Kew & Barnes Property Guide

Kew & Barnes estate agents consider this charming suburban area to be among some of London's finest, ideally situated within commuting distance to Central London as well West London's many attractions.

Kew and Barnes are small but perfectly formed Thames-side villages in London. Diverse, traditional, and vibrant, it is a must see for potential property buyers.

• The name "Kew" is believed to be derived from the Old French kai (meaning quay) and the Old English hoh ("spur of land", in reference to its position on the Thames). Barnes was first recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as Bernes.
• Believed to have dated as far back as Caesar's Gallic Wars, Kew & Barnes have remained fairly pastoral in their settings alongside development over the centuries.
• Now, Kew & Barnes is primarily a suburban area with several listed buildings still intact as well as the parks which have inspired so many artists for centuries – not least, Pissarro.

Living in Kew & Barnes

• Convenient commuting access into West and Central London; just a few stops away from attractions like Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
• Picturesque walks, such as, the Barnes Trail, as well as a myriad of parks and riverside strolls to choose from.
• A delightful mix of old, traditional English pubs with a blend of diverse, contemporary cuisine.
• Stunning architecture which has captured the imaginations of poets, painters, and property buyers for years.
• A selection of galleries, churches, and schools to give the region a well-rounded experience.

Kew & Barnes property tends to align itself with the more upscale London housing market, due in part, to its historic landmarks which have earned the region considerable prestige.
Some of the oldest (and prettiest) riverside housing in London is to be found here.

Neoclassical, Victorian and pre-Victorian styles dominate the residential areas, with the riverside homes taking on a distinctly sea cottage-like aesthetic. There is a reasonable selection of terraced, detached and semi-detached houses to choose from in prime riverside and parkside areas.

---

Council Tax

Council tax in this area tends to range around £1,000 for band A and increases up to £3,200 for band H.

---

Schools in Kew & Barnes

Barnes Primary School, Ravenscourt Park and Kew House Senior School and several other institutions, both independent and state-run, provide excellent choices for all ages. Kew & Barnes is also located conveniently so that schools slightly further afield are also accessible, increasing opportunities available to pupils.

The area draws in a variety of people, from young professionals and families, to an older crowd looking for a home in one of London's more peaceful and refined districts. Kew &
Barnes buyers tend to range from young professionals looking for a convenient commuting distance to more established business people as well as families and retirees, not to mention many high-profile stars.

Kew in particular is renowned for its extensive green space, and is home to London's Royal Botanic Gardens as well as Kew Pond and several other wildlife areas such as the London Wetland Centre. Other parks include Westerley Ware Recreation Ground which features tennis courts and children's play areas. There is also the huge North Sheen Recreation Ground which is teeming with sports facilities.

The stretch of riverbank between Barnes and Hammersmith is a peaceful nature reserve and a walk along the tow path is gives you the feeling of living in the countryside.

For a walk from Barnes to Hammersmith Bridge takes around 35 minutes and if you want to stroll further extending your journey towards Putney Bridge will add another 25 minutes. The good news for walkers is that there are several handy refreshment stops at either end of the walk - in Barnes you can prepare for your walk with a pint at the Bull's Head or the White Hart and in Putney you'll find the Duke's Head is a nice spot to recover.

There are several beautiful buildings such as St. Mary's Church, Olympic Studios and the Bull's Head, one of the region's most beloved local haunts. The tree-lined Barnes Green hosts open-air markets and fetes in the summer. As well as several galleries and landmarks to enjoy, simply taking in the festive flair throughout the seasons is more than enough to experience the spirit of Kew & Barnes, with some excellent shopping and eating places.

Kew & Barnes Transport Links

Kew & Barnes are optimally placed, with excellent connections to Heathrow Airport, Central London attractions such as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and the charm of West London's fascinating districts. As well as access to major bus routes, motorways, and train stations, Kew & Barnes offer tube stops including Kew Gardens and Stamford Brook which serve the District Line and Overground services for the North London Line.