Barnes
Perhaps sometimes seen as the lesser light when compared to the district of Richmond-upon-Thames, its sister community in the borough, Barnes nonetheless deserves a second look for homebuyers seeking an area with plenty of amenities, attractive living and all within close proximity to the centre of the capital.
Hugging the River Thames as it does, it has attractive waterside properties used for both residential and commercial purposes, and just back from the river there are magnificent 18th and 19th century streets where period properties jostle with both converted and modern apartments.
A busy and popular high street with a variety of shops and eateries only adds to the appeal of a place which many Londoners are proud to call home.
What a Property Agent Can Purchase
£1m buys: A three-bedroom terraced house.
£3m buys: A five-bedroom semi-detached house or four-bedroom penthouse.
£5m buys: A six-bedroom detached house on a wonderful corner.
Best Hotels in Barnes
You may have to travel just slightly out of Barnes itself to find a good place to stay but try these for size and you’ll still be handy for all it has to offer: The St Paul’s Hotel (https://www.stpaulhotel.co.uk) is a stylish boutique hotel. The Victoria (http://victoriasheen.co.uk) is a superb, independent gastropub with fabulous individual rooms. The Lodge Hotel (www.thelodgehotellondon.com) offers upscale rooms in a modern building which is conveniently located for amenities.
Best Restaurants in Barnes
Rick Stein’s (https://www.rickstein.com/eat-with-us/barnes/) brings a touch of the Cornish TV chef’s magic to the district streets, offering a fantastic seafood menu in lovely surroundings. Annie’s (http://www.anniesrestaurant.co.uk) is a bohemian venue offering a fantastic menu in characterful surroundings. Arte Chef (http://www.artechef.co.uk) is the place to go for all-day Italian dining from delicious pastries and coffee in the morning to modern classics in the evening.
Best schools in Barnes
The Harrodian School (https://www.harrodian.com) is an excellent school for boys and girls aged 4 to 18, housed on the former site of the Harrods Sports Club. St Paul’s School (http://www.stpaulsschool.org.uk) is an independent school for boys aged from 13 to 18, offering an outstanding all round education. Ibstock Place School (https://www.ibstockplaceschool.co.uk) is an independent day school for boys and girls aged 4 to 18, where the first class academic record is matched by the standard of praise from delighted parents.
Buying Agent Fact
Some of the oldest riverside housing in London is to be found on the Terrace, a Barnes road lined with Georgian mansions which runs along the west bend of the river. Construction of these mansions began as early as 1720.
How to get to Barnes from central London
Train: 22 mins to London Waterloo
Car: 35 mins to central London