampstead Village as it is better known, is known for its great shopping. Hampstead High Street boasts a wide range of ladies and men’s fashion boutiques alongside some of the better-known brands. It also boasts high quality food options and offers independent butchers, fishmongers, bakers, patisseries and artisan retailers of fine foods. Moreover, Hampstead is also home to some of London’s better independent schools such as South Hampstead High School (both Primary and Secondary) as well as the Southbank International School.

For a slightly different experience one might head to the infamous Hampstead Heath. With 800 acres of glades, woodland, heath land, meadows, swimming and boating ponds, footpaths and the most stunning panoramic views of London and The City, the Heath really is one of a kind. The heath is particularly popular with walkers as it gives some great views across London, especially from Parliament Hill and from Kenwood. Moreover, near the centre of the heath is an area known as Boudicca's Mound, where legend has it Queen Boudicca was buried.

There are many fine Georgian and Victorian terraces, detached and semi-detached houses in Hampstead. Mixed in with these are the striking, red brick mansion houses. These are not only compelling from the outside, but offer huge space and comfort from inside also. Alexandra Mansions, Malborough Mansions and Lyncroft Mansions are prime examples of such buildings. In bits of West Hampstead you might also find hints of Art Deco. Because of its charm and exclusivity it is no surprise that Hampstead has some of the most expensive housing in the London area with large houses selling for up to £50m. The village of Hampstead is said to have more millionaires within its boundaries than any other area of the United Kingdom. In regards to rentals, larger apartments tend to for about £1,200 per week with smaller dwellings going for between £500-700 per week.