Aspects

ASPECTS Winter 2012

A superlative collection of luxurious North West London properties This issue includes: Fabulous properties to buy and rent in North West London | Why all estate agents are not the same | Noble – A Different Breed of Supercar | Yacht Masters – Bespoke Brokerage with a very Real Difference | New designers at my-wardrobe.com for aw12 | What makes the Suburb such a great place to live?

Winter 2012 STAY, DINE, SHOP, PROPERTY, ENJOY...

6-24 Godfrey & Barr

48-52 A Different Breed of Supercar

A selection of the finest homes currently available.

Born and raised not in Modena but in Leicestershire, England is it possible that the Noble M600 is the world's best-handling, best-driving supercar?

James Griffin thinks so...

26-32 Bespoke Brokerage with a very Real Difference Alexandra Field chats with Robert Dubsky, founder of Yacht Masters and quite simply raising the standard...

36-38 Diverso In the heart of London's West End, away from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, St Christopher's Place is home to one of the finest hidden gems in men's fashion, Diverso.

40-43 Prior's Field Godalming Surrey "Excellent in all areas" The history of a Voysey House turned Girls' School. The original house at Prior's Field was designed by the architect Charles Francis Annesley Voysey (1857-1941).

54-55 Nirvana Spa Next Summer indulge in a spot of pure escapism and enjoy the ultimate in outside relaxation at Nirvana Spa's beautiful new Spa Garden.

58-62 Chris Craymer in London... supporting Kids Company Striking celebrity portraits were among dozens taken by top photographer Chris Craymer to be auctioned for the charity Kids Company.

66-71 my-wardrobe.com New designers at my-wardrobe.com for aw12. This stylish online boutique selling the ultimate in everyday luxury fashion has combed the globe to introduce 30 new womenswear brands this season.

44-46 Red Book RedBook Agency is the first agency set up to help clients identify the ideal architect or landscape designer for their projects.

73-96 Godfrey & Barr A selection of the finest homes currently available.

www.godfreyandbarr.com

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Why all estate agents are not the same

ne of the most important things that we have to explain to new clients is what we believe sets Godfrey & Barr apart from many of our competitors.

Sellers often tell us during our first visit that our appointment as their agent is almost always contingent on us offering the most competitive fee. Frankly from their perspective, it’s an easy mistake to make. After all we all do the same don’t we? We take photos, we prepare floor plans, we advertise on the net and we just wait for the calls to coming flooding in! I have to admit that from time to time, but quite rarely it is that simple, more often than not, it’s much harder.

Good agency is not just about what you do, it’s about how you do it. To earn your commission in the simplest sense you have to lead the buyer to the purchase. This is often so much more than answering the phone and arranging a viewing. Apart from the obvious, good photographic material, clear and concise floor plans, and flattering details – good agency is about knowing your buyer, recognising the right home for the right applicant and leading them into the purchase. We earn our fees by building on relationships, often over many months, agreeing on terms not simply to make sure we bank our commission in the quickest time, but at levels that we feel confident are representative of the market conditions, with buyers who can perform. It doesn’t just stop with agreeing terms, often the hardest part of any transaction is the post offer negotiations before exchange of contracts, advising valuers, managing buyer expectations and generally keeping all parties aware of the whole conveyancing process with all the associated problems and there are often many.

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People often misconstrue exactly what an estate agent’s role is. Whilst we are sales people, we also appreciate that we are dealing with real people’s lives. We deal with numerous tricky situations, whether it’s a family having to sell the

home of a recently departed loved one, maybe a couple divorcing. We have to be the mediator to ensure a smooth transaction with the cooperation of all parties no matter how fraught the situation may be. Or on a happier note, often we help first time buyers who are new to the buying process, or a young family is expanding and need to buy and sell simultaneously. We have seen it all in the 22 years as Godfrey and Barr, yet we still take much job satisfaction helping people navigate through the melee of the process, which can be daunting if you do not know what you are doing. A client who last used us 20 years ago wanted us to act for him, as he enjoyed us looking after him and his family all those years ago, recently contacted us. Another family who 15 years ago wanted to buy a detached house on the south side of the Suburb and ended up buying a semi-detached house on the north side, which they didn’t want to view, but went at our insistence. Now they find time to pop in and thank us when passing our office.

