On the Street Where you Live
Once regarded as the ugly sister to glittering neighbours Holland Park and Notting Hill, Brook Green is turning into a modern-day Cinderella. But rather than a fairy godmother waving a wand about, Brook Green’s kindly spirits are somewhat less ethereal, delivering updated transport links, a new shopping mall and one of London’s most popular open spaces.
“Everyone thought crossing over Shepherd’s Bush roundabout brought you to the ugly side, but the area is smartening itself up. People really do want to live in Brook Green rather than putting up with it simply because it is cheaper than the likes of Holland Park,” says Olly Matusch from Tates Estates.
He cites Milsom and Masbro as two of the most popular spots. “Each road off Brook Green has different sized houses and, of course, actually owning on the Green itself is brilliant.” But expect to pay a premium of 10 per cent – not unlike paying more for a sea view if you live near the ocean, he points out.
A tip from Olly is to check out up-and-coming Blythe Road, which some people believe has already arrived. Do not be put off by the nearby council blocks, Olly advises. “People think the area will be awful, but it isn’t. People pay large premiums for small freehold houses here, compared with lease hold flats.”
Laurie Farr from Bective Leslie Marsh knows a great deal about Brook Green, having moved here a decade ago. She reckons prices have more than doubled, although they fell back on average by 20 per cent when the credit crunch hit. “Now, everything is moving again, with realistically priced homes selling well. We are even seeing gazumping and bids for some of the larger houses, which have a rarity factor.”
Farr says despite forking out more for a detached Georgian house or one facing the Green, you still get good value – around £600 per square foot instead of £1,000 per square foot over in the Royal Borough.
“Two-bedroom cottages are from £650,000, while larger houses can cost up to £3 million,” she says. One-bed flats can be hard to get hold of and are close to the £300,000 mark. Bective Leslie Marsh recently had a great deal of interest in a £280,000 two-bed ex-council house in Blythe Road.
Do not be fooled into thinking you leave all the luminaries behind if you venture that bit further east to Brook Green. Local celebrities include philosopher Alain de Botton and the theatrical couple Imogen Stubbs and Trevor Nunn. The arts scene is buzzing with the Lyric, Apollo and Empire Theatres and the recently rescued Ginglik Comedy Club.
Restaurants and shops near the Green include tapas bar Los Molinos, Oliver Bonas, Brook Green Bookshop and Betty Blythe Cafe, run by local Lulu Gwynne. The Green itself is in fine shape too, with recently renewed tennis courts and freshly laid grass.
Farr believes you can not only benefit from being a resident here, but also can’t go wrong as an investor with business headquarters like Disney, Coca Cola and Haymarket Publishing all close to the Green. Farr is selling a newly renovated six-bedroom house in popular Dewhurst Road with a basement conversion for £1.75 million – suitable for any belle longing to go to the ball.