Chiswick and Kew Gardens Property Guide: Discover the Best Places to Live

Historical Highlights

Chiswick boasts a rich history and stunning architecture:

• Chiswick Lifeboat Station: One of only four along the Thames, highlighting the area’s maritime heritage.
• Fuller’s Griffin Brewery: Brewing beer here for over 350 years.
• Chiswick Bridge: Opened in 1933 by the Prince of Wales, marking the finish line of the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race.
• Battle of Turnham Green: A significant Civil War skirmish in 1642 that helped save London from Royalist forces.

Architecture and Property

Chiswick is known for its beautiful homes, including pretty Victorian cottages, large Edwardian homes, and elegant Georgian riverside properties. Bedford Park, considered the world’s first garden suburb, features homes designed by Richard Norman Shaw in the 1870s.

Popular Streets to Live

• Bedford Park: Historical significance and charming garden suburb architecture.
• The Avenue: Picturesque homes designed by Richard Norman Shaw.
• Milnthorpe Road: Large detached homes with ample gardens.
• Grove Park Gardens: Spacious properties in a peaceful setting.
• Chiswick High Road: A hub of activity with shops, cafes, and modern apartments.
• Dukes Avenue: Prestigious street with grand properties.

House Prices

Chiswick offers a range of properties for various budgets:

• Detached Houses: £2 million to £4 million.
• Semi-Detached Houses: £1 million to £2.5 million.
• Terraced Houses: £900,000 to £2 million.
• Flats and Apartments: £400,000 to £1.5 million.

Dining and Nightlife

Chiswick offers a wide range of dining and nightlife options:

• Franco Manca: Famous for Neapolitan pizza.
• La Trompette: Sophisticated local eatery.
• Griffin Brewery: Enjoy pints of London Pride with a historic backdrop.
• The Crown: A local favourite pub.
• Chief Coffee, Gail’s Bakery, and Nikki’s: Top spots for coffee and pastries.
• Fouberts, The Whistling Oyster, Cottura, and Grove Park Deli: Popular local eateries.
• High Road House: Soho House presence with amenities and a public restaurant.
• The Roebuck: Known for its cosy atmosphere and traditional British fare.
• The George IV: Bustling pub with live music and a comedy club.

Culture and Entertainment

Chiswick is rich in cultural and entertainment options:

• Chiswick House and Gardens: This historic site has beautifully landscaped gardens.
• William Hogarth’s House: Former home of the 18th-century artist.
• Headliners Comedy Club: Popular weekend entertainment.
• Chiswick Theatre Arts and Chiswick Playhouse: Offering classes and performances.
• Sipsmith Distillery: Regular tours and tasting sessions.
• Chiswick Cinema: Serving locals with the latest blockbusters.
• Chiswick Book Festival: Annual event attracting authors and literature lovers.

Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces

Chiswick provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities:

• Dukes Meadows Golf and Tennis: A local favourite for sports enthusiasts.
• The Hogarth Club and Virgin Active Chiswick Riverside: Popular gyms.
• Rowing and Canoeing Clubs: Ideal for riverside activities.
• Chiswick House and Gardens: Recently restored green space.
• Gunnersbury Triangle: Vital nature reserve.
• Dukes Meadows Park: Offers gorgeous river views.
• Turnham Green: Hosts community events and charity sales.
• Riverside Walks: Enjoy strolls along the Thames Path.
• Kew Gardens: A short distance away, offering a world-renowned botanical experience.

Riverside Activities

Chiswick’s riverside location offers plenty of activities:

• Chiswick Eyot Island: Accessible at low tide.
• Thames Path: Perfect for a quiet stroll from Chiswick Mall to Kew Bridge.
• Water Sports: Canoeing, rowing, and sculling clubs.
• River Cruises: Scenic boat trips along the Thames.
• Fishing: Popular along the riverbanks.
• Riverside Pubs: Enjoy a drink with a view at historic pubs like The Bell & Crown.

Strand-on-the-Green: A Walk Through History

A stroll from Chiswick to Kew Bridge offers a riverside walk steeped in history, with plenty of charming pubs to stop at. This area, a fishing village in the Middle Ages, is packed with history, wildlife, and good pubs. Notable residents include Johann Zoffany, Donald Pleasence, Nancy Mitford, Hugh Cudlipp, Rhys Ifans, and Midge Ure.

