London Hidden Villages Part 2: Hampstead

The little village of Hampstead is set on the hills of North London, just a quick 20 minute commute on the Northern line into the bustling City but you certainly leave behind the tall grey buildings and 1000s of people in exchange for cobbled streets, local boutiques and plenty of leafy green spaces.

I took my Mum and Dad there this weekend as it reminds me a little bit of home (I'm from the county of Devon known for its beautiful countryside and local villages). We began with brunch at one of my favourites - Aubaine, a french cuisine chain serving the best selections of brunch, breakfast, lunch and dinner! 

http://www.aubaine.co.uk/

Where to shop

Kurt Geiger- One of the only stand alone stores left (when the one in High Street Kensington closed it was devastating for us shoeaholics!) - 30 Hampstead High Street NW3 1QA http://www.kurtgeiger.com/

Sandro - one of my French favourites! - 31 Hampstead Highstreet NW3 1QD - http://us.sandro-paris.com/

Zadig and Voltaire - 23-24 Hampstead High Street NW3 1QA -  always a popular one with these boutique villages http://www.zadig-et-voltaire.com/eu/uk/?___store=gbp_store_en

Exclusivo - Second hand designer wear for men and women, still pricey but a fraction of the cost of the original! I'm talking burberry macs, chanel bags and Louboutins! - 2 Flask Walk NW3 1HE

Hampstead Antiques, auction and crafts market - Tucked away on a little cobbled street sits this hidden gem of an antiques market. Perfect for bits of jewelry and trinkets. - 12 Heath Street NW3 6TE

Tea Cup Boutique - Fashionable women's wear, unique and luxurious and located in a gorgeous pink house. Selling many designers including House of Holland and my all time favourite Wild Fox - 13 Heath Street NW3 6TP http://teacupboutique.co.uk/

Where to eat

Aubaine of course! 83 Hampstead Highstreet NW3 1RE http://www.aubaine.co.uk/location/hampstead/

Maison Blanc - when you're feeling peckish, a naughty cake or sweet treat and a cup of tea is delightful here! - 76 Hampstead Highstreet NW3 1QX

The Freemasons Arms - we actually stopped for a quick afternoon tea here but the food menu looked great and it had a very local vibe which was nice. Dog friendly too! (p.s. Also taking Christmas bookings). - Downshire Hill NW3 1NT - http://www.freemasonsarms.co.uk/

The Horseshoe - Great for a burger and chips, a lunchtime favourite - 28 Heath Street NW3 6TE http://www.thehorseshoehampstead.com/

Places to visit

Hampstead Heath - A mass of 320 hectares of open green space, parks, fields and woodland combined into one. If you are lucky enough on a good day the views between the trees from the hill down into the City are amazing! Perfect for family days out as there are a couple of children's play areas. Also fantastic for dog walking or a morning jog. It can get wuite muddy if it has been raining so make sure you put on your hunter wellies!

2 Willow Road - Owned by the National Trust, a terrace of 3 houses designed and built in 1939 by architect Erno Goldfinger. A modern concrete construction for its time, Erno was famous for his large almost out of place concrete structures such as residential tower blocks. The house is now open to the public and has been since 1995, although not the prettiest of buildings it is very interesting to see his use of space, some of the walls even folded back to create a huge open plan living area. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/2-willow-road/
As a member of the National Trust you have free entry, or for adults it is £6. Become a member: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/membership/

Kenwood House - Now this a spectacular Manor House now owned by The English Heritage. Although it doesn't seem to state it on entering the grounds, the house and gardens are FREE! Yes you did read that correctly, FREE! So no excuses to not visit, it is certainly worth paying the £2.50 parking charge. Kenwood really is a hidden gem, tucked away between Hampstead and Highgate, on the edge of the heath and surrounded by beautiful green landscapes you would not think you are in London! The house is breathtaking inside and out, my favourite room was the orangery, it was so bright and had the best views down to the bridge over the pond. From upstairs you can just see the Gherkin through the trees which is a bizarre sight when you are stood in an early 17th Century Stately home. The library is also fascinating, designed by architect Robert Adam, the pink and blue decor sits elegantly with the high ceilings, surrounded by a very large book collection! The house is also one of the largest historical art galleries and displays hundreds of famous portraits and paintings. The occupants of the house also made history, the move 'Belle' was based upon Dido Belle, the mixed race niece of Lord Mansfield who once lived at the property, the book is also available to buy: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/paula+byrne/belle/9914836/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/kenwood/

Property

Property in Hampstead has always been pricey for more than the obvious reason of its close distance to the City and beautiful surroundings but also because of its celebrity status, with many famous residents being attracted to the area and who can blame them! If you fancy yourself as a next door neighbour of a spice girl or purely like the best of both City and country living there are many estate agents lining the streets of Hampstead. However, I would recommend beginning with Savills, I have worked with them for a couple of years now and they always seem to have a great selection of properties as well as friendly, helpful and knowledgeable staff. http://www.savills.co.uk/estate-agents/savills-Hampstead.aspx 1 bed flats begin around £450 per week and a luxury 4/5 bed would set you back around £10,000 - £15,000 per month.

Transport

Hampstead itself is on the Northern line which is a quick 20 minutes to Tottenham Court Road - alternatively there are many buses that run down Heath Street and Fitzjohn's Avenue to Swiss Cottage on the jubilee line aswell as the Highstreet running into Rosslyn Hill and Haverstock Hill. 

Famous people who live in Hampstead

Ricky Gervais

Emma Bunton

Rachel Stevens

Richard and Judy

Liam Gallagher

David Walliams 

Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter