Eva Sonaike at home in Totteridge
(Picture: Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures Ltd)I have lived in my neighbourhood for 13 years and I cannot imagine living anywhere else. I am surrounded by greenery and fall asleep to the sound of owls.
However, I am only 25 minutes from central London and have the Tube right around the corner. So it feels like the best of both worlds.
Moving here was a total accident. I lived in west London for years and never wanted to leave but my husband and I had friends near Totteridge & Whetstone who told us about the benefits so we arranged a property viewing.
We bought the first house we saw as it provided a blank canvas to develop our dream home. It was the best decision ever.
Best eating and drinking
Whetstone has so many options for foodies like me.
I love the French Market, a bakery, wine and food shop on the High Road. They also offer gorgeous hampers, which are great for presents, and have regular wine tasting sessions.
For a cocktail and a bite after work, I go to Hakuna Matata. When I want to order in on a Friday, I am a regular at The Tiffin Tin, an Indian takeaway with the yummiest selection of dishes.
Where I work out
I head to Park View in Finchley Central, a boutique gym with the most dedicated personal trainers.
I joined after lockdown and have seen a major transformation in my physique and well-being.
As a former dancer, I never miss my weekly ballet barre fitness class with Georgia Yiannakas, a certified ballet teacher from the Royal Academy of Dance. She started offering virtual classes over lockdown — a game-changer for me.
For a culture fix
The artsdepot in North Finchley has great plays and events but as we are so easily connected I normally hop on the Tube to see an exhibition or event in central London.
To commune with nature
When you live in Totteridge & Whetstone, nature is on your doorstep.
We have the Dollis Valley Greenwalk, which starts in Barnet and goes into Hampstead Heath. I regularly walk the full route early in the morning.
We can also walk into Totteridge Village across Darlands Nature Reserve, which feels like being in the countryside.
Grocery shopping
There is a cute organic grocery store close to the Tube station called Nature’s Nest with a great range of vegan and organic food and drinks. We have a local Waitrose, where I do most of my grocery shopping.
I also often head to Finchley Central, where you can find a lot of Iranian grocery stores with very fresh fruit and vegetables.
There is a Sunday market in Victoria Park, which is great for preserves and fresh bread.
As a flower addict, I head to Mill Hill East to Home from Home, which has the most gorgeous blooms and little home decor items.
Getting around
As I live and work locally, I mainly walk everywhere for the extra bit of exercise.
If I go into central London I take the Northern line from Totteridge & Whetstone. I drive my kids around north London for their extra-curricular activities.
Dream street
I love Totteridge Green with its large houses overlooking the Green. I have been fortunate to visit one of the houses and the gardens and views over London are breathtaking.
Something you only see in Totteridge & Whetstone
I love the open space we have here. You can walk for miles in the woods and forget that you are in the largest city in Western Europe.
What’s the catch?
Whetstone could do with some more independent shops to browse at the weekend. There were a few but many have closed down over the years.
In three words
Laid-back, green, enterprising.
Visit evasonaike.com or @evasonaike
Schools
There are several primary schools in Totteridge & Whetstone rated good, including Alma Primary and All Saints C of E Primary.
For secondary schools, St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School is deemed outstanding by Ofsted while Totteridge Academy is good.
What it costs to live in Totteridge & Whetstone
Average flat price: £479,776
Average house price: £1,309,520
Average price to rent a flat: £1,649 a month
Average price to rent a house: £3,304 a month
