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Camden Town Property Guide
1. Camden Town Property
The essentials about living and buying property in Camden Town,
with local Camden Town estate agents Sandfords
2. Camden Town History
If you're looking for history dating back hundreds
of years, Camden Town isn't the place to start. It
didn't start to flourish as a centre of excellence
until 1791, when it was laid out as a residential
district. Before then it was a collection of open
fields and meadows.
Camden Town was actually styled to replicate a
residential estate in Chislehurst, Kent. It was the
vision of Charles Pratt, the 1st Earl of Camden, and
his plan to build a residential quarter was the
catalyst for urbanisation. Progress snowballed and
in 1850 the railway opened, followed by the
Regent's Canal in 1861.
The Camden Town of today is very much a recent evolution. It was an area considered unfashionable
even as late as the mid 20th. As adjacent areas in the NW postcode grew in stature and cachet, so the
'ripple' effect began. The desirability rubbed off on Camden Town and a new breed of resident moved in,
drawn by its arts scene, edgy vibe and cosmopolitan mix.
Camden Town's past and present residents are suitably well connected to the arts, with Charles
Dickens, playwright Alan Bennett, Dylan Thomas, Chris Martin of Coldplay fame and Amy Winehouse all
names on the list.
3. Camden Town Life
The melting pot of cultures and nationalities is summed up
in the song 'Camden Town' by Madness lead singer Suggs.
The line 'In Camden Town you can do anything you want to'
sums up the pervasive care-free ambience, although the
area has moved distinctly upmarket since the song was
released in the mid 1990s.
The opening of Camden Town's Underground station in
1907 really brought the area in from the social wilderness.
Camden Town always had a reputation for live music, and
the two big music halls - the Bedford and the Camden
Theatre, attracted large audiences and top-name stars.
Today, the entertainment scene is lead by The Roundhouse,
where a constantly-changing programme of music, arts and
performance acts wow the crowds.
Camden's famous markets remain popular with tourists and
residents alike, while a cruise up the canal through Camden
Lock is a favourite summer activity. Look out for the famous
TV-AM eggs cups from the 1980s - the building is now used
by music channel MTV.
4. Top Attractions in Camden Town
1. Shopping in the markets - Camden’s theatres markets have
been attracting visitors since the 1970s. Camden Lock, Buck
Street, the Stables, Camden Lock Village and the Electric
Ballroom are the locations for the stalls selling everything from
boutique homewares to biker boots.
2. Live music and performance venues - it’s possible to
eschew the big venues like Wembley at the O2 Arena when
you live in Camden Town. The Roundhouse, the Jazz Café and
The Electric Ballroom are all venues that attract A-list artists.
3. Foodie heaven - an amble on market days will reveal
several stalls selling street food, as well as some tuckedaway, niche restaurants waiting to be discovered. For fine
dining head to Ian Pengelley’s cavernous Gilgamesh
restaurant and bar.
4. Cemented in popular culture - Charles Dickens set the
pace by placing various characters and dramas in Camden
Town. Cult film Withnail and I was set in the community, as
was most of Mike Leigh’s film Happy-Go-Lucky. The area
has also been immortalised in songs by Morrissey, as well
as Suggs.
5. Camden Town Property Profile
Look past the colourful stalls, and equally as colourful
residents, and you will find some wonderful property for
sale in Camden Town that reflects a number of styles and
historical periods.
There are some elegant Georgian terraces, which are
snapped up by professional workers seeking a more edgy
base in the capital. Note down Albert Street and Arlington
Road if Georgian style is top of your list.
Some of the best Victorian properties are set on Camden
Road, Gloucester Crescent and Camden Square - the latter
was once home to Amy Winehouse. Keep your eyes open
for unusual loft and warehouse conversions, especially
around the lock. These flats for sale in Camden Town
include The Henson Building - a former warehouse used to
store Jim Henson's puppets. It's now a highly-coveted
residential scheme.
6. What our Estate Agents love about Camden Town
A 24/7 lifestyle - The Evening Standard
once reported that Camden Town wasn't
for those who wanted a peaceful life. Alive
seven days a week, the area appeals to
those who work hard, play hard.
New build opportunities - not over
precious about its landscape and local
vernacular, Camden Town witnesses some
spectacular new build developments, with
architecturally-unusual flats for sale and to
rent in NW1.
Media savvy - Camden Town isn't a place for
embassies and afternoon tea. It has become a centre
for media and creative types, especially since MTV
moved into the former TV-AM studios, and Associated
Press Television News took up residency in The
Interchange - a former gin warehouse.
7. Buying or Renting Property in Camden Town
Property for sale in Camden Town is rising in
value. Being so close to Primrose Hill and
Regent's Park, it was inevitable that the
house-buying overspill would find its way to
Camden. Flats for sale in Camden Town still
represent relative value-for-money but the
period houses for sale in Camden Town are
nudging and surpassing the £1 million mark.
There are a number of investment and
development opportunities in Camden Town.
Some of the larger Georgian and Edwardian
properties have as many as 14 bedrooms, so
can be turned into upmarket apartments
with thought and conviction. There is a
strong rental market in the neighbourhood.
Flats to rent in Camden Town are often
sought by young professionals whose
lifestyle suits the buzzing community.
Our Camden Town estate agents are reporting
that the area has become more popular since the
development of the nearby King's Cross area, so
expect demand to outstrip supply as the property
market picks up pace.
8. Properties for Sale and to Rent in Camden Town
Some of our top featured properties for Sale and to Rent in Camden Town:
1 bedroom flat for sale in South Villas, Camden
Town, London, NW1
2 bedroom flat to rent in Gilbey House, 38
Jamestown Road, Camden Town, London, NW1
For an updated and complete list of properties for sale or to rent in Camden Town, please visit
www.sandfords.com
9. Contact Us
For more information on Camden Town and properties available for sale or to rent in the area, don’
t hesitate to contact or visit our estate agents office in nearby Primrose Hill.
Sandfords Primrose Hill
107 Regent’s Park Road
Primrose Hill,
London NW1 8UR
T +44 (0)20 7722 7997
phsales@sandfords.com
phlettings@sandfords.com
www.sandfords.com