East Finchley is prime real estate where the description leafy is simply not enough.
Living in East Finchley
East Finchley has a lovely village atmosphere and a good choice of local shops and restaurants complemented by the Phoenix Cinema on the High Road. It is the oldest purpose-built picture house in the UK and described by Time Out magazine as the best single-screen in London.
Until the arrival of steam in the late 19th century, East Finchley was rich farming land. The chance to breathe fresh air within commuting distance of London attracted the middle-class, and East Finchley has been attracting wealthy professionals ever since.
East Finchley is slightly apart from the rest of Finchley, considered to be a flawless emerald in North Londons crown. Hampstead Garden Suburb, the two golf courses of Hampstead and Highgate, and the great swathe of Hampstead Heath all lie to the south and share spectacular views of London.
Property in East Finchley is a mix of Victorian and Edwardian villas sometimes divided into flats, three-bedroom Edwardian terraces, and contemporary developments of flats and townhouses interspersed with low-rise council developments.
Some of the most sought-after middle-priced property is in Fortis Green and up towards Coldfall Wood and Muswell Hill. But if you are super rich, look no further than the gated mansions in The Bishop's Avenue, which change hands for double-digit millions.
Alternatively, for a little less hard cash, Hampstead Garden Suburb has substantial detached properties, with good-sized gardens, a few of which have clears views of Hampstead Golf Course and London.
Transport
East Finchley tube station is on the High Barnet branch of the Northern Line providing services to Euston, Charing Cross and Waterloo mainline stations.
The Victorian station was rebuilt in the 1920 to an Art Deco design and has semi-circular glazed stairways leading to an enclosed bridge over the tracks.
Dominating the station is a ten-foot high statue by Eric Aumonier of a kneeling archer who appears to have just released his arrow into the opening of the tunnel, which runs over 17 miles south to Morden. For many years it was the longest tunnel in the world.
The archer is intended to commemorate Finchley's ancient association with hunting.
For information regarding tube times and for local bus routes please visit http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/default.aspx .
By road, East Finchley is moments away from the A406 North Circular, which joins the M1 to the west at Junction 1 Staples Corner.
History and culture
On the High Road opposite the junction with Church Lane is East Finchleys Grade II listed Art Deco library.
At the rear of the library adjacent to St. Pancras & Islington Cemetery, which is the oldest and largest municipal cemetery in London, are award-winning allotments owned by Barnet Council.
Near the cemetery, on the north side of the A406 North Circular, is Great North Leisure Park offering numerous sporting facilities and halls for cultural activities.
Several notable people have lived in East Finchley including film star Peter Sellers, who lived with his mother at 211b High Street.
Pop star George Michael was born in Church Lane, ,Mick Jagger lived above an off licence in the High Road and 1930s entertainer Gracie Fields occupied a house in The Bishops Avenue.