Overview: Much like Greenwich Village in New York, Notting Hill has over the last forty years undergone a staggering renaissance. By the time Notting Hill was released in 1999, it was a case of art imitating life as the area was already firmly established as a home to the chic, the urbane and their numerous bars, restaurants and shops of choice. The 21st century has seen the complete gentrification of the area - residents today are more likely to be well heeled city bankers, IT professionals and successful media types as well as an old guard of established money who have always made Notting Hill home. The commercialisation of the once bohemian Portobello Road, now home to such familiar High Street landmarks as Starbucks, has meant that those wanting a genuine 'boho' living existence are being forced further up, north of the Westway. On the Golborne Road something of Portobello Road's former eclectic vibe remains amid the Moroccan restaurants, second hand bookshops and 'neo-bling' jewellers.
Property: Whether it's an elegant conversion in a magnificent Victorian stucco fronted villa, a 1930s mansion block, a tower block (once much maligned, now home to substantial numbers of trendy young City types) or a substantial period residence overlooking one of the many garden squares, Notting Hill has it all. Per square foot sales prices rose rapidly in 2006. Despite substantial increases in supply of rental property, rental values have held up extremely well and are still among the capitals most expensive: Uber trendy bachelor pads with must have gadgets can achieve in excess of 1000 per week (2006 prices).
Underground: Notting Hill Gate (Central, District and Circle Line).
