At the heart of the West Hampstead area lies West End Lane, a classic red brick Victorian high street with a lively, upmarket feel. Despite its proximity to three stations and the busy A41 (Finchley Road) the area has a surprisingly ‘villagey’ vibe, with lots of independent shops, a library and some fantastic upmarket cafes and restaurants.
The arrival of the railways in the Victorian era was the turning point for this sleepy rural village, which had previously been known as “West End”. When the Metropolitan line was built the station was given the name “West Hampstead” to avoid any confusion with London’s (slightly more famous) West End area.
West Hampstead has loads of character and you’ll find a wealth of delightful Victorian and Edwardian buildings offering spacious, high-ceiling rooms with period details and long rear gardens. West Hampstead is a popular spot for young professionals so many of the larger properties have been converted into flats.
West Hampstead Property Profile
While the architecture of West End Lane, West End Green and Mill Lane is mainly comprised of Victorian brick terraces with flats above and shops below, you’ll find more impressive properties in the adjoining streets, including handsome Victorian detached and semi-detached houses and imposing mansion flats. There are also some attractive contemporary properties and some tucked-away cottages.
Many of the flats in purpose built blocks have four bedrooms, making them ideal for families.
West Hampstead Schools
If you live in West Hampstead you’ll be able to choose from a wide range of top-rated private schools in the wider Hampstead area as well as some excellent schools within the immediate vicinity, including the state run Emmanuel School, which has received an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating.
Primary Schools
Popular state run schools include Emmanuel C of E School, Beckford Malorees, Holy Trinity and Hampstead Parochial. There are many private nursery and primary schools in the wider Hampstead area, including Devonshire House, St Anthony’s Preparatory School, The Academy School, Broadhurst Preparatory School, Heathside Preparatory School, Lyndhurst House, The Marie Montessori School, Hereward House, Kerem School, Hampstead Hill School, St Christopher’s School, The North Bridge School, St Mary’s School and Southbank International.
Secondary Schools
Hampstead’s state funded schools are Hampstead School, Haverstock School, Parliament Hill School and William Ellis School, while private secondary schools include South Hampstead High School for Girls, King Alfred Boys’ School, North Bridge House School, St Margaret’s School and University College School.
Why live in West Hampstead?
- An area that feels friendly and sophisticated with a village vibe.
- Transport hub with great connections for West End and the City.
- Wealth of attractive period properties.
- Small parks and green open spaces in the immediate area.
West Hampstead Attractions
- A wide range of good cafes and restaurants.
- Convenient for the amenities of Swiss Cottage, including a leisure centre, cinema and shopping.
- A short distance from Hampstead Heath.
Getting around in West Hampstead
If you live in West Hampstead you can choose from three stations: West Hampstead tube station (Jubilee line), West Hampstead Thameslink, and West Hampstead Silverlink Metro. The area is also served by a number of buses including the 139, 189, 328, and the C11. The Finchley Road, which runs to the north, is a major route into Central London.
Property for Sale in West Hampstead Property to Rent in West Hampstead
