Info about the area
The snug and picturesque village of Elstree lies merely fifteen miles to the northwest of Central London. Famous for housing a number of Grade II buildings as well as the highly successful Elstree Film Studio complexes, it is a part of the Elstree and Borehamwood civil parish. The village offers a glimpse at the authentic English atmosphere, complete with a variety of parks, bridges and memorials.
History
Elstree is a place of rich history that can be traced all the way back to the 1st Century AD, when it was an established centre for potters and tilers. Since then, the village has undergone several renovations and expansions, growing more impressive as time went on. The name “Elstree" hails from the Anglo-Saxon spelling of “Tidulfres treo”, translated as “Tidwulf's Tree”.
Architecture
Famous for its large number of detached and semi-detached properties, Elstree is often the go-to choice for young families and commuters, looking for the quintessential tranquillity of the British countryside. Elstree houses a number of Grade II listed structures, such as the Holly Bush Public House, the Aldenham House and stable block and The Leys. Furthermore, the area is also home to buildings, dating all the way to the Gregorian and Victorian times, adding a touch of historical grandeur into the mix.
Food
When it comes to bars, restaurants and pubs, Elstree has a lot to offer, despite its rural aesthetic. The village is home to many traditional British pubs and inns, like the Waggon & Horses and The Fishery, specialised in local meals and drinks. And, if you happen to be in the mood for foreign cuisine, you can always drop by the Divan restaurant, the Kiyoto Sushi place or the Tay Tar Thai and enjoy specialities from all across the globe.
Green spaces
When it comes to outdoor recreation, Elstree’s main attractions are the Aldenham Country Park and the famous Elstree Reservoir. Spanning over 175 acres, Aldenham Country Park provides options for fishing, swimming, sailing and outdoor sports activities. It is also home to Disney-themed children’s area and as well as the local Special Needs Centre. The Tykes Water bridge and surrounding area were featured in several TV productions, including Dracula AD and the Avengers Series.
Clubs and sports activities
If you happen to be a sports enthusiast, Elstree has a couple of clubs that will definitely pique your interest. The Elstree Lawn Tennis club and the Hatch End Cricket Club and the 18-hole Radlett Park Golf Club will surely keep you entertained during the long weekend afternoons.
Schools
Elstree is home to a couple of independent and state schools, both of the coeducational and the single-sex variety. You've got Haberdashers Aske’s Boys and Girls Schools, the St. Nicholas Church Primary School as well as the Aldenham School, all of which score well on the Ofsted reports.
Transportation
The journey from Elstree to Central London takes about thirty minutes by car or bus and just around an hour by bike, turning the village into the first-choice location for commuters, who would rather stay away from the busy life in the heart of the capital. Alternatively, you could also take a train at the Elstree & Borehamwood station and travel to St Pancras International in the heart of London for less than half an hour.
For more information about the Elstree Area and available properties, please get in touch with our local estate agents.