Our homebuyers and renters are increasingly interested in the lifestyle on offer in and around the properties they view. As well as the capital's many verdant parks, city farms offer a welcome taste of rural life for weary Londoners craving a quick and easy escape from the concrete jungle.
We take a look at seven of the city's best farms and some amazing starter homes nearby. Imagine nipping down the road to the farm for fresh eggs and veg while living in Central London!
Freightliners City Farm
Frieghtliners is a city farm battling for survival and is getting creative about its ways to generate the necessary funds to keep alive. Alongside the Strawbale Café offering tempting vegetarian treats, homemade honey, vegetables and eggs can be bought from the farm shop and you can even pay to have your pets board at the farm while you’re on holiday.
Nearby: Holloway Road, Islington, N7
1 bedroom flat | £415,000
A beautifully-decorated flat on desirable Holloway Road, this property would allow the buyer to move straight in and feel right at home. With feature wallpaper, a chic bathroom and stylish touches throughout, this home will appeal to those with their fingers on the pulse when it comes to interiors.
Mudchute Farm
A surprisingly large green area right in the middle of the Isle of Dogs, the 32 acres of Mudchute City Farm include riding stables, a nursery and a working farm for visitors to enjoy every day. This little enclave of country life even offers dry stone walling and stained glass workshops, all within a mile of Canary Wharf's lofty towers.
Nearby: Francis Close, Isle of Dogs, E14
2 bedroom house | £525,000
This recently-refurbished two-bedroom house offers excellent value, with private parking, attractive bathroom and a secluded garden. Ideally located close to Mudchute Park, an Asda Superstore and only a couple of streets away from the river.
Hackney City Farm
Meet Pearl the ginger Tamworth pig, Larry the donkey, Gabe the goose and lots more farmyard favourites at Hackney City Farm. Pick up some honey or fresh eggs in the farm shop and, if you can, stick around to sample the delicious food in the renowned Frizzante café. The roast lamb with fresh mint sauce on Sundays is second to none!
Nearby: Cremer Street, Shoreditch, E2
1 bedroom flat | £477,500
This third-floor flat is located close to Hoxton Station and offers a bright and spacious reception area with large sliding doors out onto a good-sized private terrace. The double bedroom also benefits from floor-to-ceiling glazing and sliding door onto another balcony.
Spitalfields City Farm
Just down the road from Hackney is Spitalfields City Farm. Heavily involved in the surrounding community, this is a farm with a mission! They work hard to promote a natural and healthy lifestyle and educate visitors on preserving biodiversity and local natural habitats for London’s wildlife.
Nearby: Whitechapel, Whitechapel Road, E1
1 bedroom flat | £425,000
Bi-folding doors open the reception and kitchen area of this stylish flat out onto a generously-sized private terrace. The unique shower room features monochrome tiling details and a walk-through shower.
Surrey Docks Farm
Tucked away on the Thames Path, this farm is compact but a lovely place to stop for a drink and explore the variety of animals kept and plants cultivated at this unique site. They run lots of clubs and activities for children and young people and offer a ‘Farm Gym’ for volunteers wanting to help out while getting fit!
Nearby: Blondin Way, Canada Water, SE16
1 bedroom flat | £400,000
The outstanding transport links of Canada Water, as well as the green spaces of Stave Hill Ecological Park, are within easy reach of this modern 1 bedroom flat close to the Surrey Docks Farm. Residents' gym and a private balcony are some of the many attractions of this appealing development.
Stepney City Farm
With everything from yoga and knitting sessions to a craft beer club and farmers’ market, Stepney City Farm has something for everyone. The farm has recently opened a small gallery space, with resident artists who practice a variety of traditional crafts, and the farm’s shop and café offer a range of home-grown flowers, plants and tasty treats.
Nearby: Stepney Way, Whitechapel, E1
1 bedroom flat | £350,000
Whitechapel remains excellent value, especially for commuters working in The City. This one bedroom flat close to Brick Lane boasts a sleek modern kitchen and bathroom, plus a spacious bedroom that includes built-in storage.
Crystal Palace Park Farm
Crystal Palace Park Farm runs as part of Capel Manor College as an educational venue, but is open to the public every day except Wednesdays. Courses on animal management, arboriculture, horticulture and more are also available at this RHS-approved centre.
Nearby: Kingswood Estate, Sydenham Hill, SE21
2 bedroom flat | £299,950
Spacious and tastefully decorated, this two-bedroom apartment is located close to Sydenham Hill station for swift links through to Victoria. Beautiful Dulwich Village and Park are within easy reach, and the fashionable cafes and boutiques of Herne Hill are also close by.
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