Buckhurst Hill makes up the Essex ‘Golden Triangle’  along with Chigwell and Loughton – all wealthy Greater London areas that boast tree-lined streets, independent shops and open spaces.

Quiet leafy streets are lined with predominantly Victorian and Edwardian homes with airy bay windows and landscaped gardens. Despite its closeness to London’s city centre via the Tube, Buckhurst Hill retains a distinct ‘village’ feel thanks to a distinct absence of chains and its proximity to Epping Forest.

Shopping and night-time activities are centred on Queen’s Road, where you’ll find independent shops, hairdressers, cafés and restaurants. If you want more choice, central London is a short 30-minute Tube ride away.

The area’s rural feel is enhanced by the nearby wildlife and woodland of Epping Forest, which is London’s largest open space. Pleasant walks can be had alongside the River Roding, which curls across the eastern side of the suburb.

The open green spaces and generous gardens that come with many of the properties mean the area is popular among families. Search along the edge of Epping Forest for homes that are within touching distance of large green spaces. Starling Close has four bedroom detached homes, while the 1930s homes are slightly smaller in The Cedars. Additionally homes with easy access to greenery can be found on Rous Road with properties on this road backing onto Roding Valley Nature Reserve, meaning residents do not need to travel to escape outdoors.

Alternatively High Road has homes that are set well back from the road. You could also look along High Road for terraced Victorian town houses, with some  having been converted into one-bedroom flats.

Classic Victorian bay-fronted terraces line areas such as Osborne Road. Some of the properties have gabled roofs and arched doorways, as well as narrow gardens that stretch behind the property. Even more Victorian homes are available on Princes Road and Hills Road. The latter has sizeable semi-detached properties that have high ceilings and open fireplaces. If you’re a fan of period properties but want something a little smaller, take a look at Gladstone Road. You will find quaint 2 bed cottages here some of which are painted in attractive pastel colours.

Gated developments can be found in areas such as Epping New Road some of which have mock Tudor fronts, double garages and large gardens. You will also find period semis with large bay windows and corniced ceilings.