We say that ‘we don’t do different things, we just do things differently’ and we believe that this is so. When you think about selling what is likely to be your most important asset, don’t just think in terms of percentages, consider the depth of knowledge, the reputation and the track record of the agent and then decide. We believe that this way you are more likely to make the whole process of selling a more pleasurable experience. We do take pride in trying to treat all people the same, with due respect, courtesy and consideration.

Ian Godfrey, Jonathan Barr & Jeremy Fine

www.godfreyandbarr.com Hampstead Garden Suburb Office

Mill Hill Office

20 Market Place, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London NW11 6JJ

59 Daws Lane Mill Hill, London NW7 4SE

Tel 020 8458 9119

Tel 020 8959 9000

enquire@godfreyandbarr.com

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A stunning, brand newly refurbished 4/5 bedroom house in this fantastic location within walking distance of both Golders Green station and the Heath extension.

The property offers fantastic well planned accommodation over 3 floors including a large kitchen diner/ family room with doors opening to the garden, playroom/bed 5 with en-suite shower room and off street parking for 2 cars.

ÂŁ1,495,000

Rotherwick Road HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11 Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119 4

COPPICE END COPPICE WALK | TOTTERIDGE | LONDON N20 A stunning, grand Georgian style detached home extending to 8,875 sq ft. Having been constructed to a high specification approximately 5 years ago, featuring state-of-the-art home technology and a magnificent indoor swimming pool complex/ party room with its hydraulic floor which allows this huge area, at the flick of a switch, to be turned into a grand 50’ x 45’ ballroom for entertaining on a large scale or for family living.

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Drawing room, Dining room, Media room, Study, ‘Pedini’ Italian fitted kitchen/breakfast room, Utility room, Master bedroom suite with balcony, en suite bathroom, further wc and en suite dressing room, 2nd bedroom suite with en suite bathroom and dressing room, 3rd bedroom suite with en suite bathroom, 4th bedroom suite with en suite shower room, 5th bedroom suite with en suite bathroom and dressing room, 6th bedroom/office, 7th bedroom/den with kitchenette, Swimming pool, Fitness centre and Party room, Landscaped front and rear gardens designed by Kate Gould Chelsea Gold Medal Winner, Double garage, Parking for 15 cars, Gated entrance, NHBC

£6,000,000 FREEHOLD PRICE ON APPLICATION Mill Hill Office | T: 020 8959 9000 FREEHOLD

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CHURCH MOUNT H A M P S T E A D G A R DE N S U B U RB N 2

Situated in a quiet residential turning close to Winnington Road, a stunning incredible newly constructed six/seven bedroom split level family home spanning 5243 sq ft (487 sq m) featuring a fantastic leisure complex with indoor swimming pool. This bright and modern contemporary interior has been finished to an exacting and meticulous standard throughout. The attention to detail must be seen to be truly appreciated.

The house features an impressive entrance hall, 4 reception rooms, gorgeous Tsunami kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom suite with dressing room and bathroom, 5 further bedrooms, 3 further bathrooms, games room/ gym, indoor swimming pool, steam/sauna area, guest WC, utility room and garage.

ÂŁ6,495,000 Available to let ÂŁ4,250 PW

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- 5 bedrooms - 3 bathrooms ( 1en-suite) - Spacious landing - Lounge - Dining room - Playroom - Kitchen/breakfast room - Guest cloakroom - Front & rear gardens - Off street parking - Pretty rear garden with access to paddock

An attractive and spacious, 5 bedroom detached family house in a convenient location on the South side of Hampstead Garden Suburb. The property is offered in good decorative order and benefits from a lovely rear garden with direct access onto a stunning communal paddock.

