As excitement around the rugby world cup begins to build, London turns its attention to the home of this iconic sport, Twickenham. Over the centuries Twickenham has been shaped by many celebrated individuals; Henrietta Howard, famed mistress of King George II who built her fine Palladian mansion, now the popular tourist attraction, Marble Hill House and author and poet Horace Walpole, the famous creator of Strawberry Hill House.
Today Twickenham is an established commuter town, popular with families and professionals alike, as well as the celebrated 'Home of England Rugby'. Adam O'Leary and Oliver Pym, Sales and Lettings Managers at Foxtons Twickenham, share their insider knowledge on this increasingly desirable area.
Tell us about the developments in the area...
Adam: The well-known developer St James, part of the illustrious Berkley Group, is currently building a new development opposite Twickenham train station called Brewery Wharf. Not only will the development contain 82 luxury apartments and 28 gated houses but there will also be two restaurants, a public piazza and a cultural venue, right in the heart of Twickenham.
Oliver: The train station is also undergoing redevelopment with the initial platform improvements due for completion by summer 2015.
What's opening in the area?
Adam: A Chicago Rib Shack has just opened close to the office on York Street; if you like juicy baby back ribs this is the place to go.
Oliver: The Shack on London Road has also just opened its doors; with its BBQ grill inspired menus and retro style cocktails it is sure to be the place to spend the long, hot summer evenings.
Where are your favourite spots?
Adam: As a bit of an all-round sports fan, I love watching the Cricket on Twickenham Green in the summer. There are also some fantastic river walks in the area and on a summers day the famous Marble Hill Park is great for a picnic.
Oliver: Teddington High Street is absolutely lovely to stroll down and a little closer to home is the quaint Church Street (just behind our office) where there are lots of little boutique, shops and pubs.
And where do you recommend for eating out?
Adam: I love The Crown pub next to Marble Hill Park for a Sunday Roast and The White Swan for its great food and idyllic riverside location.
Oliver: For me it is The Albany which is a fantastic gastro pub, the Fallow Deer is also a little-known gem in Teddington that has great cocktails, food and atmosphere.
Where will you be watching the Rugby World Cup?
Both: If you are not one of the lucky few to own a game ticket then The Cabbage Patch is the best place to watch the rugby.
What are the benefits for families?
Adam: Twickenham has some absolutely fantastic schools and we see many families move just to be within catchment areas, the most popular being Orleans Park Secondary School and St Mary's Primary School.
Oliver: And it is not just the fantastic schools; Twickenham is incredibly popular with families due to the abundant green spaces, riverside location and easy commute to central London.
What is next for Twickenham?
Adam: It has been indicated that the Cross Rail 2 could be coming to Twickenham which will serve stations through the Capital, linking south west and north east London, as well as Surrey and Hertfordshire. It is still only in the initial stages and nothing is guaranteed but over the next couple of years they plan to develop the scheme in more detail, so watch this space.
Oliver: And of course let's not forget the Rugby World Cup which will be coming to Twickenham in September and will, for a short time, make Twickenham the centre of the rugby world.
Are you looking to sell or let your property, ask Adam or Oliver to value your home.
Or are you thinking of moving to the area? Contact Foxtons Twickenham to talk about your requirements.
