WOODBERRY DOWN, N4

Woodberry Down is a modern, laid-back north London residential district in Hackney. This secluded village area is formed around a large water reservoir and the wonderful Woodberry Wetlands Nature Reserve endorsed by Sir David Attenborough in 2016.

Through the district runs the New River, an old aqueduct constructed in the 17th century by the Corporation of London to supply the City with drinking water from wells in Hertfordshire. Part of the same waterway are the two Woodberry Down reservoirs: East Reservoir still holding the water before it’s processed for use and West Reservoir which has been converted into a water sports centre.

In the heart of the district is Woodberry Down Estate. Subject to regeneration and transformation since 2016, this large residential site is now part of a popular inner London suburb. A verdant urban environment for Londoners keen on an active outdoor lifestyle, including young families and city professionals, Woodberry Down today is a must-see north London location.

History

Before the New River construction, the land of Woodberry Down was mostly grass, meadows, pasture and small woodlands. Up until the 1820s, the area was mostly  dairy farms.

The construction of new roads brought new settlers to the area including some very wealthy Londoners. Between the 1850s and 1920s large mansions with back gardens overlooking two reservoirs were built, and Woodberry Down became known as a very desirable, leafy and peaceful North London suburb.

Woodberry Down district declined between the two world wars, and during that time, most of the deserted land was transferred to the local council.

Subsequently, along the northern bank of the reservoirs, a large post-war estate was built. The old Woodberry Down Estate covered 64 acres. The first tenants moved in in 1948 and the housing was completed in 1962. It delivered 2,500 new homes and Britain’s first purpose-built comprehensive school. The estate suffered from a chronic ‘lack of funding’ between 1980-1997 and was soon marked for re-development.

A new, 20-year residential project started its transformation in 2016. The same year Woodberry Wetlands was constructed, and the East Reservoir was opened to the public.

The district is in the northernmost part of the London Borough of Hackney. The main partners involved in the transformation of Woodberry Down Estate are Berkeley Homes (developer), The Woodberry Down Community Organisation, Manor House Development Trust and the Mayor of London.

Culture and entertainment

Woodberry Down has spectacular natural surroundings with an abundance of green spaces and is an easy commute in and out of London with two Underground stations:  Manor House and Finsbury Park. 

Its main attraction is Woodberry Wetlands Nature Reserve. A popular gathering place, the reserve covers 11 hectares of reed-fringed ponds and dykes and is free to visit. The long-decked path skirting along the reservoir is ideal for a closer look at the teaming wildlife. There is also a large viewing gallery offering panoramic views of the whole district. On the lake is Coal House Café, a repurposed Grade II listed former coal storage and kitchen built in 1833. The café has a wonderful open-air terrace to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the reserve and serves refreshments and light lunch food daily.

Many outdoor cinemas, live music, stargazing, and life-drawing events take place at Woodberry Down. Hidden River Festival is a local annual event celebrating the New River and the waterways. Nearby the reserve is the West Reservoir Water Sports Centre providing swimming, kayaking, sailing and paddleboarding for both, adults and children. The 30-acre site has 23 acres of water and is one of the most important outdoor leisure centres in Hackney.

Woodberry Down is close to another outstanding North London waterway, the Lea Valley network of canals, wildlife sanctuaries and natural green spaces.

The late Victorian and Edwardian suburb of Stoke Newington with its glorious Clissold Park, as well as the eclectic Finsbury Park, are the great neighbours of Woodberry Down. Each area offers a fantastic mix of village markets, artisan shops, delis, trendy bars and restaurants highlighting the area’s diversity.

New Homes Developments

Woodberry Down new new homes development by Berkeley Homes is an innovative regeneration housing project comprising 5,500 high-quality apartments, all with generous outdoor space. The development is built in phases and should be completed by 2035. There is a wide range of property types in the scheme with several distinctive blocks arranged on the northern borders of the nature reserve.

Woodberry Down’s development provides excellent residents facilities and is packed with amenities. There is a fully equipped gym, a large swimming pool, luxury spa facilities, concierge services, beautifully designed communal gardens, as well as a good choice of grocery shops, restaurants and cafés offering gastronomic delights from all over the world.

Transport (Zone 2 & 3)

The main London Underground station is Manor House serving Piccadilly line trains. Journeys to Kings Cross takes 10 minutes and to the West End 20 minutes.

Finsbury Park serves Piccadilly and Victoria line trains as well as the National Rail.

Stamford Hill mainline train station provides access to fast rail journeys to Liverpool Street and the City of London.

Buses:

No 67 to Aldgate via Shoreditch

No 73 to Oxford Circus

No 76 to Waterloo

No 106 to Whitechapel

No 149 to London Bridge

No 243 to Waterloo

and the No 476 to Euston

Council: London Borough of Hackney

For the current Council Tax rates CLICK HERE

 To get your Woodberry Down property valued CLICK HERE