LOCATION
Just 15 minutes north of the capital and boasting excellent schools, an emphasis on arts and culture and picturesque country parks, this thriving town offers a lifestyle of perfect balance Watford HOT spot
5 REASONS WE LOVE… WATFORD
1 Links to London in 15 minutes 2 Sprawling Cassiobury Park 3 A truly balanced lifestyle 4 Harry Potter studio tour 5 Family friendly neighbourhoods
UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT
OUT AND ABOUT There is a strong arts and entertainment scene in the town. The month-long Watford Fringe Festival, now in its eighth year, sees over 120 performances take place in a range of venues – and includes pre- Edinburgh shows and premieres.Watford Palace Theatre and Pump House draw big-name tours, niche acts and interesting performances throughout the year. Eating out? It’s easy to find quality cuisine, from chain restaurants to popular independent eateries. If you’re looking to impress, go for Dolce Caffè and Restaurant in Rickmansworth, Dojo in Hatch End or The Three Horseshoes in Radlett. For relaxed Sunday lunches, try the Prince George, King Stag and Royal Oak. There are opportunities for big family days out here: the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, home to The Making of Harry Potter, makes for a unforgettable trip and is a superb place to take visiting friends and family. Bhaktivedanta Manor, country home and Hare Krishna temple donated by Beatle George Harrison, is interesting and tranquil, with farmland, beautiful gardens and a temple. Other day- trips include Cheslyn House
There are some very desirable neighbourhoods in and around Watford, with Bushey, Cassiobury and Nascot Wood providing some of the more aspirational addresses. Cassiobury is where you’ll nd large period homes, spacious tree-lined avenues and lots of green space. Though a residential area, its proper name is The Cassiobury Estate, as the land was part of the Earl of Essex’s estate. The neighbourhood is bordered by Cassiobury Park, an impressive, sprawling green space. Regeneration in the town has brought a number of impressive housing developments. The council pledged to build 14,000 new homes over the next decade, along with new amenities including a primary school. Prospective buyers can choose from luxury riverside apartments and commuter-focused homes within seconds of the speedy rail links. In 2021, Census
The Hertfordshire town of Watford, known for its superb rail links to London and leafy, family friendly neighbourhoods, has become a rm favourite with homebuyers. In 2021, Hamptons estate agent named the area in the top 10 destination for those leaving London. At around 15 miles north of London’s centre, the excellent rail links (15 minutes to London Euston) are a large part of the appeal for commuters. Meanwhile, easy access to the M1 makes for excellent connections to the North. London leavers can upgrade to bigger, better value homes alongside a more balanced lifestyle, with country pursuits, historic sights and green open spaces on the doorstep. And with excellent schools, pretty parks and great shopping options, it’s a sure- re hit with young families and young professionals alike. Watford began as a settlement by the River Cole and developed into a market town. As the Grand Union Canal expanded it brought mills, factories and breweries to the area and it became a hub for business. Today there are 90 listed buildings and 10 conservation areas in the town and the centre is home to thriving businesses and a decent entertainment and shopping offering. Meanwhile, huge investment in the area is seen in the major new developments including the Town Hall and Business Park as well as in housing projects.
gures showed that population growth had been more than double the national average from 2011. The gures speak for its rise in popularity.
and Gardens, and Watford Museum.
64 First Time Buyer February/March 2025
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