Totteridge
The Town
Totteridge, in the Borough of Barnet, is a discreet and charming village. It is especially popular with celebrities looking for a slightly quieter lifestyle and long-term residents from overseas.
Property buyers will find Totteridge retains its charming, family-friendly village atmosphere, including a village green and village hall. This green and leafy neighbourhood lies just over 8 miles north north-west of London’s Charing Cross. A property search will show a combination of open space and suburban developments. The Dollis Brook marks the boundary of the area to the north and the east, and the Folly Brook marks the southern boundary. Your Recoco buying agent will confirm that this attractive area has long been popular with wealthy residents.
The History
The name Totteridge itself is Anglo-Saxon, and up until the 13th century, was known as Tataridge. Parish registers from the 16th century mention farmers, soap makers, druggists, and those involved with making clothes. The population of the area declined very slightly when the railway station was opened in 1872, but when trams and private cars became readily accessible in the early 1900s, it became especially popular with affluent commuters.
Totteridge grew steadily until the Victorian and Edwardian eras, when several mansions were built around the original village. The population in 1901 was 844; by 1951, over 4,500 people lived here.
By the 1930s, Totteridge Common and Barnet Lane boasted many large detached houses, which Recoco property finders will be delighted to point out. After World War Two, Green Belt legislation meant further development was restricted. Recoco buying agents will be happy to suggest suitable properties with easy access to the green and pleasant Dollis Valley and Totteridge Valley.
Totteridge was part of Hertfordshire until 1965.
Travel
The nearest Underground stations are Totteridge and Whetstone, on the Northern Line, or Woodside Park, on the border with North Finchley. Oakleigh Park Railway station is nearby, and regular buses run towards Arnos Grove, Barnet (the Spires), Brent Cross Shopping Centre, and Edgware bus and tube station.
The A5109 road is the main road and your Recoco property finder may well point out how unusual it is for its name changes. It starts at Totteridge Lane in the east, before becoming Totteridge Village and then Totteridge Common.
Leisure and Events
This hidden corner of the countryside in the city offers ample opportunity to enjoy the benefits of green spaces on the doorstep, like Totteridge Fields, which comes to life in spring and summer with bees and wildlife. Hampstead Heath is also within easy reach.
Events at Totteridge Village Hall include term-time only weekly drama classes for under 12s. The Chickenshed Theatre is known for its innovative approach to drama performances, involving all ages. Ask your Recoco buying agent about other local opportunities for younger family members: several outlets run craft classes and workshops. Those who prefer outdoor activities can enjoy a little adventure golf.
Alternatively, if you feel like letting off steam among the treetops after the stress of a property search, Go Ape Cockfosters is just a short distance away. More sedate property buyers can visit Kenwood House or Alexandra Palace. The Royal Air Force Museum London is also nearby.
The active Residents’ Association works hard to preserve the village feel of Totteridge. Nearby shops include Waitrose and several other high street names; there are also independent health food stores, florists and other specialist shops.
Education
Totteridge Academy is in the village itself, as well as a small number of primary schools. Ask your Recoco property finder about New Barnet schools, which include assisted, maintained, Roman Catholic, CofE, independent and special. At the other end of the age range, the University of the 3rd Age (U3A) holds regular meetings in Barnet.
Celebrity Connections
If you opt for a Totteridge property search, you’ll find yourself in good company. Celebrities associated with the locality include long-term resident and Arsenal FC Manager Arsene Wenger, Aston Villa player David Ginola, singers Cliff Richard and Des O’Connor, and actors Sean Bean and Samantha Janus.
Foodies’ Corner
Property buyers will find a variety of cuisines on offer in Totteridge. These include a combination of high street chain and independent Italian, Sushi, Turkish, Argentinian, Indian and cosy-casual restaurants and cafes. Those who enjoy making food as well as eating it can take classes at the nearby Indian Cookery School or pick up tips and tricks at Rachel’s Kitchen.
Fun Fact
The St Andrews’ Churchyard yew is thought to be around 2,000 years old – it may be the oldest yew in England. It is listed in “The Great Trees of London”.