What’s it Like to Live in Cockfosters?

Just half an hour away (via tube) from Central London, the north London suburb of Cockfosters is one of the more sought-after places to live because you get the easy access to the centre of the capital combined with plenty of wide-open green spaces. Anthony Pepe, who specialise in residential home sales in Cockfosters, take a closer look at the area – both past and present – and shed some light on what it’s like to live there.

Cockfosters’ History

Cockfosters’ name is thought to be traceable back to the 16th Century either to a notable family, or large home or manor, in the area. One theory is that it was the residence of the cock (chief) forester of the former Royal hunting ground at Enfield Chase.'

Cockfosters was originally a hamlet on the edge of woodland; however, its growth is inextricably linked to Trent Park, an English country house with extensive grounds. The original Cockfosters developed as a service village to the country house; in more recent years the house was used as a POW camp for captured German officers during the Second World War, as a teacher training base, then as a campus for Middlesex Polytechnic (which is now located elsewhere).

In the 1930s the growth of Cockfosters accelerated when the underground station was built (it’s the final station on the Piccadilly line).

Cockfosters Today

Although the district was originally notable for its large mansions and country houses, there are plenty of terraced houses (Victorian and Georgian) and flats for those on a more modest housing budget.

Cockfosters has a certain style – as you alight at the underground station you can see it has more than a hint of Art Deco about it, a style of visual art and architecture popularised throughout both Europe and the United States during the 1920s and 30s.

In more recent years, Trent Park has been redeveloped, with part of the site given over to houses and flats, but a lot of the original parkland remains – it’s a designated country park with space for golfers, cyclists, horse riders, joggers and walkers – and there’s a Go Ape adventure park there as well.

There are plenty of other green spaces in the Cockfosters area – Hadley Wood and Monken Hadley Common to the north – so it’s almost like a village, even though Central London is only around half an hour away by tube.

In terms of local education provision, Cockfosters has its own primary and secondary schools (Trent C of E and Southgate School respectively).

Sports and Recreation in Cockfosters

Sport is well catered for in Cockfosters as well – there’s a local football club, a cricket club, and the highly successful Saracens rugby union team used to play their home games in Clocktower Park (and the B team still do).

When it comes to shopping – Heddon Court Parade is the main centre, and includes a small Sainsbury’s, but there are plenty of independent shops and restaurants too (particularly on Cockfosters Road).

For those interested in theatre, the Chickenshed Theatre Company was formed (appropriately) in a chicken shed but now is based at Chase Side, around 10 minutes’ walk from the underground station. They offer dramatic and music-based performances, along with shows tailored more towards children and families, and a number of public workshops.

Residential Home Sales in Cockfosters with Anthony Pepe

If you are interested in moving to Cockfosters, or have a home to sell in the area, follow this link and fill in the contact form on the right hand side of the page.

We are also a leading lettings agent in Cockfosters, if you are looking to rent (or let out) your property – to learn more call us on 0208 882 6568.