London's Most Desirable: Barnes Village

The riverside London suburb of Barnes is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in London.

Stunning 18th and 19th century buildings, as well as the Barnes Village conservation area, make this a London neighbourhood of note.

London nobility built their weekend retreats here throughout the 18th century, when it was a thriving market town. While some of these elegant structures still stand on The Terrace, the memory of others live on in the surrounding streets' names.

The charming villas of Casteinau and the surrounding streets came about in 1827, with the opening of the Hammersmith Bridge. Modern-day Barnes, however, owes most of its character to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the railways came into play.

Wide, open spaces really set this London neighbourhood apart. Locals are frequently seen enjoying leisurely strolls on Barnes Green, admiring the flocks of ducks in the pond. Seabirds and boats dot the picturesque towpath along the River Thames that makes up its border.

Barnes village also has a number of small boutiques, restaurants, and bookshops. Restaurants and pubs feature stunning river views and world-class musical entertainment. Sports also feature prominently in this village, which has long associations with football, rugby and rowing. Rowing fans will enjoy the fact that Barnes is part of the route used in the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat race.

Barnes is currently home to many high-profile celebrities and politicians.

Of course, with tis architecture and proximity to some of the finest educational institutions in the country, Barnes's appeal is also more traditional.

As a result, the area has swiftly recovered from the economic downturn; property values are stronger than ever. Despite having a reputation of being insular, Barnes attracts families, intellectuals and foreigners from all corners of the globe. Barnes boasts a strong community that enjoys a weekly farmer's market, an annual, resident-organised food and culture fair, and a group dedicated to the conservation of Barnes Common...see this link to Hamptons website.

Barnes still retains its rural atmosphere today, served in part by its prime location only five miles away from Hyde Park. Just south of Hammersmith Bridge, the noise and grime of central London is forgotten in village greens and duck ponds. Beautiful, Victorian family homes surround the roads of Barnes Common. The large Regency houses face the river nearby. Just off the high street and surrounding the pond, you can also find smaller, early Victorian cottages. Also look for the multi-coloured properties in Little Chelsea for some smart London charm.

It doesn't seem possible that the chaos of central London is a mere 20 minute train ride from this leafy, suburban oasis--nor that it is a 30-minute drive to Heathrow airport!

With property in Barnes highly coveted, be sure to check with top-tier letting agencies like Hamptons to see what's currently available.

Be sure to ask your local Hamptons lettings Barnes agent about the best Barnes has to offer or go directly to the letting agent website.