Setting down roots in south west London

High-net-worth buyers are heading to south west London in increasing numbers. Whether it's Barnes, Richmond or elsewhere, living in the south west is becoming a top lifestyle choice, reflecting a surge in demand for outdoor spaces, tranquillity and greenery, but without sacrificing the 20-minute train into town or busy social life.

Families often find themselves in similar situations. They want a bigger house with its own garden where the kids can play, and with access to good schools. They’ve started family life closer to town – like Battersea, Chelsea or somewhere more central – but their priorities have changed. The home counties feel a step too far and they’re not ready to cut ties with their central London social life. Step forward south west neighbourhoods like Richmond and Barnes which fit the bill perfectly.

Richmond and Barnes are particularly well set up for families that want a certain lifestyle. There are myriad sports clubs and opportunities for activity. But it’s the excellent schooling that tends to predetermine the location families choose ultimately. There’s King’s House, Hampton and Tower House in Richmond, and Harrodian and St Paul’s in Barnes, to name just a few. Often, parents decide upon the school and that gives the anchor for their property search.

Let’s start with Richmond-upon-Thames. The River Thames plays a big part in this popular town’s character. Summer evenings spent lazing by the river, watching its banks swell, whilst your kids play and you sip on something chilled, is nothing short of idyllic.

You have everything on your doorstep – vast, historic, green spaces with exemplary sporting facilities, as well as wonderful shopping and dining. Royal Richmond Park is a 2,500-acre green space with ancient trees, wild deer and wildlife habitats. But it’s also a family playground with horse riding trails, cycle tracks, running paths and a golf course alongside the extensive grassy areas to enjoy.

Richmond’s an impressive town; one of centuries old royal links. It offers everything in terms of architecture, old and new. You can find a modern home as much as a Queen Anne Grade II listed one. From cottages to Palladian mansions with acres of private grounds, it’s all here.

The town is interlinked with Ham, Twickenham and Petersham. In particular, Petersham has picture postcard pretty period homes and its acclaimed Petersham Nurseries greenhouse restaurant. It’s truly old school England. Richmond itself is a larger, busier place with international renown. It’s linked as much with royalty as it is with Ted Lasso now, a factor not to be downplayed. 

But if you crave a quieter place where you can be part of a community, head to Barnes. Despite its proximity to London, its feel is of a quintessential English village. It has the village pond, green and promenade of small, independent shops including a fishmonger and butcher, The Ginger Pig. Locals refer to “living in the village.” It’s a wonderful place to start life as a family as you’ll be an integral part of a local community in an attractive, leafy area. It really is a village in nature, with heaths, woodland and the popular wetlands on the doorstep.

Once you establish roots in Barnes, you may well never leave. People often start their family lives in Little Chelsea with its lovely two to three bedroom cottages. The aspiration is to progress from there to the heart of the village. Once you’re in the village you won’t want to leave, but you may dream of upsizing to one of its remaining grand houses. Later in life, you may downsize to a smaller property in the village or even back to a Little Chelsea cottage. There’s such a strong desire to stay within the area whatever your property needs.

Both Richmond and Barnes benefit from their riverside location. You’re spoilt for choice when choosing a pub or restaurant with a waterfront view. But a word of warning, sometimes the river banks flood and you may need to wade in or out of your venue (or simply stop for another drink)! Rick Stein has an excellent restaurant in Barnes. Acclaimed central London restaurants have chosen to set up in Richmond. The Ivy Brasserie is a super popular addition to the area and Scott’s of Mayfair now has a venue in the heart of Richmond too.

Central London may be easy to access, but there’s an awful lot to keep you in south west London. Once those roots have been established, you won’t want to leave.