I moved to Wimbledon in 2001. I was in Berkshire before that and it was the first place that I could leave my car and go into town on the train.
That’s basically why I ended up living here — I fell in love with Wimbledon as it’s where I got the train into work.
In the town you have the shops, the bars and the District line — there’s a lot going on. Then up Wimbledon Hill, it emerges into a beautiful village.
Some of the original buildings are still there and, at the Museum of Wimbledon, you can get to know about their history.
The Pope even has a house in Wimbledon Village, the papal residence, where he stays when he’s in London.
There’s also the huge common; for the first few years, I thought Wimbledon Common was just around the pond and the only reason I discovered it was bigger was because I bought a bike.
It’s a joyous place, a lovely community, I’ve been here 20 years now and, while I live and work in London, Wimbledon doesn’t feel like London. There’s every type of community: elderly, retired couples, new professionals who don’t want to live in Clapham and very wealthy people in big Georgian houses.
A lot of sports people live around here because of the tennis club and there are lot of celebrities, too — Simon Cowell has just sold his house here.
Eating and drinking
There are lots of bars in the village; Hemingways on Wimbledon High Street is where my husband and I went for our first date, then there’s the Fox & Grapes pub on Camp Road, which does a great Sunday roast, and the Dog & Fox, which is huge and very famous.
I often start the day with avocado on toast and halloumi fries at Megan’s on the high street and DropShot beside Wimbledon Park is also a favourite.
My daughter loves Joe & The Juice, but The Ivy Café is where I go and eat the most as it has a nice vibe. I love the cheese soufflé to start and then usually have a fish main.
Cannizaro House is a Hotel du Vin and great for afternoon tea as you can have a meal overlooking the gardens.
Where I work out
It’s all about running and there are so many running clubs around. Everyone parks at the Windmill on the common and then does Park Run.
I love running but I don’t always run around the common, especially at this time of year when it can get muddy. I run around the streets, past the All England Tennis Club and the golf club — there’s a nice loop around there.
I’ve also done British Military Fitness in Richmond Park.
If I’m training, I run the eight miles home from town, along the river. It feels outside the craziness of London.
To commune with nature
I love the green spaces and there is no shortage of places to walk the dog around here.
It’s a rite of passage for kids that you take them to Wimbledon Common and look for the Wombles. It’s beautiful there — after 20 years, just when you think you know it, you find a new spot.
Grocery shopping
We’re really spoilt — there’s M&S Wimbledon, Morrisons, Sainsburys and Bayley & Sage on the high street, which does great breadsticks.
It’s an amazing and gorgeous shop but it can be expensive. I’ve also been going to The Stand on Wimbledon High Street for 20 years to get my flowers.
Culture fix
New Wimbledon Theatre is a beautiful Edwardian building and back in the day West End shows would go there first.
Getting around
The District line will take you everywhere and is very convenient. You can be in town in 40 minutes on the Tube or less than 20 minutes on the train.
As I work in town and have to go in the evenings, I jump on the train or get an Uber. It’s a very convenient spot and doesn’t feel like a long commute.
Dream street
There are so many beautiful roads and a few gorgeous roads: Marryat Road leads from Wimbledon Village and crosses Burleigh Road; it’s very hilly and is one of my running routes.
Both roads overlook Wimbledon Tennis Club and are at the top of a hill so you can see the skyline of London, including the Shard.
Something you only see in your area
It’s got to be Wimbledon Tennis Club. When the tennis is on in the summer, the village turns purple and green (the Wimbledon colours), The Ivy Café is covered in tennis balls on the outside and there are lots of tennis stars around.
We’ve seen Novak Djokovic on his bike and Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf out and about with their kids. In Hemingways one year, one of the Williams sisters won and they came in and were partying and ordering champagne. It’s very unique to Wimbledon.
What’s the catch?
The dream house, the shops and the bars, etc, are all very expensive. That’s the only downside.
In three words
Beautiful, buzzy, bustling.
Runner’s High by Jenni Falconer is published by Orion Spring and available now, £16.
Schools
Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, Wimbledon Chase Primary School and Bishop Gilpin C of E Primary School are all nearby and rating outstanding by Ofsted, while King’s College School, Wimbledon High School and Donhead Prep are nearby independent options. Ricards Lodge High School is an outstanding state secondary school.
What it costs
Buying in Wimbledon
Average flat price: £464,730
Average house price: £1,303,060
Renting in Wimbledon
Average flat price, pcm: £2,040
Average house price, pcm: £3,500
