LIVING IN HAMPSTEAD

Why live in Hampstead?

Hampstead is one of the most sought-after residential areas in London. Its village is particularly picturesque, positioned on a hill which looks down over the rest of London. The area contains wide, leafy avenues as well as mediaeval-style winding lanes, squares and cul-de-sacs.

These are packed with a fascinating variety of architectural styles dating back 300 years and more - many with famous historical connections. Boutique shops and cafes line the High Street and Hampstead Heath, with its mixture of hills, woodlands, gardens and pastures provides an oasis from surrounding urban stresses.

Hampstead is the home of:

Hampstead Heath

Kenwood House

The Camden Arts Centre

The Isokon building

History

The area now known as Hampstead was once part of the great forest of Middlesex. The name comes from the Saxon Hamstede, meaning homestead, probably a pig farm in the Frognal area.

The first reference to Hampstead was in AD.975 when King Edgar granted to his minister, Mangoda, the lands of Hampstead. In 986 Aethelred the Unready granted it to Westminster Abbey and it remained under the church’s possession until 1550.

The Heath was originally the grounds to Hampstead Manor. In 1871 however, the house was sold and The Metropolitan Board of Works took possession of the land. During the late 19th and early 20th century new roads and estates were built to the south and west of the village and in 1905 the area became one of the first in London to receive electricity.

Property for sale

Georgian and Victorian terraces, detached and semi-detached houses.

Places of Interest

Hampstead Antique and Craft Market

12 Heath Street, London NW3 6TE

Tel: 020 7794 3297

Fenton House

Windmill Hill, London NW3 6RT

Tel: 020 7435 3471

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Kenwood House

Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR

Tel: 020 8348 1286

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Freud Museum

20 Maresfield Gardens

London NW3 5SX

Telephone: 020 7435 2002

www.freud.org.uk

Transport links Hampstead, NW3

Underground: Hampstead (Northern Line) (zone 2)

Swiss Cottage (Jubilee line) (zone 2)

Finchley Road (Jubilee & Metropolitan line) (zone 2)

Rail: Hampstead Heath; Finchley Road & Frognal

There are also numerous buses offering access to the West End and the City.

Hampstead, NW3 Local Council

London Borough of Camden

Camden Town Hall

Judd Street, London WC1H 9JE

Tel: 020 7278 4444

Tel:

Email

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