This neighbourhood sits in a prime western location within Watford, up against the picturesque River Gade and the Grand Union Canal. Lined with many detached family houses that are furnished with private gardens and driveways, the neighbourhood has a quintessential suburban feel to it. For residents who might not have their own green areas, it’s only a short walk to the historic Cassiobury Park. Locals love passing through the park on the way to do errands in town. While there are some major shopping centres nearby, this part of Watford boasts some more independent businesses. A typical weekend can bring residents to a concert at Watford Colosseum or for a meal at Rhubarb Café, with a pint afterwards at local favourite, the Essex Arms. For Londoners looking for a more serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, Watford is a great place to settle down.

One of the many gems in this neighbourhood is Cassiobury Park. The park dates back to 1086, when it was much larger and served as the manor of Cassio. By 1546 however, Henry VIII had confiscated the land and sold it to Sir Richard Morrison, who began building Cassiobury House. By the 17th century, one of Morrison’s family members had been made Earl of Essex, and later directed the remodelling of the site and house. Unfortunately, the estate went through a period of poor maintenance and by 1900, the house could no longer be used as a permanent residence. The Council went ahead and purchased large portions of the land, turning it into public recreation space. Today the site is recognised as a grade II historical park.

A grand staircase from the former Cassiobury Estate was donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. What’s left of the building has since been converted into a retirement home.

Unfortunately, the section of the neighbourhood near the shopping centres is passed through by major roads and intersections that are far from pedestrian friendly. With busy traffic and multiple lanes, few residents walk around that area. This doesn’t bother many of them though - since the neighbourhood is fairly walkable in other sections near the public library and town hall.

Little Cassiobury House, a building that was constructed in the area in 1670, had suffered many years of neglect and fallen into disrepair, despite its Grade II* listed status. An assessment by Historic England described the building as a heritage asset at risk “in slow decay with no solution agreed.” A local community group, Little Cassiobury Community Interest Company (CIC), has been working for years now to save this historical building and convert it into a community arts and exhibition space. They have been consistently successful in gaining support and funding to that end and it is reported that if they are able to secure another National Lottery Fund grant, the council has agreed to transfer ownership of Little Cassiobury to the CIC. This all speaks to the spirit of the local community and the relationship they have built with their neighbourhood.