We’re not surprised when Dulwich is regularly voted one of the most popular areas to buy property in London. With its distinct village-like feel, quirky independent shops and some of the best architecture in the capital, Dulwich is one of our favourite spots to while away the hours in. Thinking of moving to the area? Here are a few reasons you’d be making the right choice.
There are three different areas to explore
Dulwich is split into West Dulwich, East Dulwich and Dulwich Village, all of which have their own unique flavour. West Dulwich has more of a sleepy feel with more green spaces and parks, while East Dulwich with its scores of bars and restaurants tends to attract bigger crowds and a younger vibe. Dulwich Village, meanwhile, fills out its name with its old-timey atmosphere, chock-full of boutiques, cafes deli food shops and independent services. In short, Dulwich has something for everyone.
Houses that will take your breath away
Everywhere you look, the history and heritage of Dulwich’s properties creeps through to the fore. Streets in the area feature beautiful Victorian and Edwardian semi-detached homes, brick-laden facades and hidden rose cottages. Many properties have been renovated with cosy modern interiors, giving buyers the best of both worlds. Properties in Dulwich often offer a modern, cosy feel while being a remnant of history. Just take a look at this beautifully arranged two-bedroom eco-apartment in an award winning, architecturally designed building. In walking distance to East Dulwich station and Denmark Hill, it offers fantastic transport links.
Well-stocked high streets with plenty of independent businesses
It’s hard to stroll down Lordship Lane or North Cross Road without stepping into an independent shop selling books, home goods, plants or clothes. One of our favourite haunts for a sleepy afternoon is Dulwich Books, which has been serving the local community for 30 years. Vibrant markets on the weekend add to the community feel.
Restaurants with locally sourced food to die for
There are too many fantastic eateries to count in the Dulwich area, but some of them are too mouth-watering to miss. Rocca di Papa has been bringing its vibrant brand of traditional Italian classics to Dulwich since 2010, featuring plenty of beautifully lit outdoor space for al fresco dining. Another institution is Franklins, which serves up a changing mix of meals made from locally sourced ingredients since 1999.
There’s The Palmerston – a classy gastropub with elegantly presented pub favourites. Or if you are looking for something further afield, try Yama Momo, which serves up contemporary Izakaya and sushi and Korean cocktails alongside a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Perfect pubs for a pint, indoors or outdoors
Whether they are front and centre on Lordship Lane or hidden down one of the area’s many alleyways and offshoots, Dulwich’s pubs don’t disappoint. There’s a mix of traditional boozers and more niche fair, but most feature a fantastic beer garden. The Cherry Tree, The Crown & Greyhound and the Wood House are three great options for an outdoor pint, with the latter even having an outdoor kitchen.
Plenty of green spaces to relax…or fall in the lake
Amongst the leafy green spaces in the area, Dulwich Park is the standout – an open green space with a huge amount of heritage – there’s the Dulwich Clock Café, tennis courts, a bowls club, gym equipment. There’s always something to do and people to watch – but if you are just looking for a nice circular walk surrounded by nature, this is one of South London’s finest spots to do it. Goose green is another nice place to sit and soak up the local atmosphere.
The cultural capital of Southeast London
If you haven’t visited Dulwich Picture Gallery yet, make it a priority. Opened in the early 19th century, features a permanent collection of masterpieces from the baroque era, alongside some of the country’s leading exhibitions. One of the highlights of the calendar is the Dulwich Art Festival, which every year celebrates art, music, theatre and literature.
Dulwich has art for everyone, with street art inspired by 17th and 18th-century decking the walls of the Dulwich Outdoor Gallery to the House of Dreams – a terraced house that an artist transformed into a weird museum full of discarded objects, sculptures and mosaics. For film buffs, East Dulwich Picturehouse and Café is a cinemagoers paradise showcasing small indie films and Hollywood blockbusters alongside a great selection of food and drink.
Local schools
Dulwich has some of the best state and independent schools in the country for students of all ages. The most famous is probably Dulwich College, an independent boarding school for boys founded in 1619 with architecture that’s probably closer to Hogwarts than anywhere else you’ll find in South London.
Transport Links
Whether you use public transport or have a family to regularly haul into the car, the area is well connected, sitting on the South Circular (A205) and offering fast train connections to Central London. You can catch a train to London Victoria from West Dulwich that takes about 12 minutes, or to London Bridge in a similar amount of time from East Dulwich.
Ready to become part of the Dulwich community or looking to relocate and put your Dulwich property on the market? To find out more about what makes Urban Village best placed to advise on your property requirements, give us a call on 0203 519 9121 or email info@urbanvillagehomes.com, we’re happy to provide some friendly advice about the area and its surrounding postcodes.