Aitchisons, Radlett
Radlett is situated inside the M25 with easy access to the M1 and A1 (M). It is an affluent village straddling the ancient Roman Road of Watling Street (now the A5183).
The origins of Radlett can be tracked back prior to the 18th century and there is evidence of a settlement of some kind from the Roman times. However, Radlett mainly developed in response to excellent rail and road communications to become a small affluent town surrounded by countryside and a number of larger towns nearby that provide employment, shopping, entertainment and other services to the residents of Radlett. These towns include Watford (4 miles south west), St Albans (5 miles north) and Borehamwood (3 miles south east). Radlett’s proximity to the City via express rail links means that it has become a popular residence for commuters.
Also nearby are Elstree Studios based in Borehamwood. These studios produce many well known TV programmes such as Eastenders, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Top of The Pops amongst others. Throughout most of the 20th century Elstree Studios have been synonymous with films such as Star Wars and Saving Private Ryan.
Property within and surrounding Radlett comprises older buildings dating back to the 18th century combined with Victorian cottages and 1920s/30s houses. The village also has some excellent modern developments based principally in the form of executive homes, plus a small amount of local/ex local authority housing.
Shopping facilities close by are the Borehamwood Retail Park and Colney Fields Retail Park which includes Sainsbury’s, Marks and Spencer, Next, Borders and Boots. In addition there are large Tesco stores in both Borehamwood and Watford.
Approximately 15 minutes by car will take you to either St. Albans or Watford – both exceptionally fine shopping centres. Brent Cross shopping centre is less than 30 minutes journey away.
Superb nursery and primary schooling within the village is supplied privately or by the state. Secondary education is readily found outside the town in Bushey, Watford, Elstree or St. Albans.
Close to Radlett is the parish of Aldenham which is only now being gradually developed. Aldenham is mentioned in the Domesday Book and is one of the Hertsmere’s conservation areas. Aldenham Country Park offers the opportunities for wonderful country walks, picnics and has amazing facilities for children to see different farm animals in their natural habitat. The reservoir is also an outstanding feature of the area. It was built by the Grand Union Canal Company to assist and regulate water levels in the River Colne. As leisure time becomes increasingly important in our lives, the reservoir is becoming popular for activities such as sailing, windsurfing and fishing.
South of Radlett is the appealing village of Letchmore Heath, most of which is a conservation area. The village possesses some interesting timber frame houses. Jasmine Cottage and the Three Horseshoes public house are late medieval, the Old Rest and Apple Tree Cottage are 16th century and the Old Bakery is 17th century.
Radlett itself has a variety of local shops and amenities to serve the local community. For its size there is a good choice of restaurants, pubs and numerous sports facilities. Radlett Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is located near the centre and the town also has an active cricket club and rugby club.
The modern Radlett Centre attracts an audience from surrounding towns with its shows, concerts and other performances.
Radlett train station is situated on the Thameslink train line and is one stop south of St. Albans. The journey to London Kings Cross takes about 25 minutes and is therefore excellent for commuters. Thameslink from Radlett also enables direct access to Gatwick and Luton airports and Brighton.