Lewisham

This south London borough is one to watch, with one of the most vibrant arts scenes across the capital. It holds the Deptford X arts festival and an array of local open studio events, and has a number of acclaimed galleries, including APT, Bearspace, Lewisham Arthouse and the Old Police Station. Then there’s the Horniman Museum, located in Forest Hill, with its Living Waters aquarium, 16-acre garden and new eco-building. And the beautifully-designed Trinity Laban conservatoire of music and dance. The rise of this scene, coupled with the borough’s large Victorian houses and open green spaces, such as Hilly Fields in Brockley and Blackheath, brings a fashionable community. Blackheath is particularly desirable, with its cosy pubs, inviting restaurants and stylish boutiques. Creative types from there include the singer Kate Bush, actor Jude Law, designer Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen and musician Jools Holland OBE.

Barchester homes in Lewisham: