Where to buy a house? SW London Zone 1-2, maybe 3 with good public transport.

[SW1XMother]

We moved back from NYC to London a few months ago and live in our flat in SW1 at the moment with our nanny and two children. Flat is large enough but we all dream of a house and a garden, so that we can possibly have a dog. Eldest daughter is just over two now and we need to think about pre-schools but also if we want to stay in the area. We would like to buy a house but buying a house that we like in SW1 is despite our high income nearly impossible.

Can anybody recommend a lovely part in SW London Zone 1-2, possibly 3 if there are good transport links to the City that has an excellent school?

[SW1XMother]

MintyyAeroEgg No I am happy for all opinions. Just tried to explain my reason for not wanting to do it. Mmh, so if I choose to use one what exactly do they do?

[SW1XMother]

KatieMiddleton: yes, I don't like that too. We want to live in a nice area with nice people who you actually see once in a while.

[PureQuintessence]

How did you like the houses on my links? Is East Sheen/Barnes/Putney too far out for you?

[SW1XMother]

I like them but I guess it is too far for us. I have a look later and see how long it would take exactly.

[minipie]

wandsworth common/between the commons would suit you well i think. 15 minutes by bus car or train to Chelsea, lots of private prep schools, green space for the dog, lots of families resident and your budget will buy something very nice.

for example:

this one guide price is £5m, no nanny annexe but you could afford to do a basement dig out to your own spec. close to the tube, northern line to city.

this one not detached, a little smaller but does have basement nanny accommodation already done. this area (known as the 'toast rack') is stuffed full of Americans. bit further from the tube but close to train station to Victoria.

putney or Fulham to the city is a painful journey.

[lalalonglegs]

minipie - you don't want the OP to move to Thurleigh Road, it's SW12 not SW11 .

[SW1XMother]

minipie wow. Both houses are great. So much choice already.

[minipie]

as an SW12 resident myself...

[lalalonglegs]

me too - oh the shame of it

[allaflutter]

go for w8 - possibly betweeen High St Ken (district and circle line - 10min to Sloane Sq.) and Notting Hill Gate (central line, v.quick to Chancery) rather than south of High St. Part of it is Phillimore estate, but also streets that are higher up the hill and off Kensington Church st. are nice. It's also between Holland park and Ken Gardens, and it's not QUITE as snooty/impersonal as S.Ken - and less touristy for sure. You are still near the museums and Albert Hall. And near Wholefoods. I've heard there are good private schools, don't know about state.

Fulham imo is crowded and very built-up with narrow streets and not near a great park unless you are a member of Hurlingham Club with nice gardens. Fulham broadway tube is hugely crowded and that line isn't always reliable. Though you are near the river/King's rd.

[LaVitaBellissima]

minipie love those houses, did you like my Barnes link?

My favourite thread in ages

[Goodwordguide]

I know the street in PureQuin's Barnes link - it is gorgeous, a private road, next toPutney Common and v close the Barnes station - definitely what I would like but it sounds like you'd prefer somewhere slightly more central?

[SW1XMother]

You are all fantastic and I thank you all so much for your advise. We just need to wait that our flat sells and for how much and then we can decide everything else. We are very happy to buy a house that needs lot of work done too. My husband doesn't want to live in South Ken, as it is full of snobs and he doesn't want to raise his children there. He says that and he was raised in SW1 :D

[minipie]

LaVita, wow yes love the history and the decor of that barnes house. though the listed thing would annoy me as I like to fiddle with layouts in my head.

OP, the other area I would look at in your shoes is Chiswick - not sure what transport to the city is like but it's a smart family friendly area with green space and the river and lovely houses in your budget.

You could speak to one of the big agents who have offices everywhere, like Savills or Hamptons, they should be able to give you a good idea of what you can get in these various areas. though of course whoever you speak to will try to sell you on their particular area...

[SW1XMother]

Yes, I know Chiswick a little bit. I know two people there. One lives close to the Park Club, the other one right on Turnham Green. Lovely but too far to commute to the city.

[Dededum]

Oh yes your DH is quite right. Totally agree.

[RatherNot]

I'm a Londoner (more or less) and live in South Ken - I don't find it full of snobs by any means but it's perhaps devoid of locals, which can make it feel a little transient. I understand your reluctance to use a search agent, OP, so perhaps your best bet is to spend some time in the various areas mentioned above and simply see how you feel - then do a few viewings to get an idea of the market and local architecture - 6Mill in SW7 will only get you another flat, whereas a couple of miles down the road it will get you a lovely family home.

[abbyfromoz]

I live in Battersea (just over the bridge). It's lovely here. Will be looking at St Thomas for DD (2) but i also like Parson's green & Barnes.

[SW1XMother]

Battersea sounds lovely. We could still send our children to a school close to where we are at the moment. I will have a look on RightMove right now.

[abbyfromoz]

We just moved a few months ago (previously in Nottinghill) we have 2 doggies who love the park. DH and I run along the river (when not freezing our bums off in the snow!) good schools, lots of families and 5 min walk to Kings Road. Very happy

[SW1XMother]

www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-36022570.html

What's the area like?

[abbyfromoz]

I am pleasantly surprised... Having moved to London 8 years ago Clapham and surrounding area was previously considered (for lack of a better word) a bit of a dive. I'm pretty sure most would have described it as expat/student heaven- now days it's all nappy valley. A lot of lovely prep schools and Northcote Road has become more upmarket. Even the surrounding council estates are mostly private occupants now days (such is the demand)...I don't think there's anywhere in zone 1 & 2 that doesn't have an estate nearby. But you know- we are all advocates for our own territory!

[bunnymother]

I would buy near the Central Line. Without a doubt - takes you straight to the City. Which means, I think, W8, W11 and W2. W8 or W11 would be my preference. Especially as Notting Hill Gate has both the Central AND Circle and District lines. Google maps will show you how many communal gardens and public parks are in the area. Maybe consider a house backing into a communal garden in W11, if possible? That would be my pick. Good luck!

[bunnymother]

Before I go, not all Tube lines are equal - apparently lots of breakdowns on the Northern line. Central and Jubilee lines are newer.

[thornrose]

Trying to get on the tube at Clapham Common or Clapham North in the rush hour was a nightmare when I did it. Having to rely on the Northern line is a real pain.

SW4 wouldn't be my first choice with your budget.