To live in a city or a village? Many people have this debate at some point in. There are clear advantages (and disadvantages) to both sides - but there could be a 'third way'. Most cities, rather than being faceless urban sprawls, have areas that have distinct characters, to the point that they resemble villages. London is no exception.
Notting Hill and Primrose Hill are perhaps the best known and desirable villages in London. A combination of wide pavements, green spaces and stylish bars and clubs attract millionaires and media personalities including some big name celebrities. Who wouldn't want to live in a village where you could bump into Kate Moss or Jude Law in the local coffee shop? These areas resemble villages in terms of their appearance at the same time as being part of central London - this is part of the appeal. A person can have a relaxing coffee looking out at a park but still be close enough to central London for an impromptu shopping spree.
Other long-established villages include Hampstead and Marylebone. Hampstead is known for its wide pavements and green spaces and attracts those who want to escape the smog of central London and breathe in clear, clean air. Marylebone goes even further and actually looks like a village, albeit a village with its own branch of Diptyque. Its quaint high street and weekly market adds to the vibrant village atmosphere.
Other, more far-flung parts of London still retain a village atmosphere, such as Wimbledon, home of the famous tennis tournament. It clearly aspires to retain its village-like status with its motto 'Where town meets country.' It isn't too far off the mark with its green spaces and independent boutiques.
Other parts of London aspire to the desirability of Hampstead, Wimbledon and Primrose Hill without quite reaching their heady heights. Over-zealous estate agents have coined new names for less popular areas with a view to boosting their profiles- Midtown, anybody? That would be Bloomsbury, St. Giles and Holborn to the rest of us.
Blackheath is another unlikely village. Not to be confused with Blackheath in Surrey - a bona-fide village - it at least sports the obligatory boutiques and stylish bars that personify village life in London. Its more remote location - there is no tube - means that it flies under the radar where prestige is concerned. Its residents like to keep it a closely-guarded secret; they recently successfully fought off a bid by Starbucks who wanted to open up a branch on the high street.
Lastly, Walthamstow seems to have got it right. It boasts more affordable house prices, lots of green spaces and a conservation area that protects the area's Victorian terrace houses. It balances the tranquillity of suburban life with being part of the country's capital city.
Each village has its own personality and this attracts residents who share its ideals - whether they aspire to the celebrity life in Primrose Hill or consider Walthamstow to be the perfect place to bring up a family. One thing is for certain, there is a village to suit everybody's tastes in London.
Notting Hill and Primrose Hill are perhaps the best known and desirable villages in London. A combination of wide pavements, green spaces and stylish bars and clubs attract millionaires and media personalities including some big name celebrities. Who wouldn't want to live in a village where you could bump into Kate Moss or Jude Law in the local coffee shop? These areas resemble villages in terms of their appearance at the same time as being part of central London - this is part of the appeal. A person can have a relaxing coffee looking out at a park but still be close enough to central London for an impromptu shopping spree.
Other long-established villages include Hampstead and Marylebone. Hampstead is known for its wide pavements and green spaces and attracts those who want to escape the smog of central London and breathe in clear, clean air. Marylebone goes even further and actually looks like a village, albeit a village with its own branch of Diptyque. Its quaint high street and weekly market adds to the vibrant village atmosphere.
Other, more far-flung parts of London still retain a village atmosphere, such as Wimbledon, home of the famous tennis tournament. It clearly aspires to retain its village-like status with its motto 'Where town meets country.' It isn't too far off the mark with its green spaces and independent boutiques.
Other parts of London aspire to the desirability of Hampstead, Wimbledon and Primrose Hill without quite reaching their heady heights. Over-zealous estate agents have coined new names for less popular areas with a view to boosting their profiles- Midtown, anybody? That would be Bloomsbury, St. Giles and Holborn to the rest of us.
Blackheath is another unlikely village. Not to be confused with Blackheath in Surrey - a bona-fide village - it at least sports the obligatory boutiques and stylish bars that personify village life in London. Its more remote location - there is no tube - means that it flies under the radar where prestige is concerned. Its residents like to keep it a closely-guarded secret; they recently successfully fought off a bid by Starbucks who wanted to open up a branch on the high street.
Lastly, Walthamstow seems to have got it right. It boasts more affordable house prices, lots of green spaces and a conservation area that protects the area's Victorian terrace houses. It balances the tranquillity of suburban life with being part of the country's capital city.
Each village has its own personality and this attracts residents who share its ideals - whether they aspire to the celebrity life in Primrose Hill or consider Walthamstow to be the perfect place to bring up a family. One thing is for certain, there is a village to suit everybody's tastes in London.
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