property, homes and houses for sale in Blackheath

Become a Heathen worshipper.

Living in Blackheath

With the wide-open space of the heath – which rolls into Greenwich Park and on to the river – Blackheath remains the classy corner of south east London, distinguishing itself from its Lewisham neighbours with beautiful houses and a thriving village centre.

Blackheath appeals to those who work in Canary Wharf and crave a little ‘olde worlde’ living after a day in the Isle of Dogs. It is the nearest place to Canary Wharf in south London with a community feel.

The area is also family-friendly, but there is a shortage of large homes, which means the market is always busy. The architecture is mainly period, with Victorian, Edwardian, Georgian and Regency houses.

The property right in Blackheath village is predominantly Georgian and is popular with professional couples who want to be close to the station and restaurants.

East of the village, the Cator Estate is an exclusive area. The gated estate was established in the 19th century, but also includes some modern properties. Public access is allowed but the gates are closed during rush hour.

Homes with a view of the heath are few and far between, and sell for a huge premium, and Victorian houses on Vanbrugh Park, Shooters Hill Road and South Row have reached multi-million pound prices.

If your budget is more modest, it’s worth looking on the borders of Blackheath and Kidbrooke.

Transport

The first stop on the Blackheath-London Bridge main railway line is Lewisham, linking with trains to Victoria Station, and to the DLR.

Blackheath borders the A2 for access to the Blackwall Tunnel, the M25 and the M20.

It is equidistant between Gatwick and Stansted airports (40 and 38 miles respectively), and five miles from London City Airport.

For more detailed information on travelling around London visit www.tfl.gov.uk.

History and culture

Named after the colour of its soil, Blackheath village dates from the early 1800s and is younger than it looks. The arrival of the railroad halfway through the 18th century spurred property development, including the popular Cator Estate.

The ancient common was once a wilderness of gorse and scrub, and a gathering point for activists such as those in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. In the 18th Century, the road to Dover was rife with highwaymen.

Today the green acres and ponds of the heath are well-tended and populated by people flying kites or walking across the grassland to All Saints Church or to the shops, bars and restaurants of Blackheath Village.

For further information please visit: www.lewisham.gov.uk.