Lovely Views Over … Headstones

Following on from Joss’s Gothic charmers below, here are some properties that come with views over cemeteries.

We did research on this subject a few years ago – prompted, it has to be said, by my slightly morbid fascination with cemeteries – to see how people felt about views over headstones.

Modernist house, Swains Lane, Highgate

58 per cent said they’d be happy to live next to a cemetery and reckoned the green space, proximity to land unlikely to be developed, and … err … peace and quiet, were all strong plus points.

But a third of respondents said they would worry about crime and dark non-residential spaces, and 23 per cent just said no, no way, never – it would be too bloody creepy by far to live in such a property.

Not surprising really – there are cemeteries and cemeteries, and how they’re maintained is fundamental. And not everyone likes daily reminders of their mortality.

That said, there are some magnificent Victorian examples – especially in London – that offer great open spaces in otherwise densely populated areas. I used to live next to the wonderful Kensal Green cemetery and spent many happy hours there.

And  before you start thinking I’m a bit of a weirdo, let me quickly point out that Highgate, Nunhead and Stoke Newington (Abney Park) all have superb cemeteries that agents say actually help sell properties.

Here are a few fine examples, including the amazing house in Highgate pictured above:

Highgate

House overlooking Highgate cemetery

Nunhead

Flat backing onto Nunhead cemetery

Abney Park, Stoke Newington

Flat backing onto Abney Park Cemetery, Stoke Newington

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