aspects

ASPECTS

Winter 2012

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

A superlative collection of luxurious North West London properties

Winter 2012

6-24 Godfrey & BarrA selection of the finest homes currently available.

26-32 Bespoke Brokerage with a very Real DifferenceAlexandra Field chats with Robert Dubsky, founder of Yacht Masters and quite simply

raising the standard...

36-38 DiversoIn 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).

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.

48-52 A Different Breed of SupercarBorn 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...

54-55 Nirvana SpaNext 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 CompanyStriking celebrity portraits were among dozens taken by top photographer Chris Craymer

to be auctioned for the charity Kids Company.

66-71 my-wardrobe.comNew designers at my-wardrobe.com for aw12. This stylish online boutique selling theultimate in everyday luxury fashion has combed the globe to introduce 30 new

womenswear brands this season.

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

STAY, DINE, SHOP, PROPERTY, ENJOY...

www.godfreyandbarr.com

2

Why all estate agents are not the same

Hampstead Garden Suburb Office20 Market Place,Hampstead Garden Suburb, London NW11 6JJ

Tel 020 8458 9119

Mill Hill Office59 Daws Lane Mill Hill, London NW7 4SE

Tel 020 8959 9000

[email protected]

www.godfreyandbarr.com

3

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FACSIMILE 01763 246251T E L E P H O N E 01763 810042 E-MAIL [email protected]

home of a recently departed loved one, maybe a couple divorcing. We have tobe the mediator to ensure a smooth transaction with the cooperation of allparties 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 youngfamily is expanding and need to buy and sell simultaneously. We have seen itall in the 22 years as Godfrey and Barr, yet we still take much job satisfactionhelping people navigate through the melee of the process, which can bedaunting if you do not know what you are doing. A client who last used us 20years ago wanted us to act for him, as he enjoyed us looking after him and hisfamily all those years ago, recently contacted us. Another family who 15 yearsago wanted to buy a detached house on the south side of the Suburb andended up buying a semi-detached house on the north side, which they didn’twant to view, but went at our insistence. Now they find time to pop in andthank us when passing our office.

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

Ian Godfrey, Jonathan Barr & Jeremy Fine

One of the most important things that we have to explain to new clients iswhat 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 isalmost always contingent on us offering the most competitive fee. Frankly fromtheir perspective, it’s an easy mistake to make. After all we all do the same don’twe? We take photos, we prepare floor plans, we advertise on the net and wejust wait for the calls to coming flooding in! I have to admit that from time totime, 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 earnyour commission in the simplest sense you have to lead the buyer to thepurchase. This is often so much more than answering the phone and arranging aviewing. Apart from the obvious, good photographic material, clear and concisefloor plans, and flattering details – good agency is about knowing your buyer,recognising the right home for the right applicant and leading them into thepurchase. We earn our fees by building on relationships, often over manymonths, agreeing on terms not simply to make sure we bank our commission inthe quickest time, but at levels that we feel confident are representative of themarket conditions, with buyers who can perform. It doesn’t just stop withagreeing terms, often the hardest part of any transaction is the post offernegotiations before exchange of contracts, advising valuers, managing buyerexpectations and generally keeping all parties aware of the whole conveyancingprocess with all the associated problems and there are often many.

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

Rotherwick Road

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.

£1,495,000

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11

4

Hampstead Garden Suburb OfficeT: 020 8458 9119

Sold

Now

Ava

ilable

To L

et £1,1

00 PW

COPPICE WALK | TOTTERIDGE | LONDON N20A stunning, grand Georgian style detached home extending to 8,875 sqft. Having been constructed to a high specification approximately 5 yearsago, featuring state-of-the-art home technology and a magnificentindoor swimming pool complex/ party room with its hydraulic floor whichallows 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.

COPPICE END

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PRICE ON APPLICATION FREEHOLD

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 suitedressing room, 2nd bedroom suite with en suitebathroom and dressing room, 3rd bedroomsuite with en suite bathroom, 4th bedroom suitewith en suite shower room, 5th bedroom suitewith en suite bathroom and dressing room, 6thbedroom/office, 7th bedroom/den withkitchenette, Swimming pool, Fitness centre andParty room, Landscaped front and rear gardensdesigned by Kate Gould Chelsea Gold MedalWinner, Double garage, Parking for 15 cars,Gated entrance, NHBC

£6,000,000FREEHOLD

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Mill Hill Office | T: 020 8959 9000

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CHURCH MOUNT HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB N2

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 meticulousstandard 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.

