Expansive luxury in heady Hampstead

A ravishing self-build housing plan on North London's most expensive street looks to have reinforced Hampstead's reputation as one of the capital's leading top-end neighbourhoods for property rental and purchase.

Kazakh owners of one of the biggest houses on the Bishops Avenue – known as NW3's billionaires' row – have reportedly shelled out £30 million on renovating a property which already cost £50 million.

Toprak Mansion, with five reception rooms, nine main bedrooms and 16 bathrooms, was completed seven years ago and bought this month, but the multi-million pound new-build property has still come in for new development work.

The final product will likely cover 42,000 sq ft and could dwarf the neighbouring 25,000 foot palace of Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal – while setting new standards in London super-prime property.

Hampstead is often popular among top-end property seekers for its village-like centre and its access to one of the capital's largest and wildest open spaces, Hampstead Heath.

But rental property-seekers on a tighter budget can still enjoy the freedom of the Heath by grabbing a bargain in cheaper neighbouring areas like Gospel Oak and Kentish Town.

News posted on 28th January, 2008