The neighbourhood of Osterley is a scenic London suburb that sits just west of beautiful Kew Gardens. Easily reachable by the Isleworth Underground Station, the area has attracted many commuting families. However, that’s not to say that residents are eager to hop back on the train during their days off. This quaint north London village boasts wonderful amounts of greenery. Residents can often be found going to jogs or strolls through the spacious and historic Osterley Park, while others come from other neighbourhoods to see the old manor house restored on site. The area is especially popular for its tight knit community energy, and even has an active Indian Gymkhana Club for residents to attend events at. For locals looking to enjoy a bite to eat, they’re spoiled by some of the wonderful food options. Between the delicious Thai food at Tiger Lily and the sandwiches at The Park Cafe, there’s something for everyone here.

Osterley dates back to the 13th century, when it was just a sheepfold clearing, which is how the area got its Old English name. In 1562, Sir Thomas Gresham, who was the financial advisor to Elizabeth I, purchased the manor of Osterley. Later on, in the 18th century, the manor was sold to banker Sir Francis Child who then remodelled the house, making the whole site more lavish. Once the railway arrived in the 19th century, further building began, many of the homes being luxury semi-detached houses. By 1939, the former Osterley Park House had been converted into a public building, to be enjoyed by locals as they wander through the park.

Local Osterley Park has served as the backdrop for many famous films. In the 2012 Christoper Nolan movie, The Dark Knight Rises, the scenes that were meant to take place by the Waynes Mansion were actually filmed in this park.

The busy M4 road cuts through this neighbourhood. Being a multi-lane street, its traffic brings quite a lot of noise and pollution to the area. Even so, residents find that being so close has its benefits as well. For drivers, they have easy access to the convenient road.

Within its local plan, Hounslow Council has mentioned many initiatives that will help improve and protect the Osterley neighbourhood in the coming years. Some of these efforts include allowing for infill development, while still adding new protections to views of Osterley Park. The council will also be working on adding new pedestrian and cycling links throughout the neighbourhood. Recently in late-summer 2022, a planning application has been submitted for a new development opposite Gillette Corner. The application would restore the Adini site’s listed Art Deco building, but also add two block of flats alongside it. The new buildings would be up to six stories high and contain 51 flats, set back 20m from the South side of the A4. All non-listed buildings on the 0.21 hectare site (predominantly warehouses) would be demolished to make room for these blocks, as well as landscaping and parking spaces.