Camberwell
The Area
One of London’s creative hubs, Camberwell lies around 2.7 miles to the south east of Charing Cross. It comes under the London Borough of Southwark. Neighbouring districts are Dulwich, Herne Hill, and Peckham. Camberwell Town Centre has undergone major regeneration in recent years.
Camberwell incorporates many well-maintained and preserved elegant Georgian buildings, as well as typical 20th century architecture including several tower blocks. As part of your property search, your Recoco buying agent will be able to point out several Grade II buildings, including the Church of the Sacred Heart and the Art Deco former ABC Cinema. The Salvation Army’s William Booth Memorial Training College is also located here.
Travel
Road links from Camberwell are plentiful and well developed. In the north, Camberwell Road links the area to central London, and in the west, several bus routes run along Camberwell New Road, with journey times of about 20 to 30 minutes outside rush hour. The nearest railway stations are Denmark Hill and Loughborough Junction; the London Overground also serves Denmark Hill. Property buyers can reach central London from either of these stations in less than 10 minutes.
The History
In the Domesday Book, the location is listed as Cambrewelle. The name may originate from the Old English word Cumberwell or Comberwell: wells are known to have existed on Denmark Hill’s southernmost slopes.
When the railways arrived in the 1860s, the area grew rapidly in size and importance, like so many London districts. Over the decades the area has become home to a delightfully diverse demographic mix. Your Recoco buying agent will be able to help you identify both the well-preserved Georgian and Art Deco homes and the well-designed enclaves of public housing.
Leisure and Events
Camberwell has hosted many festivals throughout the decades: the Camberwell Arts Festival celebrated 20 years in 2014. Recoco property finders will be able to help you identify studios ideal for artists, artisans and makers. Ask your Recoco buying agent about sport and leisure facilities in Camberwell. These include a leisure centre and swimming pool, a sports centre which offers five-a-side football and martial arts, and a dance studio which runs classes for both adults and children.
Camberwell Green park is on the intersection of several of the area’s major roads, and offers an oasis of green in this vibrant, bustling area. Property buyers benefit from many other green spaces, including Ruskin Park, Lucas Gardens, Brunswick Park, and Lettsom Gardens, which is a private community garden. Nature enthusiasts will love Myatt’s designated wildlife area.
If it’s quirky, local shops you’re looking for as part of your property search, you won’t be disappointed. Recoco property finders will be able to help you find the perfect independent outlet. Have your ballgown, business suit or tuxedo adjusted and cleaned to perfection; have your Brompton serviced; or consult the local bespoke curtain maker on the best colour scheme for your new home.
The South London Gallery will appeal to those who like to keep an eagle eye on the arts; while those in the mood for a leisurely Sunday stroll might like to meander around the 400 stalls at the Sunday market.
Education
Camberwell schools are well-regarded: Ofsted typically rates them “good” or “outstanding”. If your property search requirements include proximity to major hospitals, there are several major medical teaching centres in the area. These include King’s College Hospital, The Maudsley, and Guy’s King’s and St Thomas’ School of Medicine. Those with creative flair are likely to be delighted by how close they are to the Camberwell College of Arts.
Celebrity Connections
Potential property buyers will find that many writers, journalists, actors, and musicians have been drawn to the area. Residents have included Enid Blyton, the children’s author; Thomas Brodie-Sangster, actor and musician; and Florence Welch from the band Florence + the Machine. Damien Hirst’s first studio was in Minet Road. Several politicians have also found the area appealing, including Joseph Chamberlain and Karl Marx.
Foodies’ Corner
Whether you’re seeking a reviving cup of coffee, fresh fruit and vegetables, or a hearty meal at a gastropub, Camberwell won’t disappoint. Your Recoco property finder will be able to help you locate Vietnamese, vegetarian, Turkish Greek, Chinese, Italian or Ethiopian eateries. Seasonal centres offer the best and freshest British fare. Local bakers offer sourdough and granary bread and delicious cakes.
Fun Fact
The locality has given its name to a rare butterfly, the Camberwell beauty (scientific name: nymphalis antiopa), spotted in Cold Harbour Lane by one Moses Harris in 1766.