This neighbourhood, which includes areas of North Watford and Leavesden, presents itself as a quintessential example of suburbia, with a wide range of detached and semi-detached houses. With its access to green open spaces and a number of local schools, it’s no surprise this neighbourhood is particularly popular with families. One of the most prominent attractions of this area is the Warner Bros. Studios, which is home to the making of Harry Potter! And should residents not wish to navigate the hordes of tourists this venue attracts, there’s plenty more to do, including strolls around Goodwood Recreation Ground, or a day out to Cheslyn House and Gardens. If you wish for something a bit livelier, central Watford is just a stone throw away, and what’s more, there are fantastic transport links into central London and all that the city has to offer!

Cheslyn House and Gardens was originally owned by Henry and Daisy Colbeck. The former was an architect, and he designed the house, before the pair travelled across the world, creating the gardens that we see today. Most of the species are both unusual and exotic, reflecting their desire for adventure and travel. From 1965, the Colbecks went into partnership with the council, and they collaboratively increased the size of the gardens to 1.41 hectares. After Henry Colbeck died, the council gained full control and have since added multiple new features, including the pond and an aviary.

The neighbourhood’s famous Warner Bros. Studios was built on the site of RAF Leavesden, which was a former World War II airfield and aircraft factory.

The main downside of this area is its situation between the A41, M1, and M45 motorways. This not only contributes to a significant increase in noise and air pollution, but can also make it particularly vulnerable to heavy traffic during peak travel times. That said, residents of the area don’t mind this inconvenience, as the roads make this location particularly accessible to central London (M1), and other outer Boroughs (M25).

Housing development is slowly picking up on St Albans Road, especially around Watford Junction station. The Watford Cross residential development by Weston Homes is near completion. The development not only provides an additional 147 residential units in close proximity to public transport, but it is also reported that the Grade II listed Old Station House will still be renovated and converted into a microbrewery. Another site on the road, currently occupied by The Range and TK Maxx, has also been earmarked for development. Berkeley Housing received planning consent for the design and development of Eight Gardens, a new complex that is expected to provide over 1,200 new homes, many of which will be affordable. The development will also incorporate a primary school, a nursery, flexible commercial space and a new public square. While the project is contreversial, with many local residents criticising its scale and impacts on overcrowding and congestions, it intends to capitise on the area’s connectedness to London, and especially its proximity to Watford Junction station. All of these projects fall within the scope of the Watford Junction regeneration masterplan and should signal the potential for more development-oriented investment in the area.