This part of Eltham is a quintessential suburban neighbourhood. Residents enjoy large mock Tudor family homes, equipped with their own gardens and driveways. For those families without yards, there’s no shortage of greenery in the area, such as the huge parks of Middle Park Field and Eltham Green. While the locality doesn’t currently attract many young professionals, families love the neighbourhood’s historical roots. On a typical weekend, residents can be found exploring the restored Eltham Lodge museum and grounds, celebrating the rich local history. For those looking for more lively entertainment, there are always new and exciting pieces popping up at the Bob Hope Theatre. The quaint village of Eltham really does have plenty to offer!

Eltham Palace sits nestled within this neighbourhood. The building dates back to 1296, when Antony Bek, Bishop of Durham, built a manor house on the site. The house was eventually expanded in the 14th century. Unfortunately, during the English Civil War in 1648, the palace and manor were largely destroyed. The parts of the building that were left were later used as farm buildings in the 19th century. Later on, in 1933, Stephen and Virginia Courtauld took over the site, and began to refurbish it, building additional structures. Following their residency, the site served many different uses. By 1995, English Heritage took over management of the manor and houses. Today it’s open for visitors looking to learn about the area’s history.

Famous comedian, Bob Hope, lived in Eltham in his very early years. Although he spent most of his life in the United States, the neighbourhood celebrates his connection to the area. The popular Bob Hope Theatre opened in the neighbourhood in the 1940s as the Eltham Little Theatre. The owners wished to sell off the land in the 1970s, until it was saved by a cash injection by Hope himself, and has since played host to such names as Frankie Howerd and Jude Law.

The transport connections from this part of Eltham to Central London can be somewhat lacking. If residents don’t want to drive, it requires a walk to nearby Southeastern Railway stations in the bordering neighbourhoods. Still, residents love that this detachment allows for a comfortable suburban feel in the area.

Eltham has seen more attention from housing developers in recent years. Galliard Homes recently built Grove Place. The development brings modern one-to three- bedroom flats to the area, all surrounded by landscaped gardens. Looking forward, the Waterford Place scheme is currently under construction providing new terraced and semi-detached homes along Holland Gardens to the east of this neighbourhood. What’s especially unique about these family friendly homes is that many of them will be entirely wheelchair accessible.