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Introducing Friern Barnet

Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Friern Barnet is a pleasant, leafy suburb in North London, less than eight miles from Charing Cross and less than half an hour by rail to Kings Cross from New Southgate rail station. The area, which is near to Arnos Grove and Bounds Green, is mostly made up of desirable late Victorian and Edwardian properties although it also features some 20th century architecture and modern developments. A notable example of the latter category is Princess Park Manor – a sought-after luxury redevelopment made up of high-end apartments bought by celebrities and professional couples.

Tight-knit community

Originally split between Hertfordshire and Middlesex, Friern Barnet was incorporated into Greater London as the city grew. It still has the feeling of a quiet, tight-knit community, with tree-lined streets, parks and gardens still evoking the district's village origins.

Princess Park Manor is set in over 30 acres of green parkland and Boyden's Kitchen, a popular café for English and American style breakfast or brunch, looks out over the grounds, making it a favoured spot to enjoy coffee and cake on a sunny afternoon.

Green spaces

The Edwardian Friary Park includes several private gardens, Friary House and the North Middlesex Golf Club. Local events and fetes are held on its open green spaces throughout the summer. Nearby, Coppett's Wood Nature Reserve is a sanctuary for rare plants and wildlife, including bats and great crested newts.

Excellent schools

First-rate transport links and local schools make this a desirable neighbourhood, especially for young professional couples and families. Friern Barnet combines the affordability and tranquillity of the suburbs with the diversity and accessibility of city living. The area includes primary, secondary and private schools, from Holly Park, St John's and Garfield primary schools to Friern Barnet School, Dwight School London, Woodhouse College and Wren Academy.

Accessibility

Nearby Arnos Grove Tube station sits on the Piccadilly Line into central London and there are several bus routes into Camden and other parts of North London. As well as providing trains to Moorgate, Finsbury Park and King's Cross, New Southgate rail station also allows access to the Hertfordshire countryside and Welwyn Garden City.

Desirable

Many of the attractive Victorian terraces have been divided into flats but plenty of whole terraced houses, as well as detached and semi-detached properties remain available. Local shops can be found on Friern Barnet Road whilst large retail chains are situated within Friern Barnet Retail Park with a Tesco Extra also situated nearby.

Friern Barnet remains a friendly and scenic North London district suitable for young professionals and families alike.