Oval Village Sets the Tone for 21st Century Living

Oval Village has, without question, been a comprehensive attempt to redefine modern London living, creating an almost utopian environment in the heart of the big city. In many ways, that basic idea was always refreshingly simple, because pretty much anyone living in the capital will tell you, no matter how exciting, life here can have its stresses and strains.

With that in mind, these apartments and penthouses are at once extremely convenient when it comes to accessing Central London (it’s just a few short minutes to Vauxhall, Kennington and Oval tube stations), but the stated aim was always to sit at the intersection between London’s inherent dynamism and a more sedate, village-like environment.

For one thing, it's only moments from the riverfront, but there’s actually more to it than that. Developers Berkeley Group has a proven track record of responsible regeneration projects with real ambition and scope when prioritising the needs of residents. Just the design and layout of the gardens here is pretty spectacular and they feel a long way from the West End, which is, in fact, only a short hop away.

As for the rest of the surrounding area, Oval in particular has easily retained its credibility as a cultural hub over these past few years. Again, maybe it’s that elusive combination of bustling yet palpably laid-back that’s allowed it to preserve its appeal, but there’s little doubt the cricket at The Kia Oval Like all of London, there’s the historical aspect also. Wherever you live in this fine metropolis, it’s always worth looking down the years to see what shaped your neighbourhood, and this goes for Oval Village, too. The cricket goes back to the 19th century, but the land was used as a market garden since the 1700s, which perhaps explains the thriving food and cafe culture that currently defines the area.

Ultimately, it seems what Oval Village has been able to establish is something of a haven. Most of us seek that all-important work/life balance, and a city/village balance is also something many of us will aspire to. They’ve certainly gone a long way to making that a reality, and, in doing so, are perhaps even shaping the future of city living in general. Either way, they’re ahead of their time.