Leafy living in Kew and Richmond

Richmond and Kew are two historic riverside neighbourhoods that mark London’s southwestern border with Surrey. It is here that reminders of past imperial glory are joined by 21^st Century landmarks of luxury as tenants seek to enjoy its maritime lifestyle.

New property developments such as Kew Bridge, Kew Bridge West and Heritage Walk are set to redefine the skyline of South-west London. For a similar rental to a Richmond period conversion, residents can enjoy the same splendid views, but with thoroughly modern on-site amenities, such as 24 hr concierge, a private gym and underground car parking. Apartments are well planned and appointed to the highest standard. Situated on the north bank opposite Kew Gardens, they are also handily placed for trips into Chiswick and Ealing as well as being just 30 minutes by train from Central London. A fleet of boats that ferry passengers from Kew Bridge to Chelsea, Westminster and Docklands completes the riverside vibe. Typical rents start at from £350 for a one bedroom rental apartment and from £485 per week for a two bedroom apartment with two bathrooms.

Richmond Hill is another main focal point for young professionals and high flyers. A spacious two bedroom flat in a period property around here will cost between £400 per week and £635 per week. The view from here is one of the prettiest in London, taking in the gentle bend of the Thames, the pleasure boats and the elongated river islands that are home to a number of artistic colonies. Even the view of Heathrow Airport is peaceful as, thanks to a fortuitous quirk in flight paths, aircraft can be seen landing and taking off in near silence. Richmond Hill Hotel provides a superb vantage point for sipping drinks at sundown or enjoying breakfast overlooking the Thames Path.

Ham House, Kew Palace and Hampton Court Palace all overlook the Thames from the surrounding areas and they set the architectural tone of the neighbourhood. Beautiful Georgian terraces and imposing Victorian mansions are arranged around neat squares or set facing the river. Independent shops and restaurants thrive along the High Street as community conscious residents often eschew popular chain stores in favour of quirky outlets. There’s plenty of scope for the adventurous restaurateur in Richmond as the locals love to have plenty of dining options. Bavarian beer gardens, Korean sushi bars and traditional Italian trattorias all enjoy a high level of patronage, especially if they have river access.

Families will also be drawn to the green spaces of Europe’s largest urban park and a botanical centre that is one of London’s premier tourist attractions. Wild fallow and red deer roam around Richmond Park as easily as if they were on the Scottish highlands. Dawn joggers and cyclists often pause from their activities in order to take pictures of a whole herd skipping across the pathways. Kew Gardens (or the Royal Botanical Gardens, to give it its full name) is a centre of scientific excellence, an educational experience and a relaxing day out all rolled into one.

For neighbourhoods that offer such a relaxed, bucolic lifestyle, Richmond and Kew are surprisingly well connected to the centre of London with many transport options. The District Line Underground line terminates at Richmond station which also runs a 20 minute overground commuter shuttle into Waterloo station. The tube takes just half an hour to reach Embankment station while the City is just a further five minutes down the line. Both Richmond and Kew Gardens stations are also on the newly revamped London Orbital rail system which links previously disconnected key London suburbs such as Hampstead, Clapham and Shoreditch. As mentioned before, Heathrow International Airport can be seen from Richmond Hill and all its five terminals are within a 15 minute car or taxi ride away.

The historical roots of Richmond and Kew are not as well-known as some other parts of London, but that may be an advantage. Kew Gardens and Richmond Park both have the space and facilities to absorb tourist footfall, leaving the surrounding residential areas prosperous, yet peaceful.

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