Heaver estate

[SPClapham]

Hi,

we are thinking of moving to the heaver estate. We are in Clapham old town right now so it is quite a change. Was wondering if anyone has thoughts on Drakefield road versus Streathbourne road? They seem to be very different in terms of price despite being right next to each other and I was wondering why this is? Any other thoughts on the area very much appreciated as I am nervous about leaving clapham which is amazing for the heaver which doesn't have as nice surroundings but the houses and streets are lovely.

Thanks!

Streathbourne is viewed as the nicer road. The houses themselves are slightly larger, the road is wider and it most of the properties on it are single houses so there is a strong community feel - there's a Streathbourne residents' book group, quiz nights and Halloween is a huge event.

Drakefield is still more mixed with more flat conversions including quite a few that are still owned by the Council. Parking can be really difficult.

In terms of price Streathbourne is definitely pricier but the variations can also be due to size - some have full basements whereas others just have a narrow cellar.

Yes Balham High Road at the end is ugly but the area is lovely otherwise. Good cafes, bakery and bar on Ritherdon Road, the common at the other end and loads more in Balham.

It's well served for schools too with Rutherford House and St Anselms which are outstanding state schools. Lots of kids going across to Broomwood or Thomas's too.

I'd take Heaver over Clapham any day! Tooting Common is so much nicer than Clapham Common which is basically just a huge patch of grass criss crossed by loads of roads. Plus we have the lido too which is fantastic in the summer.

SW12 is right - Drakefield is a pig for parking.

Hi SPClapham

We shared your question on your Facebook page and here are the replies we got (posters names anonymised just in case)

Ex-agent: Not a Heaver dweller, but as a former estate agent (I know, I know) for ten years in Balham I'd say that I doubt you'd regret moving to Heaver from Clapham. Streathbourne houses are larger than Drakefield houses which should explain the price difference.

Ritherdon Resident:
I live on Ritherdon Road and I would be hard pushed to find anywhere nicer. Heaver is safer than Clapham. Be careful about Drakefield as I can confirm that parking is a nightmare. Streathbourne and Ritherdon are the sought after roads. Go to Geraldine at Heaver estate agents as she tends to sell most in the area. Good luck!

Heaver Resident:
Other estate agents have started to sell in Heaver too so don't discount them. Lived here over 4 years, love it, just want a bigger one! (Think Streathbourne gardens are bigger too.)

Ritherdon Resident:
The even numbers on Ritherdon road have large gardens.... They vary which side of the road your on. I've been there for 15 years so know most of the houses/roads well....

Heaver Resident:
Even numbers have north facing back gardens (both Ritherdon and Streathbourne). Not always a bad thing as south facing bakes the back of the house all day. If the garden's big enough and the neighbours aren't growing a forest it might be fine.

Heaver Dweller:
I agree with everything Ritherdon Resident says above, with the exception of her advice re agent. I've heard from many that Geraldine has had her day and Streathbourne residents, for example, won't instruct her agency any longer. I live in and love the Heaver Estate, Ritherdon Road in particular. Perhaps a little biased as this is indeed the road we live on!!!! Good luck - hope you find somewhere lovely. I very much doubt you'll miss Clapham, once you're in The Heaver Hood;))

Thanks everyone for your comments. Very helpful! I can see that streathbourne is a beautiful road but just wanted to make sure there is nothing wrong with drakefield to explain why it is cheaper on a price/sq ft. Much appreciated!

Hi, another question. Is drakefield road safe, I am being told it is not safe by safe and perfectly lovely by others so not sure what to believe.

Also is there a difference in safety, parking etc depending on which end of the road you are on - high road versus common end? I know ritherdon resident said it is safer than Clapham but the police reports listed online would suggest otherwise. And so far I have not seen parking be a problem whenever I have visited.

Also I keep being told about the community spirit in streathbourne but is it so exclusive that the nearby streets are lacking?

I am hearing a few differnent things from estate agents so would very much appreciate your advice.

Thanks!

I have a friend in Drakefield. Lovely house, lively family. I have never heard anything negative from her. Have to say I have never parked there...we bike over!

The Heaver estate as a whole is perfectly safe. I'd have thought it is quieter than Clapham Old Town as you have fewer people passing late night on their way back from pubs/bars. Like any area there is crime. There was a spate of 4x4s being stolen a few years back but that was more a sign of how upmarket the area had become in that it was seen as a good place to find expensive cars.

As for Ritherdon v Drakefield I can't imagine there is any difference in terms of safety. I do know that there used to be a crazy guy living in one of the flats on Drakefield who would occasionally wander about with no clothes on, but not sure if he is still there and he wasn't really dangerous. Just odd.

I work in a house on drakefield.
I agree with others who are saying streathbourne is nicer than drakefield. Streathbourne properties are mostly family homes whereas drakefield is a mixture of houses & flats. I prefer the top end of drakefield near the common over the high street end, there's a few colourful characters down there.
Yes the parking can be bad but I'd say it's as safe as any other rd on the heaver estate.

Hi everyone - sounds like the general consensus is Streathbourne is the nicest street - any opinions on Huron Road? And also is the general community in the Heaver Estate welcoming (especially if we don’t end up on Streathbourne?