Westwick Row is a small, semi-rural hamlet located on the eastern edge of Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire. Despite its proximity to the larger town, it maintains a distinctly countryside feel with its collection of period properties and farmland surroundings. Local opinion tends to view Westwick Row as something of a hidden gem – a pocket of tranquility that offers the best of both worlds: rural charm with urban convenience just minutes away.
This article explores the reality of life in Westwick Row, from safety concerns to property prices, school options and amenities. While the location boasts impressive countryside views and a strong community spirit, it’s not without its challenges, including limited public transport options and a relative scarcity of immediate amenities. Let’s dive into what makes this small Hertfordshire hamlet tick.
Is Westwick Row safe?
Westwick Row itself enjoys remarkably low crime rates, benefiting from its secluded position away from Hemel Hempstead’s busier areas. The hamlet’s small size and close-knit community contribute to its safety record, with residents often reporting they rarely see any troubling incidents.
Crime does occur in the broader area, particularly around the nearby retail zones like Jarman Park and the industrial areas along Wood Lane End. Most reported incidents tend to be property-related rather than personal safety concerns. The nearby Leverstock Green area occasionally experiences anti-social behaviour, but this rarely spills over into Westwick Row itself.
Local residents often mention the informal neighbourhood watch system that operates naturally in such a small community – people tend to know their neighbours and keep an eye out for anything unusual, adding an extra layer of security that statistics don’t capture.
Is Westwick Row a nice place to live for families?
Westwick Row offers a unique family living experience with its rural character and small community feel. However, its limited size means that most facilities families need are found in the surrounding areas rather than in the hamlet itself.
Schools
Families in Westwick Row need to look to nearby areas for schools, with Leverstock Green being the closest option for primary education. Leverstock Green Church of England Primary School is the nearest primary, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, and is popular with local families. Competition for places can be fierce, but Westwick Row’s position within the catchment area gives residents a reasonable chance of securing a spot.
For secondary education, The Adeyfield Academy and Longdean School are both within reasonable distance and hold ‘Good’ Ofsted ratings. However, neither is within immediate walking distance, meaning teenagers will need to use public transport or be driven to school.
The lack of ‘Outstanding’ schools in the immediate vicinity is sometimes cited as a drawback, with some parents choosing to apply to schools further afield in St Albans or Berkhamsted for this reason.
Family Activities
While Westwick Row itself is limited in terms of dedicated children’s facilities, families appreciate the easy access to green spaces. Marchmont Pond provides a lovely spot for duck feeding and gentle walks, while the nearby Coppinsfield Sports Ground offers playing fields for more active recreation.
The hamlet’s setting makes it perfect for family bike rides and countryside walks, with several public footpaths crossing the surrounding farmland. For more structured activities, families need to venture into Hemel Hempstead proper, where attractions like The XC (extreme sports centre) and the Snow Centre offer exciting options for older children.
Is Westwick Row expensive?
Westwick Row commands premium prices compared to much of Hemel Hempstead, reflecting its desirable semi-rural character and period properties. With an overall average price of £410,000 over the last year, it sits noticeably above the Hemel Hempstead average.
The property market in Westwick Row is relatively small, with limited turnover. When properties do become available, terraced cottages typically fetch around £375,000, while the larger semi-detached homes can command prices approaching £500,000. The character properties with larger gardens tend to be the most sought-after and expensive, particularly those with uninterrupted countryside views.
For those looking to rent, options are extremely limited in Westwick Row itself. In the surrounding areas, a two-bedroom apartment typically costs around £1,450 per month, while three-bedroom houses command rents of £2,150 or more. The rental market moves quickly, with properties rarely staying available for long.
More affordable alternatives can be found in nearby Nash Mills or Bennetts End, though these lack the rural character that makes Westwick Row special. For similar countryside feel at slightly lower prices, areas like Flaunden or Piccotts End might be worth considering.
What transport links are there?
Transport is perhaps Westwick Row’s Achilles’ heel. The hamlet has no railway station of its own, with residents needing to travel to Hemel Hempstead station (approximately 2 miles away) for services to London Euston, taking around 30 minutes. This makes car ownership almost essential for most residents.
