Trooping The Colour For The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery

Every morning at 7am, the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery leaves their St. John’s Wood base for an hour and a half walk through the North West area of London as part of their strict daily routine. Each rider is in charge of three horses, riding one and leading two on either side by hand which makes for quite a sight to behold when they are seen riding down West End Lane in West Hampstead.

The King’s Troop is a part of the Army’s Household Troops and they are best known for their ceremonial gun displays at state occasions such as the Queen’s birthday, Royal Anniversaries and providing a gun carriage and black horses for state funeral processions, such as the funeral of the late Princess Diana.

The unit was originally named The Riding Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery but following a visit to the Troop’s base, King George VI amended the Troop’s visitors book by striking out the word ‘Riding’ and inserting “King’s”. On her accession, Queen Elizabeth II declared that the Troop’s name would remain in honour of her father.

A typical day for the soldiers and horses starts at 6am mucking out the horses and at 7am they leave the base for the horses exercise. Upon their return the horses are fed and the soldiers are given their breakfast, before returning to the horses at 9:15am to give them hay, daily grooming and to sweep the stables. After their 12:30 lunch, the soldiers dedicate their time to cleaning their uniforms, whilst ensuring the horses are fed at 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

The King’s Troop men and women are all trained primarily as fighting soldiers. Up to six of these soldiers can be deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan at any one time. Soldiers joining the Troop spend the first three to four years working as Mounted Gunners before they can be employed as saddlers, farriers, vehicle drivers, tailors, storemen or orderlies.

After 64 years at their St John’s Wood base, The King’s Troop are sadly moving 15 miles away to another base in Woolwich in 2012 after their lease with the Eyre Estate runs out. Due to increasing rent, they are no longer able to stay in the place where they originally formed. The familiar sound of the horses clip-clopping down the street will be sorely missed by residents who have grown used to hearing and seeing them walk by every day.

West Hampstead News

West Hampstead Apartment for Rent. Ravenshaw Street

London House for Rent, West Hampstead

A newly redecorated three double bedroom three storey terraced house set in the heart of West Hampstead. The accommodation comprises a fully fitted galley style kitchen/diner leading to private rear patio garden, spacious living room with wood floors and open plan dining area also leading to garden, three double bedrooms, study/office, tiled bathroom with shower and wc, available NOW, unfurnished or part furnished.


Ravenshaw Street, West Hampstead, London, NW6

Leasehold Flat for Sale Cricklewood, Temple Road

Temple Road, Cricklewood, London, NW2 £425,000 Leasehold

A spacious 1176 sq ft first and second floor duplex conversion offering two doubles and one single bedroom. The flat is located within a short walk to Cricklewood Thames link station, multiple bus routes and a large selection of local amenities.

The accommodation comprises a bright front aspect reception with fireplace and an angle bay, a spacious kitchen with adjacent breakfast/dining room, a comfortable second double bedroom with fireplace and a useful bedroom three/study. To the top floor is the master bedroom with a large amount of built in eves storage.

In addition there is direct access to a section of a fenced and enclosed southerly facing rear garden that is beautifully presented offering a vast array of colours, this is also in addition to the front ornamental garden.

The flat offers a wealth of charm and character including wood floors and we recommend the earliest possible viewing to avoid disappointment.
Call today!

Cricklewood Property For Sale

South Hampstead Apartment for Rent, Part Furnished

Priory Road, South Hampstead, London, NW6

A lovely two bedroom garden apartment set within this imposing Victorian conversion located moments from West End Lane and its transport facilities. This fully refurbished property comprises a master bedroom and further second bedroom/study with built-in wardrobes, fully fitted open plan kitchen and reception room opening out on to a private rear garden, fully tiled bathroom with shower and wc, available part furnished from 17th October.

Garden Apartment for Rent, South Hampstead

London Property Considered Safe Investment

London home sellers raised asking prices by the most in seven months in September as a lack of properties for sale and investors looking for safer assets amid financial-market turmoil bolstered values, Rightmove Plc said.

Asking prices rose 2.4 percent from August, when they fell 3.4 percent, the property website said in an e-mailed report today. Separate data from Rightmove showed national home values gained 0.7 percent after a 2.1 percent decline in August.

While values are being supported by record-low interest rates, waning consumer confidence and lenders’ insistence on large deposits are preventing the housing market from gaining momentum. Demand in London has been boosted by cash-rich buyers investing in property amid European financial volatility over attempts to avert a Greek default, Rightmove said.