ÂŁ2,350,000 Freehold

Northway HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11 Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119 10

LYTTON CLOSE Hampstead Garden Suburb N2 A stunning, newly refurbished, Grade II listed, art deco Suntrap style property, designed in the 1930s by the architect GG Winbourne.

This contemporary home is situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on the South side of Hampstead Garden Suburb, just off Linden Lea. Benefits include 4 good size bedrooms, 3 receptions & a fantastic sun room/ study on the top floor opening to a magnificent, large roof garden/terrace covered with artificial grass including a relaxation area & practice putting green. The house also offers a large driveway with off street parking for 4/5 cars, 4/5 Bedrooms, Bedroom 5/Study, Lounge, Dining room, Kitchen, Playroom/den, Stunning roof terrace with chill out area and putting green, Off street parking for 4/5 cars.

FOR SALE ÂŁ1,675,000 Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119

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BIGWOOD ROAD HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11 A stunning, rarely available, newly refurbished large self contained 3 bedroom, 3 reception room duplex flat (1357 sq ft) in this fantastic Grade II listed block located on the South side of the Suburb, set behind a charming communal green.

Located within easy walking distance of the Heath Extension and Bigwood, this charming property has been modernised and refurbished by the owners and is offered in immaculate decorative order.

ÂŁ849,950 Hampstead Garden Suburb Office | T: 020 8458 9119

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WILLIFIELD WAY HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11 Set well back behind the delightful ‘Willifield Green’ in the Artisans Quarter of Hampstead Garden Suburb, a spectacular ‘Parker and Unwin’ linked property re-built after World War II to a high standard in the original style. Constructed on 3 floors and offering 6 bedrooms and 2 fabulous well appointed reception rooms, this traditionally styled, refurbished property, offers generous accommodation with a most delightful aspect. Also benefiting from off street parking to the front and a large mature, ‘quintessentially English’ Suburb garden to the rear, this is a stunning example of the kind of property that makes the Suburb so special and such a delightful place to live. Close to both the Heath Extension and closer to the amenities of Temple Fortune, which are less than 1/4 of a mile away.

£1,495,000 Freehold Hampstead Garden Suburb Office | T: 020 8458 9119

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UPHILL ROAD

A stunning contemporary designed detached home set in extensive landscaped gardens in excess of 200ft with gorgeous heated swimming pool located in the areas most sought after road

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MILL HILL NW7

The huge open plan luxury fitted kitchen with family area, which leads to the garden, is a prominent feature of this well designed family home. Uphill Road is a convenient location with access to Mill Hill Broadway shopping centre and station, transport links and excellent schooling.

ÂŁ3,950,000 Mill Hill Office T: 020 8959 9000

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Temple Fortune Lane HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11 For Sale Guide Price ÂŁ850,000 A fantastic opportunity to purchase a large 3 bedroom semi-detached property, which is being offered for sale for the first time in over 45 years. The property is in need of modernisation but offers fantastic scope for improvement as well as preserving many of the fine original features. Located within a 5 minute walk of both Temple Fortune & Golders Green, this charming home also features a gorgeous large rear garden approx 100ft.

Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119

Ludlow Way HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB N2 For Sale ÂŁ825,000 A 3 bedroom, 1930's sun trap style, semi-detached house on the North side of Hampstead Garden Suburb situated in a quiet crescent. Offered in good decorative order and benefiting from a garage & driveway with off street parking for 3 cars.

Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119 22

• Reception hall • Guest WC • Drawing room• TV room • Studio room with kitchenette and en-suite shower room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Utility room • Master suite (incorporating bedroom,dressing room and en-suite bathroom) • Bedroom 2 with separate WC • Bedroom 3 • Bedroom 4 • Family bathroom • Office • Bedroom 5 with en-suite bathroom • Bedroom 6 • Swimming pool • Garage • Parking • Sole Agents

‘Blenheim Steps’ dates back to the late 18th Century. It is a beautifully presented Grade II listed family house that has been extensively renovated and adapted in recent years to provide substantial and well appointed living accommodation in a lovely rural setting. Originally entitled ‘Blenheim House’, the current property was believed to have replaced a property that was built shortly after the Duke of Marlborough’s victory at Blenheim in 1704. In 1925 it became part of Mill Hill School and was sub-divided, with the ground floor being used as the ‘tuck shop’ with the prominent bow windows being added in 1926 and 1971. The property was subsequently sold as a private residence. It benefits from a most convenient location at one of the highest spots in Mill Hill, close to amenities, with a stunning garden and swimming pool.

Blenheim Steps MILL HILL, VILLAGE NW7

£2,250,000 Mill Hill Office T: 020 8959 9000 23

- 5 Bedrooms - En-suite Dressing Room - En-suite Bathroom - Master Bedroom Suite - 4 Further Bedrooms - Lounge - Dining Room - Kitchen / Family Room - Large Landscaped Garden - Garage - Off Street Parking - Sole Agents

A fabulous 5 bedroom interior designed family house, offered in immaculate decorative condition throughout, having undergone complete refurbishment in recent years. Finished in a minimalist modern style, this 3 storey property offers generous, bright and spacious living space. In addition the garden backs onto a private paddock shared by other surrounding residents.

ÂŁ1,995,000

Northway HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11 Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119 24

THE ATRIUM, THE RIDGEWAY MILL HILL VILLAGE NW7 A magnificent large 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom unique flat/house in this converted chapel built in 1888 in the heart of Mill Hill. Set back from the road and accessed through security gates this amazing home offers a wealth of original features including stained glass windows, barrel vaulted ceilings and a number of stone arches. The stunning reception hall has a glazed ceiling allowing an abundance of natural light through to this wonderful space which leads to the spacious ground floor accommodation comprising a fully integrated kitchen, breakfast room, dining room and utility room with an additional 2 bedrooms, both with fitted wardrobes and ensuite bathrooms. From the kitchen is a staircase which leads down to the garden level out onto a private terrace and garden overlooking the stunning acres of communal gardens. On the first floor is an amazing double aspect reception room, office and guest cloakroom, while the entire top floor consists of a sumptuous master suite comprising bedroom, dressing room, ensuite bathroom and separate dressing area. The property also benefits from underfloor heating, Lutron lighting and parking with a remote operated car turntable. Located close to greenbelt open space yet within easy access of the shops, restaurants and transport facilities of Mill Hill as well as an excellent choice of local schooling.

FOR SALE ÂŁ1,895,000 Mill Hill Office | T: 020 8959 9000 73

NORRICE LEA HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB N2 Set back from the road behind a carriage driveway this handsome, larger than average 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom detached family house offers 3400 sq ft of accommodation over 3 floors. The house offers very large living space including a huge entrance hall, 3 further reception rooms, kitchen/breakfast room and a lovely 90ft garden.

- Large entrance hall - 6 bedrooms - 5 bathrooms (4 en-suite) - Kitchen/breakfast room - Lounge - Dining room - Family room / Study - Utility room - Guest cloakroom/WC - Terrace to bedroom 4 - 90 ft garden - Carrriage driveway

FOR SALE ÂŁ2,950,000 Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119 76

Set back from the road in a quiet cul-de-sac, a contemporary luxury home in this prestigious turning just off Marsh Lane.

Offering fantastic accommodation over 3 floors, this impressive house looks out over a beautiful landscaped garden with large heated swimming pool & hot tub.

The house offers 5413 sq. ft (502.85 sq. m) of bright and spacious accommodation with numerous features including underfloor heating, a stunning large kitchen/diner/family room with bi-fold doors opening onto the garden, air conditioning to all principal rooms, a gym and a carriage driveway with off street parking for several cars.

