Kensal Rise: Desirable, upmarket and authentic

Kensal Rise is a desirable, upmarket suburb located in the north-west area of London.

The area is in the same vicinity as Kensal Green and often used interchangeably. Like many areas of London, it has a rich and varied history.

It is located in Brent and borders the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Elegant and spacious terraces line the streets of Kensal Rise, while the many independent shops, facilities and cafes in the area help to give it an air of charm and sophistication.

Kensal Rise is also close to fashionable areas such as Notting Hill and Ladbroke Grove and yet, at the same time, seems to have remained curiously immune from excessive gentrification, which has helped to keep the property prices relatively low.

The suburb benefits from unique attractions, a raw edginess and community spirit.

Kensal Rise is located near to Queen’s Park and has grown into a thriving residential village.

It has some of the greatest transport links in London, while its strong sense of community has appealed to young families and professionals alike.

The area also boasts good schools, open spaces and bars.

Property

Kensal Rise has predominantly period properties, and contains a healthy mix of average houses and more expensive homes.

Some of the larger, substantial houses have been converted into apartments - providing plenty of accommodation for renters.

Whether you're into semi-detached 1920s houses, Edwardian terraces or plush flats, you'll be sure to find it here.

In 2009, Chamberlayne Road in Kensal Rise was voted the hippest street in Europe.

History

The area was originally one of the ten manors within the district of Willesden and was once known as "Kingisholt" ('The King's Wood') in 1253.

Kensal Rise remained largely agricultural well into the Victorian era, when residential development and the rise of the Grand Union canal and the Great Western Railway turned it into the vibrant suburb that it is now.

The sea also became a safe haven for Afro-Caribbean communities after the war.

Shops and Amenities

Undoubtedly one of the best places to shop in the area is Chamberlayne Road and Salusbury Road which have already proved incredibly popular among consumers.

If you want to go to decent restaurants, sample some of the many independent stores, and find nice places to go out and have a drink, then those are some of the best areas to visit.

There is definitely no shortage of places to wine and dine, whether you are eating cuisines from across the globe or grabbing a quick bite to eat at your local deli.

Transport

The underground lines in Kensal Rise can get you into Oxford Circus and the West End in as little as 20 minutes.

Kensal Rise also benefits from extensive bus services and a railway line which runs from Kensal Rise railway station, which makes it ideal for renters who are commuting to and from work, no matter which area of the capital they happen to work in.

London Overground services operate out of Kensal Green to London Euston, a journey that takes around 15 minutes. London Overground serves Kensal Rise and Brondesbury Park railway stations and provides regular services to Richmond in the west, Stratford in the east and Clapham Junction in the south.

Parks

Kensal Rise benefits from plenty of parks and green spaces, the most notable of which are Queen’s Park and Roundwood Park.

Queen's Park is relatively large and boasts six tennis courts, a pitch and putt course, a playground and café.

Roundwood Park benefits from Green Flag status and represents a little oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Published 16th May, 2014

© 2014 Estates IT Limited