Belsize Park, which derives its name from the French for “well situated” (bel assis), is in a prime spot in North London between Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill. The Tube station sits on Haverstock Hill, which has the look of a traditional high street, with a range of local shops as well as chains such as Gourmet Burger Kitchen and Ask. Belsize Village has a more old-fashioned feel, with a good butcher, a baker and a parade of smaller shops. “The area has always been very bohemian and arty,” Matthew Abernethy, of Savills Hampstead office, says. “To live in Belsize Park, alongside the likes of Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter, is considered über-trendy.”

Other celebs who hang out locally include Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, Sean Bean and Kate Moss. Celebrity inhabitants notwithstanding, locals say that the area has a down-to-earth, villagey atmosphere. “There is a real mixture of people here, from those starting off buying flats to families,” Abernethy says.

So what are the prices like?

It’s not as expensive as Hampstead and Primrose Hill, but don’t expect bargains. Two-bed flats start at about £650,000; expect to pay at least £1.5 million for a house. “Per square foot, you would be looking at between £750 and £1,350 for a freehold property, depending on where it is, what it is, and its condition,” Abernethy says.

Any architectural gems?

The area is full of attractive Victorian terraces and mews houses, but there are some more distinctive properties too, notably the Neo-Gothic mansions of Eton Avenue, many of which were built by William Willett, the inventor of Daylight Saving Time, as well as the Regency properties on Belsize Grove. There are also plenty of white stucco-fronted houses.

What about transport links?

You can choose between the Northern Line from Belsize Park or the Jubilee Line from Swiss Cottage, a little farther west. From Hampstead Heath railway station you can take the train to Highbury and Islington, to connect with the Victoria Line.

Anywhere to take the dogs for a walk?

There is no shortage of green spaces here: you can head south to Primrose Hill and Regent’s Park or north to Hampstead Heath.

Are there any good schools in the area?

For girls, The Village School and St Christopher’s Primary; for boys, Hereward House, The Hall School and Lyndhurst House Prep School.

What about nightlife?

Belsize Village has XO, which serves excellent pan-Asian food. Near by is Retsina, a friendly Cypriot restaurant, and Artigiano, an Italian. A good range of chain restaurants, including Black & Blue, Pizza Express and Chez Gérard, is near the Tube. There are some good cafés and pubs on Englands Lane — the Washington Arms is a favourite, along with The Haverstock Arms on Haverstock Hill and The George. The Screen on the Hill is no more, but it has been replaced by an Everyman cinema, which shows arthouse films as well as the usual Hollywood fare. For gigs and clubs, Camden Town is a short walk.

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