What’s the appeal of living in a London village?

Walthamstow having its own village isn’t a new concept in the area, as the term spun off the actual historic Walthamstow Village with Orford Road at its centre. Designated a Conservation Area, it still has a 15th century timber-framed “hall house” and the popular Vestry House, now a museum.

“The modern Walthamstow Village is centred around Hoe Street and roads that spur off from it,” says Alastair Cochrane, Foxtons Walthamstow Sales Manager. “There is a great sense of community in the area – local businesses all know each other and there are plenty of community events taking place throughout the year.”

“The majority of properties in Walthamstow Village are Victorian cottages and family houses - the area itself is very popular with families. As a Walthamstow resident with a young family myself, I couldn’t think of a better place to live – you have the opportunity to get to central London in 19 minutes but you also have everything you need on your doorstep. Prices for a one bedroom flat in Walthamstow Village start from around £375,000, two bedroom flats sell for £550,000 and up, and family houses start from £700,000.”

Dulwich Village is another historic village area, recognised for its renowned educational facilities, such as Dulwich College, and its air of exclusivity, which it has preserved over the years. The area is now owned by Dulwich Estates and still has London’s last remaining tollgate, located on College Road.

“When you are in Dulwich Village, you don’t feel like you’re in London at all – you actually feel like you are out in the country,” says Verity Wakely, Foxtons Dulwich Sales Manager. “There’s a wealth of privately owned local businesses, a park with a pond and the community is very close. The locals all know one another. Perhaps that’s why the area historically attracted many famous names, including Margaret Thatcher, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who have all lived here.”

“There is a lovely mixture of Georgian and Victorian family houses and small Victorian cottages, perfect for families or those looking to enjoy their retirement by combining the best of both worlds – a village atmosphere and a capital location. Prices for a one bedroom flat average £550,000, two bedroom flats go for £750,000 or thereabouts and family houses start from £2 million.”

The affluent Marylebone Village is renowned for its high-class independent boutiques and food businesses, being a tranquil oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city centre. The term ‘village’ has been used by the locals for at least the last 15 years, if not longer, and the area has gradually achieved wider recognition as one of London’s prime village locations.

“Because of the multitude of great cafes, restaurants and boutiques, Marylebone Village is known as ‘the’ place to meet, both for local residents and those visiting the area,” shares Charles Cutting, Foxtons Marylebone Sales Manager. “But despite its popularity, it’s mainly a family area, with a number of good schools, including St Marylebone School, St Vincent’s Primary School, as well as the wonderful Paddington Street Gardens that present the perfect setting for families to come together. This encourages the community feel that is prevalent in Marylebone Village.”

“There is a lot of loyalty to the area from those that live there – the residents are very passionate about the place they call home. In Marylebone Village you will find a variety of properties, including Georgian family houses and conversions, Victorian mansion blocks and new build developments. Prices average at £1 million for a one bedroom apartment, £1.5-£2 million for a two bedroom flat and family houses sell in the region of £5 million.”

Being one of the most established village areas in London, Wimbledon Village boasts an impressive historical heritage while also benefiting from an outstanding selection of chic shops, cafes, bars and great cultural activities. Henry VIII is known to have owned a manor in the area and the local King’s College School is considered one of the best in the capital.

“Apart from being a part of the original medieval village, I think the area has cemented its ‘village’ status by the simple fact that here, everyone knows everyone,” reflects Adrienne Wadsworth, Foxtons Wimbledon Lettings Manager. “Residents stay in the area for generations – they go to one of the local schools and then decide to stay. Even when I go to value houses in Wimbledon Village, the owners already know my name by word of mouth recommendation.”

“It’s a fantastic area for education – there are a lot of renowned schools in the vicinity. Homes in Wimbledon Village mainly consist of family houses, both Victorian and modern, that have been built recently. Prices for family houses start from £3,500 per month.”

The centre of this pretty Victorian suburb in Lewisham might have been previously been overlooked in favour of its neighbour Blackheath, but in line with Lewisham’s ongoing regeneration, Hither Green now attracts buyers and tenants in its own right.

“Located close to a Conservation Area, Hither Green Village has a number of primary schools rated Outstanding by Ofsted, two great parks, Manor Park and Manor House Gardens, and a good range of independent amenities,” says Mark Ruffell, Foxtons Blackheath Sales Manager. “It takes less than 15 minutes to get to London Bridge and 20 minutes to get to Charing Cross, which makes the area very well-connected.”

“Hither Green Village is a relatively new concept for the area, but local residents refer to the most desirable part of Hither Green with this term as it also has a very friendly atmosphere, just like the one you would experience in a village centre. There is a lovely mix of Victorian family houses and conversions with some 1930s housing being available at very good value – two bedroom flats start from around £350,000 and you can still find a family house locally at £550,000.”