Description
When I first stumbled across this flat, I'd been viewing upper flats not too far away, as garden flats were outside the price range I could afford.I don't even remember seeing this flat online. However, a chippy agent talked me into viewing it because it had an 'amazing roof terrace' and offered more space than the properties I'd viewed.
But that wasn't all. It was filled with light too, a big 'must-have' for me and it had a really nice sized living space with lots of eaves storage space too.
As I've since found out, the roof terrace is a real sun trap, with sun until gone 6 pm in the summer. We loved having this space during the lockdowns due to Covid. It became our little private cocktail bar. It's also become an oasis, with lots of flowers, and where I grow my own fruit and veg.
The kitchen island serves as a great "Chef's table", letting you host your dinner parties whilst being able to be social with your guests. There's copious amounts of storage throughout, but especially in the massive loft spaces in the eaves of the roof. Both of these are boarded and partially insulated.
Parking isn't an issue either as permits are available and allocated to this flat (I believe two cars max) to park in Zones with CA-Q. Roughly £130 a year per car - which is good value in the scheme of things.
Since we've been here, a new roof and roof terrace was completed a couple of years ago, with a 10 year guarantee which gives some peace of mind.
There's no service charge to pay. Instead it's on an ad-hoc basis with the freeholder who is very fair and decent. He will consult with you first and gather various quotes before confirming any work. Our flat pays 20% of fee of any maintenance works (split 20:20:20:40 between the 3 flats and the shop below who the freeholder owns). Ground rent £125 per year and our flat pays 20% of buildings insurance total.
Locally there are fantastic transport connections. Kilburn has the Jubilee line. You've got Brondesbury Overground on the doorstep linking you to Acton/Willesden (Elizabeth line to Heathrow), across to west (Clapham/Richmond) or east London (Shoreditch). There's also West Hampstead Thameslink - getting you to both Luton and Gatwick airport, London bridge and south east London. Kilburn Park has the Bakerloo line. There are Buses right outside into Central London and it only takes roughly 15 minutes to get to Oxford Circus and Bond Street.
The High Road is a melting pot of cultures, with every type of cuisine you can think of. Our favourites are the Neapolitan pizzas from Quartieri and the best Thai in London from Spicy Basil.
There are plenty of food places and shops nearby, most going 24 hours (the one directly below) which has helped us in a few late-night jams from needing ice for our parties, to formula for the baby.
Queens Park and West Hampstead are both beautiful high streets and are just 10 minute walk away. Both have amazing farmer's markets on Saturday and Sunday for yummy local produce.
There's an amazing café and pub culture too. We love walking down to Milk Beach for Sunday brunchor stopping for some beers or wine at Wolf Pack. The Alice House and Black Lion are also very good and the Sir Colin Campbell having a rotation of guest chefs which are always great to sample too.
Other local highlights are The Kiln Theatre and Cinema which is just a few metres away.
In terms of green space, there is plenty to choose from:
Primrose hill, with views over London
Regents Park
Hampstead Heath
Queens park- there is even a mini petting Zoo there. Falafels from the café in the middle of the park are lovely too!
It's been an amazing place to live however we are thinking about our family now which is why we need to move.
