South West London can argue that it offers the most engaging and alluring lifestyle of anywhere in the capital. With the River Thames winding through some truly elegant neighbourhoods and areas, the South West has been an attractive proposition for families looking to build homes there for centuries. From the Tudor kings and queens of centuries ago to the great and good from the world of entertainment, sport and commerce in modern times, this part of the world remains amongst the elite postcodes anywhere on the planet.
It also represents an incredibly rare mix of countryside and city in close proximity that offers opportunities for unique homes and houses. Such wonderful history is evident in the architectural styles that move from the shadows of a mediaeval past though grand Georgian sensibilities and on to the evolving Victorian attitudes of style and community development in the built environment.
With so much choice, it helps to have a fundamental understanding of the best areas in South West London to help make any decisions and form a list of where will suit you best.
Fulham
Fulham has long been connected to craft industries through its history with paper-making, pottery and tapestry-weaving encouraging this little South West London enclave into a notable neighbourhood. Nowadays, it is home to hundreds of sympathetically restored Victoria and Edwardian terraced houses that have been modernised to offer everything required for 21st century living. The riverside setting delivers some wonderful attractions such as Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham Football Club, an ode to football stadiums of years gone by with a traditional charm and status amongst fans and visitors. The village-like atmosphere of Parson’s Green in Fulham provides a vibrant hub of boutique shops and chic cafes that are perfect to while away the afternoon. And when evening comes, the dining scene in Fulham matches anywhere in London with a particular standout being The Harewood Arms, the capital’s only Michelin-starred pub. House prices stand at an average of £1.1 million with some fantastic apartment choices alongside family homes to suit most lifestyles.
Chelsea
It may be difficult to imagine as you stroll along Chelsea’s famous streets, but this was once a modest and unremarkable village until a few hundred years ago. It was only when the power of art and artists came together to adopt the area as their home that Chelsea became the bohemian centre, and later the affluent neighbourhood, that we now recognise. The Saatchi Gallery situated in the historic 19th century building of the Duke of York’s Headquarters seems like the perfect ode to this past. With works on display from the Young British Artist movement of Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and their peers, it feels very much like a love letter to modern London and England in general. The fabulous Kings Road that was so instrumental to the 1960s counterculture is another highlight here with the opportunity for high-end shopping and dining now on its famous pavements. The ultra-desirable stucco-fronted terraces, Georgian townhouses and modern apartments all combine in Chelsea for an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Average prices for homes reach upwards of around £2 million with apartments commanding £1 million.
Wimbledon
SW19 has a claim to be the most famous postcode in the country due to its connection with the quintessentially English Wimbledon Tennis Championship, hosted here at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. However, this area offers much more than the celebrated champagne and strawberries of those two weeks in the summer. Wimbledon was the favourite place for aristocrats to build their sprawling estates for centuries, and with the advent of the railway, it welcomed more residents to create a thriving and welcoming community in the most picturesque surroundings. It is now home to a pleasing balance of city-living convenience within a lush, green environment peppered with mansions, terraces and apartments that start at around £1 million. The options for education in Wimbledon make it a strong choice for young families too. King’s College School is one of the very best, with co-educational facilities from the ages of 7-18 that are consistently recognised as the very pinnacle of independent learning in the UK. It is a case of remarkable results all round for this South West London neighbourhood.
Kingston-upon-Thames
As the name suggests, this area is built around its connection with the London river and makes the most of its location right beside it for some stunning views. It is also rich in regal history, with the All Saints Church and its infamous Coronation Stone providing the place to crown several kings during Anglo-Saxon days. This King’s Town was famously a favourite of perhaps the most recognisable king of them all, Henry VIII, and his own Hampton Court Palace remains here as an iconic attraction. Finding your own palace in Kingston-upon-Thames comes through a wonderful choice of the pretty Victorian and Edwardian terraced homes of central Kingston, or larger detached homes in the suburbs of Coombe or Surbiton. For the ultimate waterfront location, there are also modern apartments that make the most of the beautiful riverside paths outside their windows. Prices range accordingly from around £1-£3 million.
Putney
South West London is the home to so many iconic landmarks. There are few that conjure more of a classic English setting than the annual Oxford Vs Cambridge University Boat Race set on the river Thames, and for which Putney provides the starting point. This is a neighbourhood that celebrates all things outdoors through stirring walks along riverside routes, strolls across the picnic-perfect Wandsworth Park or more energetic runs and trails on Putney Heath. The love of an open-air lifestyle means that this community is a diverse mix of older couples and families within the towns and villages and young professionals in modern apartments on the riverside. Putney accommodates them all with housing options ranging from around £1.5 million up to £4 million for the larger detached family homes on Putney Hill and Upper Richmond Road.
Modern South West London continues to evolve and impress with a collection of areas that recognise their history while plotting an exciting course into the future. The neighbourhoods in this guide showcase how intelligently and sympathetically this philosophy can be achieved and make it an attractive proposition for anyone considering a move here.
