Press Article
THE LONDON PAPER - Wednesday, 24 October 2007
So You Wanna Live In: Parsons Green by RAVNEET AHLUWALIA.
Parsons Green is an oasis of calm between the hectic New King's Road and Fulham Road.
Although it is not going to be challenging Shoreditch for the crown of hippest London neighbourhood, its flourishing cafe and bar trade has led to it being hailed as the "coolest part of Fulham" by admiring locals.
Parsons Green's popularity, however, is nothing new. It has long been the most sought-after part of SW6, providing residents with respite from the perennially busy Fulham Broadway.
Buyers welcome splashes of open space, and they also love the quiet streets full of tidy period homes.
Jo Eccles of property search agent Sourcing Property says that Parsons Green has managed to establish its own identity within the Fulham area: "It has an intimate village feel with a range of boutiques, cafes and restaurants, as well as independent shops."
Eccles adds that property in Parsons Green is cheaper than in neighbouring areas.
Victorian terraced houses, ranging from three to six-bedroom properties, are the order of the day. The most desirable properties are those on the Peterborough Estate.
They are known locally as the Jimmy Nichols lion houses after the architect who designed them. Georgian houses with a view of Parsons Green often sell for more than £2 million.
Quarrendon Street and Chisptead Street are popular addresses, and the prices of family homes there are between £2-3 million.
The area is popular among wealthy young professionals who take the District line to the City.
About 60 per cent of the properties are flats and period conversions, and a two-bed garden flat will set you back £500,000.
Flats on Munster Road, however, are a cheaper alternative – you can still grab a one-bedroom apartment there for less than £300,000.
What's good about Parsons Green?
It's quiet and residential yet central, with stunning houses.
What's bad about it?
Family homes are expensive and council tax is high.
Your neighbours
City boys and girls, and wealthy execs with families.
Famous residents
Leslie Grantham, Neil Fox.
You know you're a local when...
You're a regular at The White Horse gastropub, nicknamed the Sloaney Pony.
Transport
Parsons Green is on the District line in zone 2.
Crime
Levels of burglary and theft are above average, but rates of robbery are low.
Schools
Holy Cross RC and New King's primaries perform well. Lady Margaret and the London Oratory secondaries are two of the best-performing schools in the capital.