Dulwich – and why it’s so b(l)ooming popular

If you want to live in London but feel like you’re nowhere near, head to Dulwich. It’s as traditional, picturesque and oldy-worldy as you’re likely to get in this part of the country, but you’re still conveniently close to the shopping, amenities and bustle that is “proper” London.

For visitors, Dulwich has two star attractions: there’s the beautiful Dulwich Picture Gallery – the oldest purpose-built art gallery in England, containing paintings by old masters including Rembrandt and Rubens. And then there’s Dulwich College – an incredible Victorian building by architect Charles Barry (whose father designed the Houses of Parliament).

While both are well worth the hype, being a Dulwich resident has advantages that go far beyond artwork and architecture.

Where is Dulwich?

Dulwich is bordered by West Norwood, Crystal Palace and Peckham Rye.

It’s made up of three distinct area –  East Dulwich, West Dulwich, and Dulwich Village – each with their own distinct feel. But don’t feel like you have to make a choice and stick to it: it’s a quick bike ride or cheap cab from any part to another.

East Dulwich has come to be known as a “less pretentious Crouch End”, and it certainly has all the bohemian shops, posh delis, lively bars and good restaurants – but with less of the snootery and far more of the greenery. Although a relatively well-off area, the young families of East Dulwich are thoroughly down-to-earth: bookcases and children’s toys are left at garden gates for others to pick up, and you’ll see plenty of Bugaboo pushchairs outside the local charity shops.

Lordship Lane has gradually become a foodie heaven, with an unbeatable selection of specialist shops, independent restaurants and organic grocers – supplemented with yet more options on Fridays and Saturdays by the North Cross Road market.

Need an estate agent in Dulwich?

There’s a range of Estate Agents in Dulwich (perhaps too many even) from the notorious Foxtons to smaller independent agencies such as Trupenny’s and Fish Need Water.

West Dulwich and the more affordable East Dulwich have good demand from tenants looking to experience the community feel of this ever popular suburb of South London.

What About West Dulwich?

In neighbouring West Dulwich, there’s even more of a community feel and a noticeably more laid-back pace of life. Properties in West Dulwich tend to be slightly more spacious, and there are plenty of open spaces too – including Belair Park, with its tennis courts and adventure playground.

Rosendale Road is the hub of West Dulwich, with plenty of local shops and the award-winning Rosendale gastropub. Queues form outside local butcher Scotch Meats every weekend, and on nearby Croxted Road / Park End Road you’ll find The Dulwich Bakery and Dulwich Books.

In between East and West, Dulwich Village lives up to its name: it has the original village stocks, white picket fences and tiny, leafy streets. It also has some of the best private schools in the country, the beautiful Dulwich Picture Gallery, and 72 acres of parkland – and properties in Dulwich Village are priced accordingly.

Transport and Travelling to Work

15 minutes to London Bridge from North Dulwich Station

12 minutes to Victoria from West Dulwich Station

Easy bus access to Brixton for the Victoria Line

Buses and night buses to Oxford Circus

Best local finds

Best butcher: Scotch Meats, Rosendale Road , William Rose, Lordship Lane and Kims on Grove Vale

Best pub: Crown & Greyhound, Dulwich Village and EDT, Lordship Lane

Best restaurant: Franklins, Lordship Lane

Best culture: Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road

Wherever you live in Dulwich, the amount of green space will feel indulgent compared to most other places in London: visitors to the area are often surprised by just how much dog-walking and buggy-pushing space there is. Favourite parks include Dulwich Park (which has bicycle hire, go-karts, a boating lake, tennis courts and a cafe), Peckham Rye Park, and Brockwell Park.

Another major lure for families are the outstanding state and private schools in Dulwich. The private options include James Allen’s Girls’ School (known locally as JAGS), Alleyn’s School and Dulwich College. On the state side there are two primary schools with “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings (Dulwich Village Infants School and Dulwich Hamlet Junior School), and The Charter School is a non-selective comprehensive that’s improved consistantly since its opening in 2000.

 About Fish Need Water

Quite rightly, most people have a pretty dim view of estate agents – us included. Rather than promising the earth then failing to deliver, we prefer to do things a bit differently: we price realistically, market phenomenally, and attract multiple offers so we can negotiate hard to get you the best price – fast.

We keep you involved in the process, and even let you do your own viewings in return for a discounted fee if you want to…