£6,495,000Available to let £4,250 PW

- 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.

£2,350,000 Freehold

NorthwayHAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURBNW11

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LYTTON CLOSEHampstead Garden Suburb N2A stunning, newly refurbished, Grade II listed, art deco Suntrap styleproperty, designed in the 1930s by the architect GG Winbourne.This contemporary home is situated at the end of a quietcul-de-sac on the South side of Hampstead Garden Suburb, just offLinden Lea. Benefits include 4 good size bedrooms, 3 receptions &a fantastic sun room/ study on the top floor opening to amagnificent, large roof garden/terrace covered with artificial grassincluding a relaxation area & practice putting green. The housealso offers a large driveway with off street parking for 4/5 cars, 4/5Bedrooms, Bedroom 5/Study, Lounge, Dining room, Kitchen,Playroom/den, Stunning roof terrace with chill out area and puttinggreen, Off street parking for 4/5 cars.

FOR SALE £1,675,000

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BIGWOOD ROADA 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.

£849,950

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HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11

Hampstead Garden Suburb Office | T: 020 8458 9119

WILL I F I E LD WAYHAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11Set well back behind the delightful ‘Willifield Green’ in the Artisans Quarter of HampsteadGarden Suburb, a spectacular ‘Parker and Unwin’ linked property re-built after World WarII to a high standard in the original style. Constructed on 3 floors and offering 6 bedroomsand 2 fabulous well appointed reception rooms, this traditionally styled, refurbishedproperty, offers generous accommodation with a most delightful aspect. Also benefitingfrom off street parking to the front and a large mature, ‘quintessentially English’ Suburbgarden to the rear, this is a stunning example of the kind of property that makes theSuburb so special and such a delightful place to live. Close to both the Heath Extensionand closer to the amenities of Temple Fortune, which are less than 1/4 of a mile away.


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A stunning contemporarydesigned detached homeset in extensivelandscaped gardens inexcess of 200ft withgorgeous heated swimmingpool located in the areasmost sought after road

U P H I L L R O A D M I L L H I L L N W 7

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U P H I L L R O A D M I L L H I L L N W 7

The huge open plan luxuryfitted kitchen with familyarea, which leads to thegarden, is a prominentfeature of this well designedfamily home. Uphill Road is a convenient location withaccess to Mill Hill Broadwayshopping centre and station,transport links and excellentschooling.

£3,950,000

21

Mill Hill Office T: 020 8959 9000

22

For Sale Guide Price £850,000A fantastic opportunity to purchase a large 3 bedroomsemi-detached property, which is being offered for sale for the firsttime in over 45 years. The property is in need of modernisation butoffers fantastic scope for improvement as well as preserving many ofthe fine original features. Located within a 5 minute walk of bothTemple Fortune & Golders Green, this charming home also features agorgeous large rear garden approx 100ft.

Temple Fortune LaneHAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB NW11

For Sale£825,000A 3 bedroom, 1930's sun trap style, semi-detached house on theNorth side of Hampstead Garden Suburb situated in a quietcrescent. Offered in good decorative order and benefiting from agarage & driveway with off street parking for 3 cars.

Ludlow WayHAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB N2



• 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 abeautifully presented Grade II listed family house that has beenextensively renovated and adapted in recent years to providesubstantial and well appointed living accommodation in alovely rural setting. Originally entitled ‘Blenheim House’, thecurrent property was believed to have replaced a property thatwas built shortly after the Duke of Marlborough’s victory atBlenheim in 1704. In 1925 it became part of Mill Hill School andwas sub-divided, with the ground floor being used as the ‘tuckshop’ with the prominent bow windows being added in 1926and 1971. The property was subsequently sold as a privateresidence. It benefits from a most convenient location at one ofthe highest spots in Mill Hill, close to amenities, with a stunninggarden and swimming pool.

Blenheim Steps

£2,250,000MILL HILL, VILLAGE NW7


23

2424

- 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 conditionthroughout, having undergone completerefurbishment in recent years. Finished in a minimalistmodern style, this 3 storey property offers generous,bright and spacious living space. In addition thegarden backs onto a private paddock shared byother surrounding residents.

NorthwayHAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURBNW11

24

£1,995,000


THE ATRIUM, THE RIDGEWAY

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 £1,895,000

MILL HILL VILLAGE NW7

73


NORRICE LEA

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.

