Mill Hill: A village-like hub with affluence and sophistication

Mill Hill is a lively and affluent district located in the heart of the London borough of Barnet. 

It is an area steeped in history and has a rich, cultural heritage dating back to the early 1500s.

London is sometimes depicted as a somewhat chaotic city with lots of hustle and bustle that launches a full-frontal assault on the senses.

However, Mill Hill is a different kettle of fish altogether. It is ideal for families, professionals, and artistic individuals due to its tranquil, suburban, village atmosphere.

It has a number of green spaces, a wealth of local shops, delis, cafes and restaurants, most of which are located in Mill Hill Broadway.

The area also has a number of leisure facilities and activities that people can get involved in. These facilities include Mill Hill Golf Club and the well-respected London Equestrian Centre, set in 34 acres of countryside.

The centre is located only minutes away from Finchley.

Education

Educational facilities in the area are also known for their academic excellence. Mill Hill has a healthy combination of junior and infant schools - most of which are mixed/junior schools. In addition, it also has independent and secondary schools. 

Transport

There are a number of transport links that connect Mill Hill to other regions in the UK. Stations in the area include Mill Hill Broadway Station (First Capital Connect) and Mill Hill East station (Northern Line).

The Tube is one of the quickest ways to get around in London and quickly connects you to other areas within the city, including Central London.

In addition, bus services connect the area to other parts of the capital. The A1 and A41 meet as they enter Mill Hill at Fiveways Corner and is known as the Watford Way. The dual carriageway passes through Mill Hill, and the routes diverge at Apex Corner.

The area is located only nine miles from Central London. If you travel by train, it means that it takes just over 20 minutes to get into the West End, and all of the shops, amenities and attractions that are based there.

Property

Houses in this area are mainly geared towards the higher end of the market. Although it is possible to pick up a reasonable property such as a bungalow for around the £650,000 mark, many of the homes that are available in Mill Hill, sell for around £2 million or more.

There are also little village hubs in London, such as Mill Hill Place, which offer a luxurious mix of high end apartments and homes, arranged around attractive landscapes.

Typical attributes of these types of communities include green spaces, independent shops, weekend farmers markets and thriving high streets, plus good schools, which together form close-knit communities.

One of the things that stands out about properties in this part of London is that even within the same areas, properties vary widely in terms of their appearance, architecture and outlook.

In Mill Hill, residents are able to choose from detached properties, to semi-detached, flats and bungalows.

Most of the homes you will find in the area have a contemporary and light design, with plenty of open spaces.

Redevelopment

Mill Hill has undergone a number of regeneration schemes, which are predominantly aimed at building new homes and retail spaces in the area.

One of the latest regeneration schemes is being overseen by GB Building Solutions, which has signed contracts worth over £50 million for redevelopment work both in Greenwich and Mill Hill.

In Mill Hill, the company is set to work on Millbrook Park, which will include planning for 2,174 new homes, ancillary retail, light industrial and office space, an energy centre and a new two-form primary school.

In addition, a new health centre will be constructed, along with almost six hectares of parks and open space.

The contract is made up of two developments. This includes 133 units comprised of 31 one-bedroom and 61 two-bedroom apartments, 14 three-bedroom and 27 four-bedroom houses, as well as car parks and access roads. This is in addition to commercial real estate buildings.

The work started in January this year and is expected to be completed in July next year.

Martin Smout, executive chairman of the GB Group, said: "All 294 of the homes at both developments are designed to achieve Level Four of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

"We think it’s important to share our experiences and examples of best practice and to help develop the innovative thinking that will ultimately deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for the UK’s built environment."

Green spaces

Mill Hill is renowned for its beautiful parks and green spaces. This is partly down to efforts by politicians in the 1930s and 40s, who ensured that the green belts that run through it were protected.

An association known as Barnet Society has been set up to protect the countryside of Mill Hill. They claim that the Green Belt to be critical to health and well-being, a defining part of the character of both Chipping Barnet and London.

Notable People

Some of the most famous faces to have emerged from the area include actor Patrick Troughton, who played the second doctor  from Doctor Who and the abolitionist William Wilberforce.

The racing driver Graham Hill also lived in the area for much of his life.

Published 7th February, 2014

© 2014 Estates IT Limited