Spotlight on ... Pitshanger

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A village with a distinct identity say Northfields Estate Agents

Pitshanger village is the London village everyone loves.

There is some debate as to whether the area is more accurately called just ‘Pitshanger’, and some believe that the name ‘Pitshanger Village’ has been simply dreamt up by estate agents to describe the area more attractively.
That might be the case but with the absence of the main retail chains on the long shopping parade on Pitshanger Lane – “The Lane” – coupled with the small frontages of numerous independent retailers, family-friendly watering holes – Pitshanger does have a distinct identity.

Deep roots
It’s a wonderful place to live. Richard Palfreeman, Managing Director, of the local estate agents Northfields, said: “The area is popular with families who appreciate the village-like feel and open spaces. Families put down deep roots here. Once people move here they tend to stay and move within the area.”
According to the Pitshanger Community Association Pitshanger Village is made up of about 3,000 households. That includes approximately 650 houses that make up the Brentham Garden Estate, which occupies the roads running between Pitshanger lane and Meadvale Road. It came before the better known Hampstead Garden Suburb in north London, and was the first ‘co-partnership’ garden suburb; where all the tenants owned shares in the company. Initially Brentham consisted of 100 typical Edwardian houses – more have been added since – and the estate was designated a conservation area in 1969. The distinctive white-washed cottages and small village greens are extremely sought after and Richard says: “They command a premium percentage of about five to ten per cent.”
Sharon Shankster, Lettings Manager, Northfields, moved to Pitshanger nearly 40 years ago and lives on Woodfield Road. She said: “We’re very lucky to live here. There’s a lovely village atmosphere and everyone knows everyone. It’s great for people with young families and there are always activities for children going on and there are all sorts of community groups. The shopping is brilliant – there’s everything you want – and you can get everything from fish and chips to sushi.”

There’s always something happening to bring the residents together. Richard said: “Northfields is proud to sponsor Party in the Park – the Pitshanger Community Associations main summer event – and held at the end of June each year.”
‘Light up the Lane’ is also something everyone looks forward to when the Mayor of Ealing switches on the Christmas lights and ‘the Lane’ sees a covered market, street traders, entertainers, food and drink and a Pitshanger Community Association barbecue.

The area attracts
Professionals and families who want quick links in and out of town without being too central; families who like the schools and people from Chiswick or Hammersmith who want more space for their money.
Transport
Very well connected. Ealing Broadway station – a ten to twelve minute walk away – has District and Central Line tube and national rail service on the Paddington-Reading line. There’s also fast access to the A40 and the North Circular to the M4. Heathrow Airport is just down the road. And with Crossrail set to fire up in 2017 Ealing will get a rapid, convenient link to central London.
Schools
This is the reason why many families move to the area. Top-scoring primaries include North Ealing and Montpelier and there is a clutch of independent secondary schools including Notting Hill and Ealing High and St Benedict’s.
Shops and restaurants
it’s got everything you want on your doorstep. The high street has a butcher, a fishmonger, and a deli called Harrison’s. There’s also an independent bookshop, and a decent range of restaurants and a range of restaurants and take-aways. The Organic Pizza House provides a pointer to the locality’s character and the fact that Lisa’s restaurant has been running for 18 years speaks for itself. There’s also a bang-up-to-the-minute gastro pub and a host of other eateries and gift shops.
Open space
Parks and open space are plentiful in Ealing. Pitshanger Park has tennis courts, sports pitches, bowling greens and picnic areas. Ealing golf course is on the other side of the River Brent and Perivale and Sudbury Golf Clubs are nearby.
Property
Three and four bedroom Victorian and Edwardian houses dominate the area, and sought after purpose-built flats outnumber conversions. Pitshanger Village properties consist mainly of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian semis and terraces. Brentham Garden Estate offers a choice of terraces, semis, cottages and flats. East of Brentham Gardens is a more recent development; the popular Art Deco Greystoke Estate consisting mainly of semis and detached family homes.
Northfields is selling a four-bedroom house on Curzon Road for £675,000.They also have three-bedroom apartment with off street parking and communal gardens in Castlebar Park for £369,950.

 

3rd February 2012