Tranquillity and heritage are definitely two of the best words you can use to describe Wanstead. When it comes to its community, on the other hand, the laid back feel and family-oriented environment are the things that make it stand out. To really get a sense of Wanstead, simply imagine a quiet village with posh and historical buildings that you don’t have to drive hours outside of London to get to. Because its accessibility is maybe the feature that tops all the others off.
In recent years, Wanstead has been attracting an increasing number of young families looking to take advantage of its trendy but relaxed style and convenient amenities. Easy access to the London Underground Central line and the London Overground plus several railway stations make Wanstead a great alternative to less accessible neighbouring areas and very appealing to young professionals looking for a quick and easy commute.
Top everything off with plenty of shopping opportunities, international cuisine and quaint cafes, high-ranked schools, and extensive green areas and you’ve got yourself one of the best places to live in London, as also noted by the Sunday Times.
This little East London gem is part of the London Borough of Redbridge in Zone 4. Wanstead is just 8 miles from Charing Cross although its quiet charm seems to be worlds apart from the bustling city centre. It is bordered to the south by Wanstead Flats and to the west and north by Wanstead Park, a part of Epping Forest. So, it’s needless to say that outdoor enthusiasts will have no trouble finding many fun activities here to enjoy in their leisure time.
Wanstead is a cosmopolitan area that has fully embraced tradition. It is packed with independent, family-run shops and cafes alongside chain supermarkets, countless restaurants as well as gyms and leisure centres. The shopping malls available in the area and the short 15-minute ride to Westfield Stratford City will surely also satisfy the most avid shoppers. And for outdoor fun, residents can enjoy numerous walking paths, lakes, tennis and golf pitches, as well as cricket, rugby, and football clubs.
London Underground – Central line stations
London Overground stations
Railway station
Airport
There’s never a dull moment in Wanstead. Residents can enjoy sports, walks, nature reserves, as well as shopping, international cuisine, and many pubs and cafes in their leisure time. Our Wanstead estate agents recommend these as the most popular attractions in the area:
The Wanstead property market is mostly made up of Victorian terrace houses and semis, with some Georgian and Edwardian homes as well as 1920s houses and 1930s flats.
The most notable areas are around High Street and Wanstead Park. Here you will find broad avenues and beautifully maintained properties. You can also find good properties in Aldersbrook estate, Spratt Hall Road, the Warren estate, and around the Counties Estate or Nutter Lane.
With Wanstead Park and Wanstead Flats on its doorstep, this area is a haven for sports and outdoor activity fans. Residents of Wanstead can enjoy nature-filled walking paths and the scenery around the lakes, islands, and canals that were once part of Wanstead House (a large Palladian mansion demolished in 1824).
On top of that, they have access to a horse riding club, and sports pitches where they can enjoy cricket, golf, or football.
Wanstead is home to a diverse population and hosts a total of 11,543 residents according to the 2011 Census. The average age of Wanstead locals has been reducing significantly over recent years.
You can find quaint family-owned shops for every need in Wanstead. From local delis to groceries, fishmongers, and local artisans, it’s unlikely that you’ll have trouble finding anything. Apart from independent shops, local shopping malls, and several High Street chain stores, Wanstead also offers residents a short commute to Westfield Stratford City – the largest mall in Europe. Local bars and restaurants also offer a wide selection of beverages and meals from the most exquisite to street food specialties.
The property market in Wanstead has become increasingly active once interest in the area from young families and professionals has grown. Average prices have also been increasing and our Wanstead estate agents say that they are set to continue to do so. You can find good value for money here and investors can get great yields compared to other neighbouring areas.
