While some consider it a part of Harpenden, Kinsbourne Green is very much a place in its own right.
Its mixed bag of amenities include a post office, a dentist and a massage parlour, while it also benefits from proximity to the neighbouring town’s shops, bars and restaurants.
Its easy access to the M1 and Harpenden train station make it a handy spot for commuters, and locals also love the Common, which is a popular green space well used by joggers and dog walkers.
Property
Kinsbourne Green’s streetscape is ever evolving. Charlie’s Chinese restaurant, once a Luton Road landmark, was demolished in 2016 to make way for six new homes.
Another property to bite the dust was Highlands on Annables Lane, the most expensive home sold in Hertfordshire during 2016. It changed hands for £5,125,000 and was promptly demolished, a new property built in its place.
Homes currently on the market in the local area include a four-bed detached house on Kinsbourne Close for £850,000 and a two-bed terrace on Luton Road that backs directly onto the Common, yours for £450,000.
Church
St Mary’s was built in 1869 as a combined church and school – but while the school closed in 1955, the church remains at the heart of the Kinsbourne Green community. It has a Sunday school for children aged three to 11 and a trained pastoral team that visit people in need in the community. Kinsbourne Common Hall, which flanks St Mary’s, is a favourite with parents as a children’s party venue.
There was once a methodist church in Kinsbourne Green, though declining numbers resulted in its closure in 2002. The church was sold to developers in 2003 and houses were subsequently built on the site.
Schools
Kinsbourne Green is close to some of Harpenden’s most popular – and over-subscribed – state schools. For primary students, Wood End and Roundwood are both rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, while Roundwood Park (also ‘outstanding’) is the closest secondary school.
Pubs
There were once four pubs in Kinsbourne Green, but only The Fox remains. The Whip is now a house known as Whip Cottage, The First and Last was demolished in 1974 and Charlie’s – originally known as The Harrow – went the same way.
The Fox – formerly known as The Smyth Arms – is a popular, family-friendly gastropub with a modern British/Mediterranean menu.
Farm life
Annables Farm is home to The Farmschool, a charity established in 2014 to help young people connect with farming and the environment. The venue is also available for corporate hire.
Nearby Littlefield Farm was awarded the Local Farmer Christmas Tree Grower of the Year award in 2005 and later procured a tree for Number 10 Downing Street.
The Turner’s Hall fire
Drama and controversy ensued on the night of November 4 1826, when a fire began in the lamb house at Turner’s Hall Farm, and later spread to the stable and barn. The fire consumed the stables, the barn – which was full of corn – and the majority of the livestock.
While everyone on the farm grounds was distracted, a band of gypsies from the nearby heath is said to have looted the manor house. Legend has it that they took the most valuable contents, such as jewellery and furniture, and even looted the wine cellar.
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