Formerly a village in its own right, Boxmoor has been absorbed into neighbouring Hemel Hempstead - and is now viewed by many as a suburb of the town. We found out more about the area...
Boxmoor is located just off the Magic Roundabout, and is just a short walk away from Hemel's many amenities.
Residents of Boxmoor also have their own local shops and services along St John's Road.
These include a post office, a GP surgery, a pharmacy, a jewellers, a florist and an estate agency - so making a slightly longer trip into town isn't always necessary.
There are many natural walking paths alongside the River Bulbourne - which can make the sometimes-maligned Hemel Hempstead town centre feel far away.
Large open spaces provide a perfect spot for family outings and picnics - especially Heath Park, which features a children's play area and is the home of Boxmoor Cricket Club.
Walkers can explore even further into the rolling hills around the neighbouring residential areas of Felden and Chaulden.
Boxmoor is fortunate to have acres and acres of preserved natural space freely accessible on foot from any part of the area. There's something for everyone - whether you want a leisurely stroll, a family outing or a place to walk your dog.
The area regularly hosts Carters vintage steam fair, and is also the preferred spot for when the circus comes to town.
History
The name 'Boxmoor' originates from the box tree and the water meadows that run alongside the river.
Boxmoor was previously the site of a Mesolithic camp - which was discovered from stone tools dated 1500 to 6000BC. There are also remains of a Roman villa from the 1st and 2nd century.
For a long while, Boxmoor remained undeveloped, and was little more than a grazing land for sheep. It's only significant landmark was the Fishery Inn, which served as a refreshment stop for coach and canal travellers and is still in operation today.
Boxmoor began to grow after the London and Birmingham Railway was forced to build its main line and station a mile to the west of neighbouring Hemel Hempstead.
The area was absorbed into Hemel during the 1950s and 60s, and the railway was renamed in the process. However Boxmoor still retains much of its rural land and heritage.
The Box Moor Trust was founded in 1594, and still continues to own and protect much of the surrounding area, ensuring that it remains free for residents to use and enjoy.
Property
Boxmoor is a popular destination for London commuters who are looking for more space outside the capital.
Properties currently on the market in the village include a four-bed detached property on Ashtree Way, for £875,000, a three-bedroom semi-detached on Bargrove Avenue for £725,000 and a two-bedroom cottage at Cowper Road for £599,950.
According to Rightmove, the average selling price of a property in Boxmoor last year was £498,449. The majority of sales during this period were of terraced homes, changing hands for an average price of £438,446.
Transport
Boxmoor is around 27 miles north of London, with easy access to the M1 and M25.
Trains into London Euston from Hemel Hempstead station take around half an hour.
Schools
There are several 'good'-rated schools in and around the village. These include Boxmoor Primary, South Hill Primary, Pixies Hill Primary and St Rose's Catholic Infants' School.
Popular secondary schools include The Hemel Hempstead School - a comprehensive with a sixth form situated between Boxmoor and Hemel hospital. The school is also rated 'good'.
Fee-paying alternatives nearby include Westbrook Hay Prep School, Lockers Park and Abbot's Hill.
Food and Drink
Boxmoor boasts several pubs and restaurants, including the historic canalside Fishery Inn and Fishery Wharf Café, both of which offer a waterside view.
There is a Harvester directly outside the station as well as two pubs - the Three Blackbirds on St John's Road and the family-run The Post Office Arms on Puller Road, which has a bonus sports bar.
