FEATURED PROMOTION

Get to know Richmond with this guide on where to eat, shop and enjoy some peace and quiet from Vesper Homes estate agent Rachel Healy

Gourmet recommendations:

Q Verde is a must for traditional Italian fare with a flamboyant and friendly host and deliciously simple homemade pasta dishes. If you are after a little more glitz and glam, try Rock and Rose. Set in glamorous surroundings and with a cocktail list to die for, it’s perfect for a Saturday if you’re looking for a lively spot!

For the chocolate lovers out there, there’s a scrumptious surprise tucked down one of the narrow alley ways leading to the green. William Curley makes the most delicious chocolatey treats and serves good coffee to accompany them.

Richmond Farmers Market is also an ideal weekend haunt. There is a fantastic range of homemade treats from gluten free brownies to artisan quiches and sausage rolls. Many local artists and crafts people also sell their wares at this vibrant market.

Shopping:

Richmond is home to a number of fashionable boutiques without the rush and queues of central London. Within a two minute walk are Bimba & Lola, Matches Fashion, Zadig & Voltaire and Joseph. Perfect for the fashion conscious who like a more personalised service. There are also some beautiful homeware shops such as the newly opened The Loft, India Jane and Masion which are all conveniently located to decorate the beautiful homes which surround the green.

Property:

The Resident: The pretty Petersham NurseriesThe pretty Petersham Nurseries

Due to the abundance of amenities and great transport links to central London, properties in Richmond are in great demand. Richmond and its surrounding areas also boast some great schools which attract young families to the area. As a result of the demand, house prices in Richmond have continued to soar after the 2008 crash and are now about 30% higher than their pre-crash peak. Prices in Richmond vary with location and a buyer can expect to pay upwards of £500,000 for a one bed flat climbing to between £2 and £4.5 million for a four/five bedroom town house. With a much sought after river view adding substantially to the price tag.

For peace and quiet:

Richmond is famous for the expansive Richmond Park, the largest of London’s eight Royal Parks. This vast leafy green park is the largest enclosed space in London and is perfect for all activity levels, whether you prefer running, cycling or indeed picnicking. The lush park also boasts some very special residents as hundreds of Red and Fallow deer call the park their home. For a breathtaking view, make your way up Petersham Hill where you can enjoy the amazing vista across Petersham Meadows (and stop in for a refreshment at the popular Petersham Nurseries).