Abbey View is within approximately 1 mile of the shopping and transport facilities of Mill Hill Broadway and is within easy reach of popular local schools.

Abbey View MILL HILL NW7

For Sale ÂŁ2,795,000 Mill Hill Office T: 020 8959 9000 77

A gorgeous rarely available 4 bedroom, double fronted detached house in this prestigious turning on the North Side of the Suburb, within a short walk of East Finchley station.

The house enjoys many features including a large ‘Mark Wilkinson’ kitchen/breakfast room, air conditioning, under floor heating in the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a multi room sound system. With accommodation spread over 3 floors and a larger than average ground floor living space including 3 reception rooms which would create an ideal live/work environment, as well as a garage, pretty rear garden and off street parking for 3 cars.

FOR SALE £1,650,000

Gurney Drive HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB N2 Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119 78

Cranbourne Gardens Temple Fortune NW11 A stunning newly built, large detached home offering in excess of 4000sq ft situated in the area's most prestigious location.The property boasts a stylish and exceptionally presented interior arranged over 4 floors.

Features include a magnificent entrance hall with circular staircase, underfloor heating, air conditioning and 2 large reception/dining rooms, each opening onto an open plan contemporary kitchen. Further benefits include a studio room at the rear of the garden which would make an ideal staff house, granny flat or teenager's den and a 10 year NHBC new homes guarantee.

Stunning large entrance hall with circular staircase • Large open plan reception/dining room • 5/6 bedrooms • 4 bathrooms • Gym • Double reception in basement with kitchen • Den/Studio • Underfoor heating • Air conditioning • 10 year NHBC Guarantee

For Sale £2,750,000 | To let £2,100 PW Hampstead Garden Suburb Office | T: 020 8458 9119 80

£ 1 ,7 9 5 ,0 0 0

HAMPSTEAD WAY Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 A fabulous opportunity to acquire this spacious double fronted Grade II listed Parker and Unwin linked house, situated in this prime location directly opposite the Heath Extension. Arranged over 3 floors with mature landscaped gardens and a courtyard on 3 sides. The house offers 2 large open plan receptions rooms, 6/7 bedrooms, a detached garage and off street parking for 4 cars. Situated within walking distance of Golders Hill Park and the shopping and transport facilities of Golders Green, houses in this location are rarely available and an early viewing is advised.

- Garage

Price: ÂŁ2,550,000

- Off street parking for 4 cars

- 6/7 bedrooms - 2 bathrooms - Guest cloakroom - Lounge - Dining room/music room - Open plan study/TV area - Kitchen/breakfast room - Gardens and courtyard on 3 sides

Hampstead Garden Suburb Office | T: 020 8458 9119 82

NORTHAW EN6 A magnificent, 5/6 bedroom detached house (5081 sq ft including annexe) set back from the road behind security gates with a large rear garden on a plot extending to approx 1/2 acre with lovely uninterrupted views over Great Wood. The house has been interior designed & offers fantastic space including 3 separate reception rooms, a large kitchen/breakfast room & an annexe / studio with gym/reception & bathroom. Further features include a stunning triple volume vaulted reception hall with chrome & glass staircase, underfloor heating, Lutron lighting & multi room sound system throughout, as well as a huge master suite across the whole top floor of the house with dressing room & luxury oversized bathroom with walk in shower.

£2,250,000

• Amazing galleried entrance hall with contemporary stainless steel & chrome staircase with glass treads • Under floor heating • Multi-room entertainment system • Solid ‘Iroka’ bi-fold doors & windows • Lutron ‘Graafik’ Lighting System • Cat 5 points to every room • Italian white handleless kitchen units with granite & stainless steel worktops • Over 800 sq ft master suite over entire top floor • Outhouse / studio with gym kitchenette & bathroom • Half Acre grounds with completely secluded garden backing on to ‘Great Wood’ • Sole Agents

Mill Hill Office | T: 020 8959 9000 83

Horseshoe Lane Totteridge Common N20 A magnificent detached family home, with a huge frontage discreetly set behind security gates, in a desirable cul-de-sac located just off Totteridge Common. This stunning house sits in mature grounds extending to about 1.67 acres and in addition also offers a separate detached staff cottage/studio room.

