South Highgate is one of the most coveted spots in London and not just because it neighbours the glorious green space of Hampstead Heath and Parliament Hill. Lines of immaculate luxury apartments, many of which are in the faux Tudor and Georgian styles, house Britain’s, and even the world’s, rich and famous. And when these stars pass away, as we all inevitably must, it’s only a short journey to the iconic Highgate cemetery – where some of history’s greats are buried. Whether it be going to the Hampstead ponds for a dip, appreciating the best view the city has to offer, leisurely drinking a hearty ale at The Flask – South Highgate residents have figured out how to live the good life. Lastly, with Highgate and Archway tube stations nearby, it’s very well connected – a mere 20 minutes from central London.

Once a little village on the outskirts of the city, Highgate dates back to 1354. It was around these times, back when the land was used primarily as the hunting grounds of the Bishops of London, that the area got its name. Gates were high to keep all the hunted deer in, and they weren’t all that creative with making up names back then. In the 16th century, the rich and famous started to visit the area as a luxurious weekend rural retreat and began building impressive homes. This is a trend that has since persisted throughout the ages. Made extra famous by being the neighbourhood where Samuel Taylor Coleridge finally kicked his opium habit, celebrities still roam the relaxing, therapeutic grass of Parliament Hill.

Russian defector and ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko is buried in Highgate cemetery. He’s buried 12 feet down in a lead coffin to prevent any radioactive poisoning, which was deemed his suspicious cause of death in 2006.

The largest downside to living in such a coveted spot of London is that it is horrifyingly expensive. Additionally, it has a very vocal conservation society that makes any kind of building modification a potentially treacherous neighbourhood faux-pas.

As mentioned, the Highgate society is notoriously tough on protecting the beautiful character of Highgate, meaning that developments are few and far between. Most recently a house on the high street was renovated in a modern style and termed a ‘ghastly monstrosity’ by residents. Looking forward, the Holly Lodge scheme is currently under construction on Oakshott Avenue providing new luxury real estate. The development is typically small and is made up of a collection of 4 private sale and 4 Shared Ownership properties.