Living in Barnes
'Pastoral', 'quaint', 'serene' are just some of the words that come to mind when thinking about Barnes - not typically what you think of when picturing big city living. However, if you are looking for a location that offers convenient access into Central London, whilst benefiting from leafier surroundings and a slower pace of life, then Barnes should be top of your list. Located in South West London close to neighboring Chiswick and Fulham, it is an ideal place to raise a family without adding several hours to your weekly commute.
With the range and style of available properties in Barnes, it feels more like a leafy Home Counties village than suburban London. For instance, walk down The Terrace and marvel at the stunning 18th century riverside houses and Georgian mansions that give Barnes its unique aesthetic. Further along The Terrace, there is a Victorian red brick police station that has now been converted into flats - perfect for the single dweller who wants to escape the sound and fury of the inner city. This historic, laid-back area is one to consider if you want to escape the hustle and bustle without fleeing the city.
Transport
Tube:
No tube stations in Barnes
East Putney Underground Station: 17-minute bus ride
Trains:
Trains depart from Barnes Bridge Station (Zone 3)
Barnes Bridge to Waterloo: 26 minutes
Barnes Bridge to Clapham Junction: 15 minutes
Barnes Bridge to Chiswick: 19 minutes
Bus:
There are no buses that start from Barnes and go into Central London. However, bus numbers 33, 419, 533, 72, 209 and 283 drive through Barnes via Hammersmith where you can get the Circle, District and Hammersmith lines in Central London.
Average Rental Price
1 bed: £1,393 pcm
2 bed: £2,033 pcm
3 bed: 3,056 pcm
4 bed: £4,328 pcm
Council Tax
To be paid to Richmond Council
https://www.richmond.gov.uk/council_tax_property_bands_and_charges
Schools
There are many good and outstanding Ofsted rated schools located in or near to Barnes. Some of the best primary schools include Barnes Primary School and St Osmund’s RC. There are several secondary schools near Richmond Park, the most popular being Ark Putney Academy and Ashcroft Technology. In addition, there are several private schools nearby such as St Paul’s School, the Harrodian and Latymer Upper. Also within Barnes is the well-regarded private Swedish School which has drawn in a significant expat population from the Nordic country to the local area.
Life in Barnes
If you’re looking for an alternative to the hustle and bustle of inner London, Barnes offers its residents all the benefits of rural living without having to sacrifice any of the perks of the city. There is no shortage of options for food, drink, and leisure, and below are our suggestions of where to eat, drink and find some fun.
Food & Drinks:
Orange Pekoe
The owners of Orange Pekoe have traveled far and wide to offer their customers just about any loose leaf tea you can ask for. Situated on the River Thames, Orange Pekoe is a lovely place to sit outdoors and enjoy an afternoon tea with your family and friends. With 50 different teas to choose from and a mouth-watering breakfast and brunch menu, you are guaranteed to leave feeling refreshed and satisfied. Try any of their loose teas for £2.60 per mug and a traditional afternoon tea for £19.95.
Quintessential British Pubs
One of Barnes' best qualities is its overabundance of great British pubs. Whether you want to go to The White Hart, The Bull's Head, The Bridge, The Red Lion (to name but a few), you can rest assured that you will be able to find all the British pub staples you know and love: beer gardens, pool tables, TV screens for the football and ,of course, classic pub menus. Our favourite is the roast striploin of British beef with yorkshire puddings at The Brown Dog washed down with a pint of the house craft beer.
Olympic Café & Dining Room
No more munching on extortionately priced hotdogs and nachos in the cinema - instead you can dine in style and enjoy a three-course meal before watching the latest releases at the Olympic Café & Dining Room. The café and dining rooms form part of the Olympic Cinema Complex, which has transformed the legendary Olympic Studios (where the likes of Led Zeppelin and the Beatles have recorded some of their most famous hits) into a cinema and private members club. The restaurant itself offers seasonal British fare and is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bring your paramour here and put an impressive new spin on the tried and tested dinner-and-a-movie date.
Culture & Leisure:
London Wetland Centre
A breathtaking nature reserve that is a must-see for anyone living in Barnes. Located only a 10-minute bus ride away from Barnes Station (Stop A), it is a fun day out for the whole family. For £13 for an adult, £7.90 for 4 to 16-year olds and free entry for under 4’s, you can see hundreds of exotic swans, ducks, reptiles, otters, insects and much more. You can take a leisurely stroll around the gardens and the lakes or bring a picnic to one of the many green spaces. Head to their website to find their schedule to see when you can feed birds, meet the otters, and give your children the opportunity to become a wetland explorer.
Chiswick House
Chiswick House is a neo-Palladian villa located close to Barnes. A fine example of 18th century British architecture, Chiswick House is a great place for both committed and occasional history buffs to spend an afternoon learning more about our architectural heritage. Built in 1726 by architect William Kent, Chiswick House itself is now open to the public during April to September, while the 65 acres gardens are open all year round. Ticket price for entry to the house is £7.80 and it is open Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and the gardens are free to walk around.
Farmers Market
Barnes Farmers Market is one of the oldest farmers markets in London and is open every Saturday between 10am and 2pm. Located on Station Road, the market is within walking distance from the residential areas of Barnes and is the perfect place to pick up the ingredients you need for an exceptional Sunday Roast. Here, you can meet 20 producers who come to sell their fresh produce come rain or shine - expect to find organic meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, pastries, homemade juices and much more. Nothing less than exceptional quality.
Is it For You?
Barnes is one of the only spots in the city where you can enjoy serene, village living without moving out of London. If you are a working professional with a family, you will enjoy living close to an abundance of open, green space and well-regarded schools while benefiting from a commuting distance that allows you to be home in time for dinner with the kids every night.