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With internal floor space extending to approx 8544 sq ft including outbuildings, the house and grounds have been totally modernised and refurbished by the current owners and affords many individual features including a stunning huge bespoke 35'/27' ft kitchen/family room with sliding doors which enable the whole back of the house to be opened to the large terrace with steps down to a magnificent heated outdoor pool and terracing. Further features include an indoor resistance training pool, a gym, 44' ft formal reception rooms, snooker room, about 1.67 acres of mature grounds and gardens, multiple outbuildings, garaging for 3 cars and off street parking for many more.

Offers in Excess of ÂŁ6,500,000 Mill Hill Office | T: 020 8959 9000

PRICE ON APPLICATION FREEHOLD

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LINDEN LEA HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB N2

A stunning interior designed, large detached house offering over 4,200 sq ft of excellent accommodation over 3 floors, located close to the junction with Kingsley Way

Large hallway, double garage (part currently used as a study), cloakroom, 36’ ft double reception room, large extended family room, dining room, integrated kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, master bedroom with large bay, en-suite dressing room (bedroom 4) and bathroom, 2 further bedrooms and bathroom, top floor with bedroom 5/games room and bedroom 6, kitchenette, further bathroom, landscaped gardens, off street parking.

ÂŁ3,500,000 Freehold Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119 86

The house has been extended at the rear and the side to provide unusually spacious living space. Offered in pristine condition throughout with fabulous landscaped gardens and a double garage (part currently used as a study).

THORNTON WAY Hampstead Garden Suburb, NW11 An imposing 4 bedroom detached family house, set well back from the road in a prime and sought after location on the South side of the Suburb, within walking distance of the Heath Extension. The property is being offered for sale for the first time in over 50 years and therefore requires full modernisaton but has great scope to remodel and improve, subject to the necessary consents. 4 bedrooms, family bathroom/wc, lounge hall, reception, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, guest cloakroom, driveway for 3/4 cars, garage, large front garden, rear garden.

Price: ÂŁ1,999,999 Hampstead Garden Suburb Office | T: 020 8458 9119 87

WENTWORTH PLACE Offering fantastic accommodation over 4 floors, these stunning homes look out over beautifully designed, terraces and gardens. The houses offer approx 2000 sq feet of bright and spacious modern living space including beautifully crafted private family rooms and kitchens with bi-folding doors opening onto secluded courtyards and gardens, formal reception rooms, Master suites with exceptionally luxurious en-suite bathrooms, utility rooms and off street parking.

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GOLDERS GREEN NW11

A high specification has been maintained throughout the finishing process and all houses benefit from Climate Cooling to all principal rooms, underfloor heating throughout, Cat 5 cabling, wiring for wall mounted flat screen televisions & Intervari fully fitted kitchens.

From

ÂŁ1,250,000 Hampstead Garden Suburb Office T: 020 8458 9119

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T OT TE R IDGE VI LLA GE TOTTERIDGE N20 An elegant and ambassadorial Georgian style, detached property (approx 7800 Sq Ft) set back from the road behind security gates. Located in a prominent position in the heart of Totteridge Village set in grounds of approx half an acre with uninterrupted views to the front over Totteridge Green. The property has been well maintained and offers spacious accommodation over 3 floors including a separate staff wing with its own entrance. Also available to let ÂŁ3000PW

FOR SALE

OFFERS IN EXCESS OF

ÂŁ4,000,000 Mill Hill Office | T: 020 8959 9000

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What makes Hampstead Garden Suburb such a

great place to live?

