Auction House London’s Area Guide to Mill Hill
Auction House London’s Area Guide to Mill Hill
Auction House London has a number of interesting properties listed for auction throughout the City and surrounding areas. Our property auction experts are knowledgeable about the different areas in and around London, such as Mill Hill, and are sharing a series of London area guides to help investors make more informed decisions.
This latest addition to the Auction House London series focuses on Mill Hill in north London in the London Borough of Barnet. It is mostly residential but does have a central hub and is close to the countryside, which can make for interesting opportunities for investors in the area.
Where is Mill Hill?
Mill Hill is a leafy suburb in the London Borough of Barnet, located about 9 miles northwest of Charing Cross and close to the Hertfordshire border. It’s made up of three distinct sections, namely the historic Mill Hill Village, the commercial hub of Mill Hill Broadway, and Mill Hill East, which is the most recently developed.
North of Mill Hill is Highwood Hill, south is Colindale, while to the east is North Finchley and to the west is The Hale, partly overlapping with Edgware. Transport links are good, with Mill Hill Broadway station offering Thameslink services, and Mill Hill East serviced by the Northern Line. Main roads like the A1, M1 and M25 are also nearby for easy access by car.
The history of Mill Hill
The name ‘Mill Hill’ first appeared in the 16th century and likely refers to a windmill atop one of the local hills. Mill Hill Village developed along an ancient route known as the Ridgeway and currently boasts London’s shortest High Street at just a few dozen yards long. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became a rural retreat for wealthy Londoners, and notable figures like William Wilberforce and Stamford Raffles lived here.
As is often the case, the area expanded with the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, while post-war development in the 20th century saw Mill Hill Broadway emerge alongside wider suburban expansion featuring modern housing estates.
What does the architecture and property market look like in Mill Hill?
Mill Hill’s housing mix reflects its long history and sudden spurt of growth over the last hundred years or so. There are Georgian and Victorian cottages in the Village, and Edwardian and early 20th century semis and terraced homes feature prominently on the Broadway. Mill Hill East as well as parts of Broadway feature modern apartment developments, along with family homes with gardens that make the whole area popular with families, professionals and retirees.
Retirees will be especially fond of properties such as this four-bedroom detached chalet bungalow on Engel Park. Another option is this three-bedroom detached house on Highwood Elms.
What are the amenities like in Mill Hill?
Mill Hill Broadway serves as the commercial heart of the area, with a mix of high street brands, independent cafes, bakeries and restaurants. Mill Hill Village has a lot of charm with its cricket club, country pub and village green.
Cultural and health needs are covered with local shops, community centres and fitness venues, while Broadway also hosts a weekly market and spots like Bob’s Cafe are popular for breakfast and lunch. Larger retail needs can be met nearby at Brent Cross and other local shopping hubs.
Open spaces in Mill Hill
Mill Hill Park spans more than 14 hectares and offers sports facilities, playgrounds, a cafe, flower gardens and a nature reserve, as well as lots of shady spots to relax. Meanwhile, Arrandene Open Space and Featherstone Hill preserve traditional meadows and provide habitat for rare plants and birds.
Moat Mount Open Space and parts of Totteridge Valley also offer hiking terrain, woodland and panoramic views, making it perfect for family walks, running or cycling.
What are the schools like in Mill Hill?
The area provides lots of educational options. Mill Hill School was founded way back in 1807 and sits on a large estate. It is one of the region’s most prestigious independent schools, plus there are other highly respected schools St Paul’s and Courtland primary schools, as well as Mill Hill County High School.
A range of state, independent and faith-based schools, many with special provisions, round out the educational offerings, further establishing Mill Hill as a desirable location for families seeking quality education.