Bus services are limited, with infrequent connections to Hemel Hempstead town centre. Most residents find themselves relying on private vehicles for daily commuting and shopping trips. The upside is that road connections are good – the M1 motorway is easily accessible via Junction 8, and the A41 dual carriageway provides swift connections to Watford and Aylesbury.
Cycling is an option for the more energetic, with Hemel Hempstead town centre reachable in about 15 minutes on two wheels. However, some of the connecting roads lack dedicated cycle lanes, which can be off-putting for less confident cyclists.
What amenities are available in Westwick Row?
Westwick Row itself has virtually no amenities within the hamlet boundaries – it’s very much a residential enclave. However, the nearby Leverstock Green area (less than a mile away) offers a reasonable selection of day-to-day essentials.
For food shopping, residents can access SPAR in Leverstock Green for basics, while more substantial grocery shopping requires a trip to the ALDI or M&S Simply Food located a short drive away. Most residents tend to combine their commute with shopping at larger supermarkets in Hemel Hempstead or Jarman Park.
Dining options near Westwick Row include The Plough, a traditional pub serving good quality food, and the Toby Carvery in Hemel Hempstead. For coffee, the Crazy Goat Co x Mad Squirrel in Leverstock Green offers an independent alternative to the usual chains.
Healthcare facilities aren’t immediately available in Westwick Row itself, but Leverstock Green Surgery provides GP services nearby, and a pharmacy can be found in the same area. For hospital services, residents rely on Hemel Hempstead Hospital or the larger Watford General Hospital.
The hamlet is notably lacking in leisure facilities, with residents needing to travel to access gyms, swimming pools, or other recreational amenities. This is the trade-off for the peaceful, rural environment that draws many to the area in the first place.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
The outdoor environment is Westwick Row’s strongest selling point. The hamlet is surrounded by open countryside and farmland, offering beautiful views and a genuine rural atmosphere despite being on the edge of a substantial town.
Marchmont Pond provides a lovely focal point for local walks, with well-maintained paths and benches making it accessible for all ages. The Coppinsfield Sports Ground offers more formal recreation space, while numerous public footpaths criss-cross the surrounding fields, providing endless options for countryside rambles.
The nearby Gorhambury Estate offers more extensive walking opportunities, and the Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is just a short drive away for more serious hiking and outdoor activities.
Seasonal changes are particularly noticeable and appreciated in Westwick Row, with spring bringing spectacular displays of blossom and wildflowers, while autumn transforms the surrounding woodlands into a riot of colour. This connection to the natural world is something residents frequently cite as a major benefit of living in the area.
So, what’s the verdict?
Westwick Row offers a distinctive living experience that will appeal to a specific type of resident. For those seeking rural tranquility combined with relatively easy access to urban amenities, it ticks many boxes. The small community feel, beautiful surroundings, and character properties create an undeniable charm that justifies the premium prices.
However, the limited local amenities, transport challenges, and distance from schools mean it’s not ideal for everyone. Families with young children might find the logistics challenging, while those who rely on public transport could feel isolated.
On balance, Westwick Row represents a compromise – giving up some conveniences in exchange for a more peaceful, natural environment. For those who value space, quiet, and countryside over immediate access to shops and services, it can be an excellent choice. Just be prepared to use your car frequently and build shopping trips into your routine.
What are the alternatives?
Those drawn to Westwick Row but concerned about its limitations might consider several alternatives in the surrounding area. Leverstock Green offers more immediate amenities while still maintaining a village-like feel, though property prices are similarly high.
Boxmoor, on the western side of Hemel Hempstead, provides a comparable semi-rural atmosphere with better transport links thanks to its own railway station. However, competition for properties there is fierce, and prices can be even higher than Westwick Row.
For those prioritising countryside living but needing more space for their money, villages slightly further out like Kings Langley or Bovingdon offer larger properties at comparable prices, though the commute to major towns becomes longer.
Nash Mills provides a more affordable option with decent amenities and canal-side walks, though it lacks the rural seclusion of Westwick Row. For a similar feel at slightly lower prices, the northern edges of Hemel Hempstead bordering on Piccotts End offer a good compromise between accessibility and countryside character.
