Camden Road boasts a cornucopia of architectural styles. Joining Holloway with the heart of Camden Town, it enjoys an abundance of independent and high street shops, restaurants and cafes, nestling amongst a plethora of fine Victorian villas.
It first appeared on maps in the 1820s, when it was known as New Road. It was renamed after Charles Pratt, the First Earl of Camden, who took his title from his country residence, Camden Place in Chislehurst. Today, Camden Road is wide and spacious, flanked with mature London plane, sycamore, acacia, lime and ash trees, giving it a light, airy and verdant appeal.
Starting at Camden Town Tube, which opened in 1907, the first stretch of the road is predominantly commercial. Here you can find the World’s End Pub, formerly the Old Mother Red Cap, which dates back to 1690. Of more recent heritage is the huge flagship Sainsbury supermarket, designed by Nicholas Grimshaw and opened in the 1980s. Opposite is a row of period terraced houses with shops at street level. Continuing north-east, you pass Shirley House, formerly the home to the British Transport Police. The half-stuccoed building at number 72 previously laboured under the name of ‘The British Hospital for Functional Nervous Disorders’. It was given the jauntier title of ‘Camden Clinic’ in 1961, but this was short lived: it closed the following year and reverted to residential property.
Onwards, and where the road crosses Regent’s Canal, we’re in the age of elegance. Here the road is overlooked by Highstone Mansions, a 1930s apartment block that has stepped straight out of an Agatha Christie novel. Its recent neighbour across the street is no less sophisticated: the prestigious Regent Canalside development.
Beyond, at the junction of Royal College Street, is Camden Road overground station. It, too, has been retitled and remodelled over the years: opening in 1850 on the east side of St Pancras Way, then closing in 1870 to open in its current location and known as ‘Camden Town Station’. It was renamed in 1950 as ‘Camden Road’ to avoid confusion with Camden Town Tube, but the ghost of its earlier name lurks still on the parapet.
Further on, the road climbs a hill. Here the houses are Victorian, set well back from the road and greeting visitors with ample front gardens lush with foliage. Many of these houses are broad stucco villas sporting grand porticoed entrances, making the sight of home both welcoming and impressive.
Astonishingly, houses in this street are considerably less expensive pound per square foot than in neighbouring streets, primarily because the properties are so generously proportioned. Traffic noise is less apparent than in other streets as the wide vistas and arching trees provide excellent sound proofing. Above the treetops, upper storey flats offer far-reaching views over London.
For the last 30 years, Camden Bus has sold possibly more flats on this road than any other. Our own Gary lived on Camden Road for many years and appreciates first-hand the many benefits of both the street and the neighbourhood. The diversity of architecture available and the generously proportioned flat conversions mean that when a flat comes available to buy in this street, it’s well worth checking out. That view over the tree tops could be yours.