LITTLE VENICE

Where the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union Canal meets the Regent’s Canal nestles a true gem in London’s crown. Variously described as charming, tranquil, picturesque or quirky, the beauty of Little Venice is undeniable. 

Technically under the wing of Maida Vale, Little Venice has its own personality, its own look and feel and is much sought after by property owners and renters alike. 

Strolling through pretty streets and along the banks of the canal it’s easy to forget that you’re living in an international city as what Little Venice offers is a quieter, more serene, closer-to-nature experience. 

That said, it’s a hop, skip and a walk to the bustling centre of the city with excellent transport links: you’re a stone’s throw from Paddington station and Warwick Avenue tube station. For road users, you’re five to 10 minutes from the A40 Westway for direct access to the West End and the City, or west out to Heathrow and the M25 motorway.

For travel at a more leisurely pace, treat yourself to a relaxing cruise. Take in the sights as you sail from pretty Little Venice to vibrant Camden Market passing, as you go, leisure boats and charming houseboats. 

There’s plenty for the avid sightseer too including Regent’s Park, the grounds of London Zoo and not forgetting the echoing walls of the 248 metre-long Maida Hill tunnel.

Properties in the area are large villas with stucco finish and, although many were converted to spacious high-ceilinged apartments, these are increasingly being converted back to large single residences. Braithwait director, Stuart Wigg enthuses that the area is largely unknown and as such an untapped property haven. 

Whilst no Londoner is ever short of places to eat and drink, if you don’t want to travel too far, there are a plethora of bars and eateries to choose from in Little Venice. 

For a laid-back and welcoming drink, try The Warwick Castle. This lovely little pub has been in Little Venice since 1867 and the open log fires make it the more appealing during the colder months. 

For something a little more elegant, try The Waterway which boasts a fabulous outside dining area and a mouth-watering menu.

Outside of the quaint village feel of Little Venice lies Maida Vale. And just like Little Venice the property here is equally impressive. White stucco villas give way to impressive red brick mansions, the most popular overlooking the canal whilst others are built around large, beautifully maintained communal gardens to rival those which are so popular in the likes of Notting Hill. 

Good schools are available in the area with covetable Ofsted results – both primary and secondary – and the locality boasts two sporting facilities, the Nuffield Health Fitness & Wellbeing Centre in the new Paddington Basin development, and Paddington Sports Club, with a gym, outside bowls and tennis in the heart of Maida Vale itself. 

Although, Maida Vale is not well known as a shopping destination, there are a handful of high- end boutiques that keep the locals very happy. Paddington Recreation Ground is a real magnet for both locals as well as people from further afield, with facilities for tennis, athletics, hockey, bowling, cricket and picnic areas in well-tended gardens.

There is, of course, the famous Clifton Nurseries, an oasis of tranquility in Maida Vale, retailing an extensive range of outdoor and indoor plants, stylish garden accessories, cards and gifts. Local residents travel a short journey to Marylebone, the closest and most convenient shopping area with an extensive selection of shops.