“London’s buoyant property market looks set for a brisk autumn as buyers chase a more limited choice of fresh properties,” Miles Shipside, commercial director of Rightmove, said in the report. “With the continuing turmoil in the financial markets, and the threat of a Greek default, we are seeing a flight to safe assets.”

National asking prices rose 1.5 percent in September from a year earlier to an average 233,139 pounds ($368,700), Rightmove said. In London, Britain’s most expensive property market, prices were up 7.2 percent on the year to 427,889 pounds.

Bloomberg

An Artistic & New Way To Finchley Road For Those In A Rush!

From now on if you're in a rush there is a short cut between West End Lane and Finchley Road. The little noticed lane has always been there strarted on West End Lane between the Bridge Cafe and West End Lane Cars, however it was badly lit with rubbish strewn everywhere and the fence that separates the lane from the railway line was in very bad repair, so not somewhere you would fancy walking at any time of day.

In order to make this lane more appealing it has been renamed Billy Fury Way. The fence has been fixed, the rubbish gone and the lighting increased. Not only that, there is a superb graffiti mural of the 1960's Rock and Roll sensation Billy Fury, a tribute to this particular star has been chosen because he recorded most of his hits in the Decca Studios which were situated on our nearby Broadhurst Gardens. The Decca Studios were home to many popular songs and albums until 2009 when it become the Lilian Baylis House and is currently used as rehearsal space by the English National Opera.

There are plans for more music star murals to be added along the whole length of Billy Fury Way which we will look out for and let you know whose images have been selected!

The Billy Fury Mural was created by The Graffiti Life Company

West Hampstead News

Flat for Sale, Hillfield Road, West Hampstead

Hillfield Road, West Hampstead, London, NW6

A two double bedroom flat with a South facing garden set in a three storey period building along a popular wide tree lined street on the fringe of the ever popular "Greek roads".

The property is located within half a mile of all the amenities and transport links in West Hampstead including the Thames Link, Jubilee and London Overground stations in addition to a plethora of local shops, restaurants and bars in the local area.

The accommodation comprises an 18' front facing reception room with laminate wood floors; a modern semi open plan kitchen with wooden worktops and integral appliances; utility room with fitted storage and space for a washer dryer and the master bedroom with patio doors to the stunning South facing rear garden.

Further benefits include the second double bedroom with fitted storage cupboards and patio doors to the garden, fitted bathroom comprising of a white three piece suite and heated towel rail, long lease and no upper chain.

West Hampstead Property for Sale

Tenants Who Smoke Will Find It Difficult to Rent

Landlords who have property to let in London may be unwilling to rent tenants who smoke.

Research by property search engine Globrix has found that 60 per cent of landlords will not let to smokers.

Of those who would rent their property to smokers, 50 per cent said they would charge higher rates.

The findings also showed that tenants are reluctant to rent properties that have formally been occupied by smokers, with 40 per cent saying they would think twice about moving into a property because smokers used to live there.

Jennifer Warner, from Gobrix, said: "It is no surprise that in today’s ultra-competitive rental market, landlords are coming down hard on smokers, penalising them with higher rental charges and in many cases refusing to let properties to smokers at all."

She added that the high proportion of landlords being unwilling to let to smokers shows that there is an increasing anti-smoking culture in the UK.

Landlord and Tenant News

West Hampstead Gondar Gardens Flat for Sale

First Time Buyer or Buy to Let Property for Sale

A ground floor one bedroom garden conversion within this three storey property located in the popular 'Greek Roads' only a few minutes walk to the shops of Mill Lane and the amenities and three train stations of West Hampstead.

This bright flat benefits from gas central heating (New boiler bought Dec '10) reception with wood floors which has access to the large communal garden, fitted kitchen with oven hob, fridge and washing machine and a double bedroom with an en suite three piece bathroom.

The flat also has a storage cupboard in the hallway and has use of the communal cellar for storage.

This is an excellent first time buy or good for a buy to let property.

Gondar Gardens, West Hampstead, London, NW6

Apartment for Sale, Maygrove Road, West Hampstead

Maygrove Road, West Hampstead, London, NW6

A spacious one bedroom second (top) floor conversion with use of a roof terrace within this three storey property within walking distance of West End Lane for its shops, bars and three train stations.

This superb flat benefits from a reception with laminate floors, fully fitted eat in kitchen with oven, hob, hood, dishwasher, washing machine and fridge freezer and a white three piece bathroom with a power shower attachment and window.

The flat also has the use of the loft for storage and has the use of a South facing roof terrace.

The furniture is available for separate negotiation.

