Battersea
The Town
On the south bank of the River Thames, Battersea is around three miles south-west of Charing Cross and is well worth considering for your property search. The locality is already enjoying the first phase of a new lease of life as part of one of the largest current regenerations in the capital. Your Recoco buying agent will be able to confirm there is so much more to Battersea than the iconic power station and the famous pet rescue centre.
The 1930s Grade II listed Power Station dominates much of the skyline, but the area contains a mix of elegant traditional and modern residences. These include terraced cottages, generously-sized houses which often incorporate attics and cellars, and purpose-built flats and houses.
Several new purpose-built apartment buildings offer panoramic views over London and the Thames. Ask your Recoco buying agent for details of the blocks offering penthouse apartments, roof gardens, gym or swimming pool facilities and concierge services.
Travel
The nearest Overground station is Clapham Junction, about 10 minutes’ walk away. Buses into central London take around 40 to 45 minutes and there are several Santander Cycle terminals nearby. Potential property buyers will be delighted to learn that the Northern Line Underground extension is due for completion in 2021. For commutes beyond Battersea, our expert Recoco property finders will be able to advise on future transport developments.
The History
Appearing in the 1066 Domesday Book as “Patricesy”, the name is thought to have meant “Patrick’s Island” or “Beaduric’s Island”. In the 11th century, the land was owned by the monks of what is now Westminster Abbey. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the manor of Battersea was eventually purchased by the St. John family, and in 1763, by the Spencer family. The manor belongs to the present Earl Spencer.
Leisure and Events
Circus West Village, one of London’s newest leisure destinations, is located at Battersea Power Station. You can enjoy cinema, theatre, restaurants, shopping experiences, indoor cycling classes, as well as some charmingly quirky activities from the end of 2019. Cocktails and crazy golf, anyone? Or try something completely new: florist Moyses Stevens (who have a Royal Warrant) have their own Flower School here.
If you’re craving green spaces and time out, your Recoco property finder might well direct you to the 200-acre Battersea Park, opened by Queen Victoria in 1858. The park retains many original features. For theatre-lovers, Battersea Arts Centre hosts dramatic plays, comedies, musical performances and more.
Try to make a little time in your property search to visit the specialist outlets in Battersea, ranging from high-end fashion to pottery and expert vintners. You might hear the high street and other roads described as “Nappy Valley” due to the family-friendly vibe.
Education
Battersea has a wide mix of schools: maintained, academy, special and independent, including preparatory schools. There are 12 secondary schools and 5 colleges.
If higher education is important in your property search, the Royal College of Art offers several creative study programmes, including painting, photography and print, ceramics, glass, jewellery, and metal. A new building is planned for 2021.
Celebrity Connections
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home helps around 7,000 animals annually, and several celebrities have adopted Battersea animals, including Elton John, Sue Perkins, and Jeremy Irons. The rescue centres also feature in the BAFTA-award-winning TV series “For the Love of Dogs”, hosted by Paul O’Grady.
The iconic Power Station, another “building celebrity”, has appeared on screen many times, as well as on the front cover of Pink Floyd’s 1977 album “Animals”. Your Recoco buying agent can supply further details.
Other celebrity connections include Roger Moore, Timothy Spall, Jack Dee, Simon and Yasmin Le Bon, and Gordon Ramsay. Property buyers might also spot Prince George and Princess Charlotte on their way to school on the High Street.
Foodies’ Corner
The Circus West micro-brewery offers craft beers and British cheese and charcuterie. Other options are Indian, Japanese, Italian, Spanish tapas, fresh seafood, or a dog-friendly chain of café/restaurants specialising in home-cooked food.
The General Store also offers organic, local and specially curated produce from around the world so property buyers can whip up a gourmet meal with the minimum of effort.
Recoco property finder can confirm that Battersea has always had solid market garden links. The tradition of freshly grown flowers and plants continues today at the New Covent Garden Flower Market.
Fun Fact
Before 1846, the area now known as Battersea Park was Battersea Fields, an open space very popular with young men who fancied fighting a duel or two.