Welcome to Harpdenden

Congratulations, if you are house hunting in Harpdenden, you have already won. A home in this great area with all it offers, automatically makes you the envy of many. Now in order to make your transition as smooth and hassle free as possible Hamptons have put together this great guide which will help you choose the best schools, learn a little about planning and building control, read tips on where to shop, eat and lot’s more, all packed into one little guide with clickable links. Perhaps most importantly we have researched some of the leading local professionals and experts who can help you add value and personalise your soon to be new home. A big WELCOME and enjoy.

Until the 13th century the area was largely woodland, much of which was cleared by Westminster Abbey to make way for farmland and settlement when Edward the Confessor granted it the land in 1060 as part of the Wheathampstead Manor estate. Like many other British towns, Harpenden saw dramatic growth following the arrival of the railway in 1860, with residential developments replacing much of the surrounding farmland and establishing the town as the commuter hotspot it is today.

The area of Poets’ Corner has streets named after some of England’s finest literary figures, including Shakespeare Road, Kipling Way and Shelley Court.

The properties of Harpenden exhibit a wide range of architectural styles from the Tudor era to the modern day, with everything from contemporary apartments and new build houses to large period properties and aspirational family homes. Notable local buildings include the Grade II listed St Nicholas Church which has stood in the heart of the town since the early 13th century and the exemplary 1960s Ahm House by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who is best known for designing the Sydney Opera House.

Although it has all the amenities you would expect from a substantial town, including a fantastic range of schools, shops and restaurants, its quaint streets and abundant green spaces allow Harpenden to retain a village feel.

The properties of Harpenden exhibit a wide range of architectural styles from the Tudor era to the modern day, with everything from contemporary apartments and new build houses to large period properties and aspirational family homes. Notable local buildings include the Grade II listed St Nicholas Church which has stood in the heart of the town since the early 13th century and the exemplary 1960s Ahm House by Danish architect Jørn Utzon, who is best known for designing the Sydney Opera House.

Harpenden has an outstanding selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, with something to suit every taste. Diners can choose from a vast range of cuisine from contemporary Indian dishes at Infuse Bistro to delicious seafood at Lussmans and tapas at Azita. There are also numerous country pubs in the town and surrounding villages for those in need of a tipple.

Harpenden is a respected town with a traditional English village atmosphere, situated between Luton and St Albans. As a place to settle it is difficult to beat, with tree-lined streets, period cottages and numerous commons and open spaces.

Property here does not come cheap and there has been a particular rise in the demand for large detached family homes, an indication of the growing number of affluent commuters choosing the area. The town has plenty of multimillion-pound properties but it is still possible to find modern two and threebedroom houses for between £200,000 and £300,000 to the east of the railway line.

Two of England’s best-performing state schools are based in Harpenden - Sir John Lawes and St George’s. Competition is fierce to attend the schools and outstanding examination results attract many new residents who wish to live in the catchment area. The town’s independent schools are wellestablished favourites with parents and also offer an excellent standard of education.

Nature is a main attraction in Harpenden and those who live in the town can enjoy the outdoor space whenever they choose. Quality of life and health is improved by the endless opportunities for activity. Families can engage with the great outdoors and keep children away from their TVs with exciting countryside outings. The large expanse of land known as ‘Nomansland’ Common has an interesting history. Here, part of the Second Battle of St Albans was fought in the War of the Roses and it was reportedly the haunt of the highwaywoman known as ‘The Wicked Lady.’Harpenden has a vibrant set of fantastic shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. There is limited representation of nationwide multiple High Street stores in order to retain Harpenden’s character, but there are an abundance of tempting independent shops brimming with antiques, boutique clothing and luxury goods.

www.greatbritishlife.co.uk

Harpenden and the surrounding area has been a home to rockstars, celebrities, athletes, academics, artists and common or garden members of the upper-crust for generations. Here are a few notable names you may or may not know..

Stanley Kubrick,

Owen Farrell,

Craig Charles, Comedian and Actor Ralph Chubb, Poet, Artist Matt Dickinson, Everest mountaineer, author, scriptwriter and director Lee Dixon, former Arsenal footballer Siobhan Fahey, Singer Ben Foden, England International Rugby Union player Miles Golding, Classical musician Richard Herring, Comedian and podcaster Steve Hewlett, former presenter of The Media Show on BBC Radio 4 George Hogg, British journalist Frank Ifield, Australian singer and yodeller lived in Harpenden John Keane, Artist Henry Lawson, Australian Joe Lenzie, Music producer and DJ Andy Linighan, Footballer James Mardall, Cricketer Ashley Young, former Manchester United and England international footballer Christopher Strauli, Actor Eric Morecambe, Comedian Dame Ellen Terry, Actress