West Hampstead Apartment for Sale

Apartment for Rent Ravenshaw Street West Hampstead

West Hampstead Apartment for Rent

A lovely one double bedroom ground floor apartment in the heart of West Hampstead. The accommodation comprises a fitted kitchen with stone floors and integrated appliances, guest wc, reception room with feature fireplace, ensuite shower room with wc, large private rear patio garden, own entrance, available part furnished from 30th October.

Ravenshaw Street, West Hampstead, London, NW6

43% New Tenants are Over 66 and Previously Owned a Home

The RLA Reports that more older people will be selling their properties in future to move into private rental accommodation in order to fund their old age, according to tenancy referencing firm HomeLet.

The firm has reported a rise of 16% in the number of people aged between 66 and 70 who have sold up in order to rent over the last 12 months.In that time, says HomeLet, 1,074 people in that age group have gone from being home owners to private tenants.

It found that 43% of new tenants aged over 66 were previously living in a home they owned, compared to 37% a year ago.The firm said the figures suggest that more older people are selling their homes to release equity to fund their rising living costs.

John Boyle, managing director of HomeLet, said: “Pensioners are already feeling the pinch with the spiralling costs of fuel, energy bills and basic food. Combined with a reduction in income, old people are increasingly struggling to pay to live through their retirement."

“This suggests that the number of pensioners having to sell their home to move into rented properties could increase even more over the coming years.”

The HomeLet rental index survey gathers data on agreed, rather than asking, rents from more than 3,000 letting agents across the UK.

The latest survey shows that rents rose 2.2% in July to an average UK rental of £680, and an average of £1,154 in Greater London.

West Hampstead Apartment For Rent, Sherriff Road

Apartment For Rent West Hampstead

A lovely two double bedroom split level apartment set on the top floor of this attractive character building in one of West Hampstead's central tree lined roads. The property offers a bright reception room with skylights and stairs leading to both bedrooms, modern fitted kitchen with an array of appliances, master bedroom with built-in wardrobes, second double bedroom and a tiled shower room with wc, landing/study area, secondary glazing, part furnished, available from 12th October

Sherriff Road, West Hampstead, London, NW6

Garden Apartment for Rent South Hampstead

Split Level Garden Apartment for Rent

A fabulous split level raised ground floor and lower ground floor one double bedroom garden apartment set close to all amenities. Benefits include a spacious reception room, fully fitted kitchen with all appliances, fully tiled bathroom with shower and wc, master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, rear patio garden, available from 29th October, part furnished!

Compayne Gardens, South Hampstead, London, NW6

South Hampstead Apartment for Rent, Belsize Road

NW6 Flat for Rent

A very bright second (top) floor split level two bedroom apartment set within a period conversion close to all amenities. Benefits include a modern open plan fitted kitchen with all appliances to the reception room, master bedroom with fitted wardrobes, smaller second double bedroom, luxury bathroom with separate wc, available 19th October, part furnished!

Belsize Road, South Hampstead, London, NW6

West End Lane Apartment for Rent, West Hampstead

West Hampstead Apartment for Rent

Within this landmark new development set over four floors we offer a contemporary one double bedroom second floor apartment located in the cosmopolitan area of West Hampstead. The apartment offers light, airy and spacious accommodation to include a reception room with expansive windows, open plan Rational German fitted kitchen with Siemens appliances, double bedroom with fitted wardrobes, fully tiled bathroom suite with power shower and wc, new carpets, double glazed, luxury common parts, available 4th October, quality furnished.

West End Lane, West Hampstead, London, NW6

Squatters set to be Evicted from £10million Gaddafi Hampstead Mansion

The Ham and High reports that squatters in a £10million Hampstead mansion owned by the son of deposed dictator Muammar Gaddafi are set to be turfed out as the new Libyan regime scrambles for cash tied-up in Britain.

The newly entrenched National Transitional Council (NTC) in Libya are casting around for assets in the UK after European leaders began to unfreeze the Gaddafi family’s money abroad.

Just two weeks ago Libyan nationals squatting in the Gaddafi London retreat burst out of the house and into Winnington Close to celebrate the downfall of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Now they could find themselves jettisoned from the home once again as the NTC announced it will go after every last penny of Gaddafi’s.

Mohamed Shaban, a lawyer for the new Libyan ambassador in London, said: “Anything we can link to the Gaddafi regime or his children, we’re going to go after aggressively.”

Mr Shaban has already started proceedings to seize the Winnington Close mansion - which is part of the estimated £12billion Libya state fortune in Britain.

West Hampstead Flat for Sale, Narcissus Road

Flat for Sale West Hampstead

A one bedroom flat, set on the first floor of a character terraced property soon to have external and internal refurbishments.