Here are the average property prices you can expect to find in Wanstead:
There are a few modern residential developments with contemporary facilities available in Wanstead, too:
Although the area doesn’t have many schools, families can easily find good schools for their young ones in Wanstead. Here is a list of some of the most well-ranked schools here:
There are several good hospitals and medical facilities available in and around Wanstead. Here is our shortlist of available medical units:
Whipps Cross Road, London, E111NR, UK
+442085395522
Makepeace Road, London, E111UU, UK
++442085322711
Barley Ln, Goodmayes, Ilford IG38YB, UK
+443304004333
Glen Rd, London E138SL, UK
+442074764000
Homerton Row, London, Greater London E96SR, UK
+442085105555
Queen’s Hospital, Rom Valley Way, Romford RM70AG, UK
+443304004333
There are several good hospitals and medical facilities available in and around Wanstead. Here is our shortlist of available medical units:
Wanstead House was commissioned in the early 1700s by Richard Child, the head of the estate at the time. Its great design was created by a Scottish architect by the name of Colen Campbell and the building was completed in 1722.
The estate cost an estimated £360,000 to build. In today’s money that would be the equivalent of £78 million. This staggering cost included fashionable designs in line with the Palladian style preferred by the designers and estate owners of the day. Features included a 260-foot white Portland stone façade, portico and Corinthian columns, a Great Hall with two flights of stairs and over 70 rooms, including a library, a billiard room and a ballroom.
Inside, the walls and ceilings were covered in displays of fine art and exquisite chandeliers and tapestries. The exterior was also luxuriously fitted with expanded gardens reminiscent of the ones of Versailles and an octagonal lake called the Basin. The landscape also included fruit and vegetable gardens, a bowling green, a Temple, and a lakeside Grotto.
Unfortunately, Wanstead House’s life was short-lived compared to other great designs of that time. In 1784, the house passed to Sir James Tylney-Long and then to his son who died at only 11, leaving the house in 1805 to Catherine Tylney-Long making her the richest heiress in the country.
In 1812, Catherine married William Wellesley-Pole, a nephew of the Duke of Wellington. After their marriage, it took him only a decade of parties to finish up all of the heiress’ estate. They were forced to sell Wanstead House for only £10,000 and the home was subsequently demolished in 1825.
Today, all that remains of the wide estate are ruins and relics. The Wanstead Golf Club maintains the area where the Basin still sits and the front lawn is now a cricket ground. Some of the ornamental lakes are now included in Wanstead Park and the Grotto was destroyed by fire in 1884.
The Manor House on High Street is a classy restaurant with open spaces and comfortable lounging sofas plus an outdoor seating area out front that also holds live music events.
The Duke at 79 Nightingale Lane is one of the most popular night-out locations in Wanstead with great offers on drinks and events like steak night and Saturday brunch.
Luppolo Pizzeria also on High Street specializes in stone-baked pizza and tops them off with a great selection of craft beers alongside wines, gin, and cocktails.
Provender on High Street is a casual French-style bistro with a well-rounded menu of French cuisine perfect for brunch.
The Wanstead Tap offers a wide selection of craft beers and hosts many music and performance events.
Canary Wharf
Distance: 6.3 miles
By public transport: 35 minutes
By car: 20 minutes
By bike: 35 minutes
The City
Distance: 7.8 miles
By public transport: 25 minutes
By car: 30 minutes
By bike: 40 minutes
Westminster
Distance: 10.3 miles
By public transport: 45 minutes
By car: 40 minutes
Wanstead Gyms and Fitness Clubs
If you want to stay healthy or get buff, you will find plenty of gyms and fitness centres in Wanstead. Here are the most popular ones:
Wanstead Leisure Centre – Redbridge Ln W, London E11 2JZ
Target Fit Gym – 15 High St, Wanstead, London E11 2AA
The 1 on 1 Fitness Studio – 740c High Rd Leytonstone, Browning Rd, Leytonstone, London E11 3AW
KitFitness – 15 High St, Wanstead, London E11 2AA
PureGym London Leytonstone – 628 High Rd, Leytonstone, London E11 3DA
A profitable sale requires expert help. Our Wanstead estate agents will get you the best price for your property in a fraction of the time it takes traditional agents.
Don’t waste time on viewing irrelevant properties. Our Wanstead estate agents select only the best options for your needs and budget.
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