FOR SALE£2,950,000

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB N2

- Large entrance hall

- 6 bedrooms

- 5 bathrooms (4 en-suite)


- Lounge

- Dining room

- Family room / Study

- Utility room

- Guest cloakroom/WC

- Terrace to bedroom 4

- 90 ft garden

- Carrriage driveway

7676

Hampstead Garden Suburb Office

T: 020 8458 9119

7777

The house offers 5413 sq. ft (502.85 sq. m) of bright andspacious accommodation with numerous featuresincluding underfloor heating, a stunning largekitchen/diner/family room with bi-fold doors openingonto the garden, air conditioning to all principal rooms,a gym and a carriage driveway with off street parkingfor several cars.

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

Set back from the road in a quiet cul-de-sac, a contemporaryluxury home in this prestigious turning just off Marsh Lane.Offering fantastic accommodation over 3 floors, thisimpressive house looks out over a beautiful landscapedgarden with large heated swimming pool & hot tub.

Abbey View

For Sale £2,795,000MILL HILL NW7

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78

Gurney Drive

A gorgeous rarely available 4 bedroom, double fronteddetached house in this prestigious turning on the North Sideof the Suburb, within a short walk of East Finchley station.The house enjoys many features including a large ‘MarkWilkinson’ kitchen/breakfast room, air conditioning, underfloor heating in the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as amulti room sound system. With accommodation spreadover 3 floors and a larger than average ground floor livingspace including 3 reception rooms which would create anideal live/work environment, as well as a garage, prettyrear garden and off street parking for 3 cars.

FOR SALE £1,650,000

HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB N2Hampstead Garden Suburb OfficeT: 020 8458 9119

£ 1 , 7 9 5 , 0 0 0

Features include a magnificent entrance hall with circular staircase, underfloor heating,air conditioning and 2 large reception/dining rooms, each opening onto an open plancontemporary 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/diningroom • 5/6 bedrooms • 4 bathrooms • Gym • Double reception in basement withkitchen • Den/Studio • Underfoor heating • Air conditioning • 10 year NHBC Guarantee

For Sale £2,750,000 | To let £2,100 PW

A stunning newly built, largedetached home offering in excessof 4000sq ft situated in the area'smost prestigious location. Theproperty boasts a stylish andexceptionally presented interiorarranged over 4 floors.

80

Cranbourne GardensTemple Fortune 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.

Price: £2,550,000

HAMPSTEAD WAYHampstead Garden Suburb, NW11

- 6/7 bedrooms

- 2 bathrooms

- Guest cloakroom

- Lounge

- Dining room/music room

- Open plan study/TV area


- Gardens and courtyard on 3 sides

- Garage

- Off street parking for 4 cars

82


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.

• Amazing galleried entrance hall withcontemporary stainless steel & chromestaircase 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 withgranite & stainless steel worktops

• Over 800 sq ft master suite over entire top floor

• Outhouse / studio with gym kitchenette &bathroom

• Half Acre grounds with completely secludedgarden backing on to ‘Great Wood’

• Sole Agents

NORTHAW EN6

£2,250,000


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.

Horseshoe Lane

84

PRICE ON APPLICATION FREEHOLD

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 £6,500,000

85


LINDEN LEAHAMPSTEAD 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

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).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.


86


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: £1,999,999

THORNTON WAYHampstead Garden Suburb, NW11


87

Offering fantastic accommodation over 4 floors,these stunning homes look out over beautifullydesigned, terraces and gardens. The houses offerapprox 2000 sq feet of bright and spacious modernliving space including beautifully crafted privatefamily rooms and kitchens with bi-folding doorsopening onto secluded courtyards and gardens,formal reception rooms, Master suites withexceptionally luxurious en-suite bathrooms, utilityrooms and off street parking.

WENTWORTH PLACE GOLDERS GREEN NW11

88

A high specification has beenmaintained throughout the finishingprocess and all houses benefit fromClimate Cooling to all principal rooms,underfloor heating throughout, Cat 5cabling, wiring for wall mounted flatscreen televisions & Intervari fullyfitted kitchens.

From£1,250,000

WENTWORTH PLACE GOLDERS GREEN NW11

89

Hampstead Garden Suburb Office

T: 020 8458 9119

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 £3000PW

TOTTERIDGE N20

TOTTERIDGEVILLAGE

FOR SALE OFFERS IN EXCESS OF

£4,000,000

90


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.