Discover Kew Gardens: A Neighbouring Gem

Just across the river, Kew Gardens is another desirable area known for its lush landscapes and rich history. The Royal Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a major attraction. Kew’s Victorian and Edwardian homes, along with modern developments, offer a range of housing options. Excellent schools, quaint shops, and easy access to central London make Kew an ideal place to live.

Attractions in Kew Gardens

• Royal Botanic Gardens: Home to the world’s most extensive living plant collection.
• Kew Palace: The smallest of the British royal palaces.
• The Great Pagoda: Stunning 18th-century structure providing panoramic views.
• Temperate House: The world’s largest Victorian glasshouse.
• Marianne North Gallery: Showcasing botanical art from around the world.
• Kew Village: Charming area with local shops, cafes, and a farmers’ market.

Property and Living in Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens offers a variety of housing options:

• Victorian and Edwardian Homes: Spacious living with period features.
• Modern Developments: Contemporary living spaces with modern amenities.
• Riverside Properties: Scenic views and a tranquil lifestyle.
• Apartments and Flats: Catering to a range of budgets and preferences.

Education in Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens has several excellent schools:

• Primary Schools: The Queen’s Church of England Primary School, Darell Primary School, and Kew Riverside Primary School.
• Secondary Schools: Richmond Park Academy and Grey Court School.
• Independent Schools: Kew House School and Broomfield House School.

Living in Kew: Area Guide

Kew is known for its famous botanic gardens and is popular with families seeking culture, green space, and a relaxed lifestyle. Steeped in history, the area has been shaped by its royal connections. Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing crowds with its concert dates, Kew the Music, and regular workshops and exhibitions.

Property in Kew Gardens

Kew offers a range of housing options:

• Georgian Houses: Starting at around £950,000, rising to £5 million.
• Victorian and Edwardian Homes: Large homes on roads like Kew Gardens Road and Lichfield Road sell for around £4 million.
• Houses East of the Station: Selling for up to £2.5 million.
• Edwardian Terrace Houses: Selling for £1.35 million plus.
• Flats: One-bedroom flats start at £375,000, and two-bedroom flats from £550,000.

Best Roads in Kew

• Kew Green
• Kew Gardens Road
• Litchfield Avenue

New Developments in Kew

• Kew Bridge: A St George development with prices starting at £704,950 for a two-bedroom flat.
• Bessant Drive: Taylor Wimpey is developing 170 new flats with a new GP surgery, with sales starting soon.

Living in Chiswick: Quick Stats

• Property Market: £683,010 for a semi-detached property.
• Airport Access: The closest airport is London Heathrow (90 miles).
• Broadband: 89.8mbps average broadband speeds.
• Ethnic Diversity: 44.1% White, 55.9% Other ethnicities.
• Socio-economic Status: High managerial positions ranked 111 out of 573 in England & Wales.
• Community: Median age is 36.4, and happiness is above average for Greater London.
• Crime: 6.0 burglaries per 1k people (Hounslow).
• Commute: Excellent links to various parts of London.

Property Market Trends in Chiswick

Property prices in Chiswick have seen significant growth:

• Detached Houses: £954,421 (up 5.0% from last year).
• Semi-Detached Houses: £683,010 (up 4.7% from last year).
• Terraced Houses: £583,776 (up 5.0% from last year).
• Flats: £356,705.
• Rent: Two-bedroom flat averages £1,387 per month.

Conclusion

Chiswick and Kew Gardens offer an exceptional quality of life with their blend of historical charm, modern amenities, and beautiful green spaces. Whether you are looking for a riverside property, excellent schools, or vibrant community life, these areas have it all. With fantastic transport links, diverse dining options, and a wealth of cultural and recreational activities, Chiswick and Kew Gardens are perfect for families, professionals, and anyone looking to enjoy the best of London living.

Living in Chiswick or Kew Gardens means joining a community that values its rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture. These areas continue to evolve, offering new developments and improved infrastructure while preserving their unique character and charm. Whether relocating for work, seeking a family-friendly neighbourhood, or simply looking for a beautiful place to call home, Chiswick and Kew Gardens provide the perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquillity.