_Spotlight on: Living in Berkhamsted

Where is it and what’s special about it?

Leading from the north and south sides of Berkhamsted’s vibrant High Street, and a stone’s throw from our office, is the market town of Berkhamsted’s Conservation Area -  a network of popular streets with a mix of predominantly Victorian and Edwardian homes. 

Who lives here? 

Unsurprisingly, I’ve found we’ve always had a good flow of London professionals moving out to our “country” way of life but wanting to continue to indulge their love of period properties.

This is why the Conservation Area is so perfect for them, it offers a similar property, easy commute into the city, but far more space than they could have afforded if they’d stayed in London – it really does offer the best of both worlds.

Recently, I’ve seen an influx of retirees who are looking to downsize from their village homes and have been attracted to the convenience of living so close to the high street.

What are the properties like?

From pretty Victorian terraces to handsome Edwardian villas, the Conservation area ticks the box for those wanting that London vibe in the suburbs. Berkhamsted sits in a valley so if you don’t mind a walk up the hill from the station, the south side could be for you. For those who love being waterside like myself, the north offers the Grand Union Canal and a flat walk for the commuter.

Eating, drinking and shopping

To the delight of our local foodies, Berkhamsted’s café culture makes it the ideal place for fine food and wine, with an abundance of cafés, attractive canal-side pubs and restaurants. From fine dining at the art-deco styled  Gatsby, to a lunchtime Katsu curry at Zero sushi bar, there is something for everyone on the High Street.

I’ve found a craft beer at Mad Squirrel Tap & Bottle Shop is great for pre-cinema drinks before a film at The Rex to kick off the evening nicely. Castle Street offers boutique shops and, a real favourite during the summer months is The Boat on Ravens Lane.

A regular farmers’ market provides the very best local produce, with a monthly French version bringing an extra gastronomic edge to the town – I would suggest trying some of the amazing cheeses.

Festivals and fairs

Growing in popularity year on year is Berkofest, the town’s music festival. It’s a great day out for me and the family with local and widely known bands, workshops for children and good food and drink. Arts, jazz and literary festivals are also popular, after all Berkhamsted was the home for novelist, Graham Greene and we have a festival in his name every year.

Schools

With HM Queen Elizabeth as patron, historic Berkhamsted School sits on Castle Street in the Conservation Area. Attended by novelist Graham Greene, the school celebrated its 475th anniversary in 2016, prompting a welcome visit from Her Majesty. 

There is excellent schooling within the town, bringing young families to the area, with both state and private schooling widely accessible and grammar schooling available in Buckinghamshire. 

Travel connections

Berkhamsted is very well-connected; a drive into central London is just 35 miles away and you can be in Euston in half an hour by train. The M1 and M25 are easily accessible, with Luton and Heathrow airports being 13 miles and 28 miles away respectively.

Oliver Beales is Head of in Knight Frank's Berkhamsted office. Search for properties in Berkhamsted or call us for a friendly chat about selling, buying or renting property in Hertfordshire.