H

ampstead Garden Suburb is located in North West London, England, approximately 7 miles from the centre of London.

Founded in 1907 by Dame Henrietta Barnett, it is internationally recognised as one of the finest examples of early twentieth century domestic architecture and town planning and home to approximately 13,000 people. Unique among the conservation areas in Barnet in that the Suburb is protected both by the statutory powers that the London Borough of Barnet has and by Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust, to ‘maintain and preserve the present character and amenities of Hampstead Garden Suburb'.

Why is the Suburb such a great place to live? This is down to the forward thinking of Henrietta Barnett; the Suburb was to be a model community with people of all classes living together in beautiful houses set in a verdant landscape. Barnett’s dream of creating a community that was organic mixed and that had housing and social amenities that allowed for a healthy life for all. With the development of lands close to Hampstead Heath and the proposed extension of the Northern Line to Golders Green and beyond, Henrietta realised that the character of the Heath could be seriously damaged. She raised money to set about to buy the Heath Extension to be preserved as parkland and worked to establish the new Garden Suburb. Her vision was of an estate built with architectural integrity and with the people in mind. It was to be a place in which 'all classes could live in neighbourliness together with friendships coming about naturally and without artificial efforts to build bridges between one class and another'. The Suburb is a living breathing community. It is a unique bubble, a tranquil oasis close to the hub of London. In many ways even today it still epitomises Henrietta’s wishes and desires.

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Looking around the Suburb we can see clearly the different ideals and principles that were put in place so long ago, bear fruition and are the cornerstones of this wonderful community. The two wonderful state primary schools - Brooklands School on the north side and The Suburb School on the south, the highly desirable Henrietta Barnett school, the new Suburb adult learning Institute, St Jude's Church and Hampstead Garden Suburb Synogogue and other varied religious, social and community groups which give the impetus to ensure that the area remains one of the best places in London to live.

It certainly has its fair share of famous residents, both past and present including: Martin Bell, Katie Boyle, Constantine, the last King of Greece, Richard & Judy Finnigan, Jonathan Ross, Sir Donald Sinden, Lord Winston, Sacha Baron Cohen, Robert Donat, Noel Edmonds, Vanessa Feltz, Tony Hancock, Elizabeth Taylor, Peter Mandelson and Sir Harold Wilson to name but a few.

Godfrey & Barr are now firmly established as part of this community. We have been here for over 21 years and have bought and sold many, many properties in that time for a wide variety of clients. We have always tried to integrate ourselves into the community by supporting good causes, local schools, places of worship for all denominations and the annual music festival ‘The Proms at the St Judes’. We love our Suburb, we love the wide spectrum of people that make up its inhabitants, we love its property, its abundance of notable architecture and we love its vibrancy and its comforting, safe community feeling. It is our Hampstead Garden Suburb.

What really make the Suburb so special? It is the people who make up this unique community. Without them, we could be anywhere.

A Brief History of Mill Hill Mill Hill was once buried in an ancient forest that covered the most of Middlesex, Herts & Essex. The local remains of that forest is Scratchwood, which was hunted up to the 1920’s and became an open space in 1932, and the woods at Moat Mount, where it is likely there was an Iron Age settlement c.500BC. Up to 410AD the Romans had some presence in the area - scattered evidence has been found and at Copthall parts of a minor road and artifacts were unearthed. Two Anglo Saxon charters speak of a settlement in north Hendon called Motherly somewhere along the Ridgeway. In 959AD Mill Hill was owned by the Abbott of Westminster, and at Lothersley some 6 families were living. By the early 18th century estates had been formed and large houses built, many of which exist today, – Rosebank, Littleberries, Jeannettes, Highwood House, Holcombe House and others. The staffing of houses and estate management attracted additional workers to the area.

There were many farms – Bittacy, Bunns, Burton Hole, Daw’s, Dollis, Goldbeater’s, Lawrence, Mote End, Uphill, and others. These almost all disappeared under housing or other developments.

