The Bishops Avenue Archive
London's "Billionaires' Row" began as Arts & Crafts mansions before embracing Inter-War grandeur. The original houses tell a different story from today's headlines.
Drag the slider to see how this location has changed over time
The History
The Bishops Avenue takes its name from the Bishops of London, who owned the Manor of Hornsey (which included this land) from medieval times. The road was laid out in the 1890s, but significant development began only after 1900.
The original properties were substantial but restrained Arts & Crafts and Edwardian mansions, designed for wealthy but not necessarily aristocratic families. They featured the characteristic red brick, generous gardens, and quality craftsmanship of the era.
The street's transformation into "Billionaires' Row" began in the 1980s when Middle Eastern investors began purchasing properties. Many original houses were demolished and replaced with larger modern constructions. However, a significant number of original Edwardian and Inter-War properties survive, representing some of the finest examples of their type in North London.
Own a property on The Bishops Avenue?
We hold original specifications. Book a heritage survey before any work begins.
The Builder's Analysis
Technical DNA of The Bishops Avenue. These specifications are essential for any restoration work on this street.
High-Quality Red Facing Brick
The original mansions used premium red facing bricks, often from the Butterley or Ibstock works. The quality is noticeably higher than standard residential construction of the period.
Warning: Replacement bricks must be of equivalent quality. Standard engineering bricks are visually incompatible.
Lime Mortar with Fine Sand
Original mortar used a finer sand than typical for the period, giving a smoother joint. The colour is typically a warm cream rather than grey.
Warning: Cement pointing will stand out dramatically against the fine-jointed original work.
Timber Sash and Casement (Steel in Inter-War)
Edwardian properties have timber windows. Inter-War houses introduced Crittall-style steel windows, which are now protected as heritage features.
Warning: Crittall window replacements must match original profiles exactly. Modern thermal break versions may be acceptable with listed building consent.
Clay Tiles and Slate
Roofing materials vary by period: clay tiles for Arts & Crafts properties, slate for grander Edwardian houses, and some pantiles on Inter-War construction.
Warning: The roofscape is a key heritage asset. Dormers, roof extensions, and material changes are tightly controlled.
Stone Dressings and Decorative Woodwork
Many properties feature Portland stone porticos, window surrounds, and quoins. Timber work includes elaborate porches and bay window constructions.
Warning: Stone cleaning must use appropriate non-abrasive methods. Sandblasting is prohibited.
Planning & Conservation
The Bishops Avenue presents unique planning circumstances:
- **Part of the Kenwood Conservation Area,** which includes Kenwood House and its grounds. The setting of Kenwood is a key planning consideration. - **Many properties are locally listed** even if not nationally listed. This provides significant protection against demolition and harmful alterations. - **The Borough boundary** runs through the street (Barnet/Haringey). Planning requirements differ slightly depending on which side your property falls.
Recent planning policy has become stricter following public concern about derelict "mothballed" properties and inappropriate redevelopments.
Our work on The Bishops Avenue has included full restorations of Inter-War mansions, sensitive extensions to Edwardian properties, and the reinstatement of original architectural features lost to previous insensitive alterations.
Book a The Bishops Avenue Survey