The flat is located in Central West Hampstead and is within easy walking distance of West Hampstead's Jubilee Line, Thames Link and North London Over ground stations.

The property offers a bright reception room with wooden flooring, modern fitted recessed kitchen with stainless steel oven, hob and extractor, master bedroom and a shower room comprising a modern white three piece suite.

Further benefits include share of freehold, gas central heating and permit parking.

Narcissus Road, West Hampstead, London, NW6

Weekend Car Boot Sales in North West London

Every Saturday between 11am and 3pm, hundreds of shoppers arrive in their droves at Kilburn's St. Augustine's School, keen to get their hands on one of the many fabulous bargains to be snatched at The London Car Boot Co's weekly car boot sale.

From vintage clothes to furniture, musical intsruments to kids' toys and lots of quirky and unusual second-hand gems, there is something to catch everyone's eye at this well-established and famous car boot sale. Unlike most other car boot sales, you don't have to drag yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn to get there on time! Early bird entry is £3 per person before 11am and 50p per person thereafter.

If you find that you're not ready for your bargain quest to end after rooting around through the vast array of bits and bobs at St. Augustine's, round the corner on Quex road is St. Mary's Church of England primary school where another London Car Boot Sale Co is also held on Saturdays. Here you can find anything from textiles, vintage magazines and this particular car boot sale has been described as a mecca for budding interior designers, with vintage and modern decorative objects for the home such as kitschy light fittings and unique furnishings at a fraction of the original price.

Early bird entry to the St. Mary's car boot sale is £3 before 10am and 50p thereafter.

London Property Magazine

West Hampstead Apartment For Rent, Sherriff Road

Apartment for Rent West Hampstead

A purpose built second floor two bedroom apartment within this well maintained block close to transport and amenities, comprising master bedroom, second bedroom/study, reception room with laminate flooring, fitted kitchen with modern appliances, tiled bathroom with shower attachment and wc, double glazed, available 17th September, part furnished.

Sherriff Road, West Hampstead, London, NW6

London Rental Property News: Competition for rental homes is hotting up

Individuals looking for property to rent in Hampstead, London, may find themselves facing a lot of competition.

According to Matt Hutchinson, director of Spareroom.co.uk, an average of seven people declare an interest in every room that comes onto the rental market, while homes with desirable postcodes often get snapped up as soon as they become available.

"The rental boom and subsequent rising rents are the knock-on effect of a stagnant property market, caused by the banks' unwillingness to lend to potential buyers, coupled with the soaring cost of living, which means people now have less cash to put towards a deposit," he pointed out.

"It's highly likely that Brits will rent for longer."

Mr Hutchinson's remarks came after Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors research found one in three (34 per cent) more surveyors reported a rise in rents in the three months to July 2011, although this is down from the 42 per cent recorded in the previous quarterly period.

London Rental Property News

Childs Hill Apartment for Rent, NW2

Childs Hill Ground Floor Apartment for Rent

We offer a beautifully presented two double bedroom ground floor apartment within this well maintained purpose built block and set close to all amenities. Benefits include a bright reception room with parquet flooring, fully fitted kitchen with all appliances, shower room with wc, master bedroom and good sized second double bedroom, access to rear communal gardens, OSP, available from 29th September, part furnished.

Cricklewood Lane, Childs Hill, London, NW2

West Hampstead Studio Flat for Sale

Sherriff Road, West Hampstead, London, NW6

We offer a lovely ground floor studio apartment with private south facing 55' garden in a super location close to West Hampstead Jubilee line and Thameslink. Benefits include wood strip flooring, separate fitted kitchen with appliances and bathroom with shower attachment and wc, halogen lighting, available from 13th October, part furnished.

Studio Apartment for Sale West Hampstead

North London Live Music And Entertainment

The North London business directory lists web sites relevant to living and working in North London. You can search for an event, a live band, local choir, live music venue or a childrens entertainer in North West London. The Directory will provide you with contact details, websites, email addresses and more.

If you are in the business, adding an event, a venue, a live band or even your childrens party entertainer site to this North London directory is completely free as long as it is relevant to North West London including Belsize Park, Brondesbury, Childs Hill, Cricklewood, Fortune Green, Highgate, Hampstead, Hampstead Village, Hocroft Estate, Little Venice, Kensal Rise, Kilburn, Maida Vale, Mapesbury Estate, Queens Park, St. John's Wood, South Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead and Willesden Green.

Search for an event, a live band, local choir, live music venue or a childrens entertainer