xu maia

Posts about:

Local Knowledge (2)

Urban Design in North London

As we struggle to meet housing demands, architects are continuously exploring new ideas and re-evaluating how they can meet new, modern ways of living. From state of the art settings to new housing developments, and even the restoration of historic buildings, there is always a need for reinvention and innovation.

Read More

Highgate Schools: primary, secondary and independent

If you have children or are planning to have children, one of the biggest factors that plays a part in your search for a new home and the decision to move to a new area is the school situation. This is one decision you want to get right, giving your little ones the very best start in life. It helps to do your research so you can take the stress out of the search and concentrate on what you want your property to look like.

Read More

Belsize Park And The Proms

The UK is famous for many things, but perhaps one thing this country can lay claim to is its contribution to the music world. From the middle of the 18th century, London played host to a variety of promenade concerts in many of its picturesque pleasure gardens. But, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that ‘proms’ concerts became a notable fixture indoors.

Read More

John Constable’s Hampstead

There is no denying that John Constable is one of England’s most famous landscape artists. Some of his most critically acclaimed paintings include Wivenhoe Park, painted in 1816, and The Hay Wain, painted in 1821. His paintings, influenced by nature, were composed in the romanticism movement style that was popular at the time. They became something of a rebellious statement in the art world, given that artists were taught only to use their imagination when painting pictures.

Read More

1930s Moderne architecture in Hampstead Garden Suburb

Hampstead Garden Suburb might be one of the most picture-perfect areas in all of London, but it is not traditionally an area known for its modernist buildings and architecture. However, that is not to say that there are no examples of modernity here. In fact, this is an area that has seen a fair amount of experimentation from architects working in different eras and styles.

Read More

The History of Cromwell House, Highgate

Cromwell House is undoubtedly one of London’s most striking buildings. In fact, as one of only two Grade I listed buildings in Haringey, this 17th-century property is one of the enduring landmarks in Highgate. Here at XUL, we believe that in order to fully appreciate incredible works such as these and take them into the future, we need to make sure we find out as much as possible about them.

Read More

Kenwood: History and Stories

London’s Hampstead Heath has long been regarded as one of the city’s most enviable addresses in the capital. Home to numerous celebrities from Boy George to Ridley Scott, from Thierry Henry to Ricky Gervais, its stunning walks and resplendent architecture make it one of the brightest shining jewels in London’s crown. And none of Hampstead Heath’s famous and glamorous buildings are quite as beloved or historically important as Kenwood House.

Read More

An Oasis of Calm in North London

We often find that clients buying and developing property in London are faced with a paradox. On the one hand, London has the wealth of jobs, opportunities, amenities and infrastructure that one would expect from a major capital city. On the other hand, the sheer abundance that makes the city so appealing can be problematic for those who want to be able to relax in tranquil surroundings after a long and stressful day’s work. While it’s great to have everything on your doorstep, sometimes even the most inveterate urbanite can pine for an oasis of calm.

Read More

A Walk through Islington

It’s true that Islington offers one of the best walks in the London area due to its beautiful architecture. From Mountfort Crescent to Angel Station and Myddelton Square, there’s natural and man-made beauty aplenty, steeped in history and culture for anyone to admire.

Read More