The 19th century saw 3 important events. Firstly, many institutions acquired land along the Ridgeway which they managed to retain. A Nonconformist School (1807) – now Mill Hill School; The Wilberforce Anglican church (1833); Many Roman Catholic institutions and St Joseph’s college (1869+). Secondly, with road system improvements and the arrival of the railways (1867) there was a huge impact on the accessibility of Mill Hill. Thirdly, there was a house building explosion fuelled by this new easy access into London, initially in the Poet’s Corner and Mill Hill East areas. Subsequent growth is shown by population figures for Mill Hill: In 1880 it was 1,335: in 1921 it was 6,055: in 1931 it was 56,031.

Proms at St Jude’s Proms at St Jude’s is a Hampstead Garden Suburb phenomenon.

Started in 1993, it’s an annual summer festival of music, literature and heritage, run by a committee of volunteers, with all proceeds going to charity. And as this is the Suburb, all is of a very high quality.

Performers in 2012 included two BBC music stars, Nicola Benedetti and Benjamin Grosvenor, and the renowned Academy of St Martin in the Fields. On stage during the so-called LitFest were, among others, Sir Michael Parkinson and supercooks Claudia Roden and Yotam Ottolenghi.

Heritage is catered for by the venues and guided walks. Concerts are held mainly in the church of St

Jude-on-the-Hill, designed by Edwin Lutyens - the iconic spired landmark in the middle of the Suburb. The literary events are held just across the square in Henrietta Barnett School, named after the Suburb’s founder. The licensed bar tent and picnickers all add to the festive atmosphere of this annual week long party Since Dame Henrietta also founded Toynbee Hall in the East End 125 years ago, as one of the earliest welfare and education centres, the Proms have maintained the link. Not only are walks organised in both the Hampstead area and Tower Hamlets, but also Toynbee Hall is one of the two charities supported by the Proms – the other being North London Hospice. In 2012, the Festival raised £50,000

After the 1st World War Mill Hill took on the form we recognise. The focal point moved away from the village to the low lands west of the Ridgeway. The construction of the Barnet Bypass (1926) - the A1/A41 - removed some shops and houses and more commercial activity sprung up at the lower end of Lawrence Street which was renamed The Broadway.

Some estates built in this period were ‘Mill Hill Garden Village’ (Goodwyn & Newcombe Park) and Uphill Farm Estate. The imposition of the Green Belt (1939) restricted continued house building but after the 2nd World War building resumed. The M1 Motorway (1967), made little difference to Mill Hill.

By now much of Mill Hill had developed into an outer London Suburb typical of others on the fringes of London. It differs, however, in the retention of large properties in green space still in agricultural or institutional use, which makes it a most desirable place in which to live and work.

for these excellent causes.

The Proms attract over 5,000 visitors each June, with a large proportion coming from the Suburb itself, Hampstead, Highgate, Hendon, Mill Hill and Finchley, making this a real community event. Finchley and Golders Green MP, Mike Freer, has lent his support too, acting as a steward for the last two years.

For its continuing health, Proms relies on corporate sponsors and advertisers, so we are delighted that Godfrey & Barr has been such an enthusiastic Proms supporter for many years. Long may this continue! For more information on the Proms please contact Susie Gregson on 020 8458 1675 or view w ww.promsatstju des. org .uk

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COURTGATE CLOSE MILL HILL NW7 An imposing 7 bedroom, 5 bathroom, double fronted detached family house (approx 4500 sq ft) in this exclusive private gated close just off Flower Lane. The house is only 10 years old and offers fantastic living space in a lovely secure location of only 5 houses, yet within moments of the shopping and transport facilities of Mill Hill Broadway. Benefits include 4 separate reception rooms, a large kitchen/breakfast room, double garage and off street parking for 4 cars.

ÂŁ2,500,000 Mill Hill Office | T: 020 8959 9000

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