The Bishops Avenue

Location & Identity

The Bishops Avenue is one of the most prestigious and exclusive residential streets in London. It stretches between Hampstead Heath (Kenwood House) and East Finchley, crossing the border of two boroughs: Barnet and Haringey. Located in north London and bearing the postcode N2, it is famously nicknamed “Billionaires’ Row” due to its concentration of ultra-wealthy homeowners from around the world.

History & Background

The area was once part of the Bishop of London’s hunting estate. The land was developed for residential use in the late 19th century, with construction beginning in earnest around 1894. The avenue was named in honour of Arthur Winnington-Ingram, Bishop of London from 1901 to 1939. Over time, the street became synonymous with opulence and exclusivity, as wealthy families built grand estates on 2–3 acre plots.

Architectural Character

The Bishops Avenue is lined with approximately 66 luxury properties, many of which are set behind gates, long driveways, and expansive gardens. Architectural styles are eclectic, including:

• Arts & Crafts mansions
• Neo-Georgian and Tudor revival styles
• Modernist mega-mansions
• Fantasy-inspired “palaces” with domes, columns, and water features

Notable examples include:

• Heath Hall: A 1910 Arts & Crafts mansion with over 27,000 sq ft of living space, including 14 en-suite bedrooms, a cinema, spa, wine cellar, gym, and panic room.
• Toprak Mansion: Formerly owned by Turkish tycoon Halis Toprak, this 30,000 sq ft home was once listed for £50 million.
• Wickham House: A Georgian-style residence used in television productions, including The Apprentice.

Ownership & Wealth

Historically, The Bishops Avenue has housed royalty, industrialists, global business tycoons, celebrities, and foreign dignitaries. Past and present owners include:

• Saudi royals
• The Sultan of Brunei
• Members of the Mittal and Al-Fayed families
• Celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Salma Hayek, and Heather Mills

By the early 2000s, smaller properties on the street were valued at over £5 million, while the largest estates reached £50–65 million or more.

Decline and Transition

Despite its prestige, The Bishops Avenue became a symbol of urban excess and neglect during the 2010s. At one point, over 30% of the properties were unoccupied or semi-derelict with crumbling interiors, overgrown gardens, and empty swimming pools. Many of the homes were used purely as investment assets, often sitting empty for years.

However, the street is undergoing a transformation. Developers are now converting some properties into luxury managed estates with high-end apartments and lifestyle services. For example:

• A former mansion at No. 56 has been redeveloped into a later-life community offering 93 luxury flats with pools, cinemas, gyms, and concierge services.
• At No. 54, architects are redesigning an old villa into a boutique housing development while preserving its original structure.

Surroundings & Environment

The Bishops Avenue is tree-lined and peaceful, creating a sense of seclusion despite its urban location. Homes are typically set well back from the road and are equipped with:

• Private gates
• Security cameras
• Concierge entrances
• Underground parking and extensive landscaping

The area benefits from proximity to Hampstead Heath, Highgate Village, top private schools, and access to central London via nearby tube stations like East Finchley and Highgate.

Summary

The Bishops Avenue is a striking example of London’s luxury property market — a street where immense wealth, international prestige, and eccentric architecture coexist. Once defined by excess and neglect, it is now pivoting toward a more sustainable luxury model, offering refined, service-oriented living for the modern elite. Whether as a cultural landmark, a property investment, or a dream residence, The Bishops Avenue continues to fascinate.