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.

92

A Brief History of Mill Hill

Mill Hill was once buried in an ancient forest thatcovered the most of Middlesex, Herts & Essex. Thelocal remains of that forest is Scratchwood, which washunted up to the 1920’s and became an open space in1932, and the woods at Moat Mount, where it is likelythere was an Iron Age settlement c.500BC.

Up to 410AD the Romans had some presence in thearea - scattered evidence has been found and atCopthall parts of a minor road and artifacts wereunearthed. Two Anglo Saxon charters speak of asettlement in north Hendon called Motherly -somewhere along the Ridgeway. In 959AD Mill Hillwas owned by the Abbott of Westminster, and atLothersley some 6 families were living. By the early18th century estates had been formed and largehouses built, many of which exist today, – Rosebank,Littleberries, Jeannettes, Highwood House, HolcombeHouse and others. The staffing of houses and estatemanagement 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 underhousing or other developments.

The 19th century saw 3 important events. Firstly,many institutions acquired land along the Ridgewaywhich they managed to retain. A NonconformistSchool (1807) – now Mill Hill School; The WilberforceAnglican church (1833); Many Roman Catholicinstitutions and St Joseph’s college (1869+). Secondly,with road system improvements and the arrival of therailways (1867) there was a huge impact on theaccessibility of Mill Hill. Thirdly, there was a housebuilding explosion fuelled by this new easy access intoLondon, initially in the Poet’s Corner and Mill Hill Eastareas. Subsequent growth is shown by populationfigures for Mill Hill: In 1880 it was 1,335: in 1921 itwas 6,055: in 1931 it was 56,031.

After the 1st World War Mill Hill took on the form werecognise. The focal point moved away from thevillage to the low lands west of the Ridgeway. Theconstruction of the Barnet Bypass (1926) - theA1/A41 - removed some shops and houses and morecommercial activity sprung up at the lower end ofLawrence Street which was renamed The Broadway.Some estates built in this period were ‘Mill HillGarden Village’ (Goodwyn & Newcombe Park) andUphill Farm Estate. The imposition of the Green Belt(1939) restricted continued house building but afterthe 2nd World War building resumed. The M1Motorway (1967), made little difference to Mill Hill.By now much of Mill Hill had developed into an outerLondon Suburb typical of others on the fringes ofLondon. It differs, however, in the retention of largeproperties in green space still in agricultural orinstitutional use, which makes it a most desirableplace in which to live and work.

A Brief History of Mill Hill

Proms at St Jude’s is a Hampstead Garden Suburbphenomenon.Started in 1993, it’s an annual summer festival of

music, literature and heritage, run by a committee ofvolunteers, with all proceeds going to charity. And asthis is the Suburb, all is of a very high quality. Performers in 2012 included two BBC music stars,

Nicola Benedetti and Benjamin Grosvenor, and therenowned Academy of St Martin in the Fields. On stageduring the so-called LitFest were, among others, SirMichael Parkinson and supercooks Claudia Roden andYotam 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 - theiconic spired landmark in the middle of the Suburb. Theliterary events are held just across the square inHenrietta Barnett School, named after the Suburb’sfounder. The licensed bar tent and picnickers all add tothe festive atmosphere of this annual week long partySince Dame Henrietta also founded Toynbee Hall in

the East End 125 years ago, as one of the earliestwelfare and education centres, the Proms havemaintained the link. Not only are walks organised inboth the Hampstead area and Tower Hamlets, butalso Toynbee Hall is one of the two charitiessupported by the Proms – the other being NorthLondon Hospice. In 2012, the Festival raised £50,000

Proms at St Jude’sfor these excellent causes.The Proms attract over 5,000 visitors each June, with

a large proportion coming from the Suburb itself,Hampstead, Highgate, Hendon, MillHill and Finchley, making this a realcommunity event. Finchley andGolders Green MP, Mike Freer, haslent his support too, acting as asteward for the last two years.For its continuing health, Proms

relies on corporate sponsors andadvertisers, so we are delightedthat Godfrey & Barr has been suchan enthusiastic Proms supporterfor many years. Long may thiscontinue! For more information onthe Proms please contact SusieGregson on 020 8458 1675 or viewwww.promsatst judes.org.uk

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COURTGATE CLOSE

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.

£2,500,000

MILL HILL NW7

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